it’s official; Art had to move way south for employment. he’s living near Ft. Lauderdale now.
art has been such a great help to our cause. he was there to help nearly every time we had something going, and when one of the ‘transport crew’ wasn’t available, he would usually jump right in and go downtown. art was always very pleasant (and still is, but in FL.)
anyway, he wrote us a note. here it is.
Once upon a time, I was successful …at least by most of the standards that society uses to measure such things. I had a great paying job, accolades from my peers and the industry I worked in. I lived in a fabulous house, furnished with everything a man could desire. I would go on cruises, and that same year, take another vacation at the beach.  I have been to the US Open (tennis!), and I was at the first game of the 1995 World Series. (Yes, that was the year the Braves won!)  For some reason though…I always felt like I needed more, and I wasn’t happy or content. God wasn’t a part of my life.
Over the last few years, I have gone through many changes. I have suffered huge financial setbacks. At the present time, I am living paycheck to paycheck in Florida . My apartment is smaller than the basement of my old house. The strange thing is…I now feel blessed. After spending approximately 9 months in the “Dude, share the food†ministry, I have a completely different perspective on happiness. I have seen the looks of appreciation on the faces of those we helped, and felt more joy than any “thing†could ever bring me. I’ve given someone “my†last 2 dollars to buy some food, because we ran out, and knew that I was richer because of it.  Many of you “know†the saying in scriptures, “It is easier to put a camel through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter heavenâ€. Spend some time with Erik, Lynn, Rusty, Judy, Rick, Darla, Mike, and the many other members of the “Dude gangâ€, help them distribute God’s blessings to the less fortunate on the street, and you will “understand†those words.
Some day, I hope to return to Georgia, and rejoin my brothers and sisters in the “Dude†ministry. In the meantime, I will volunteer my services to assist the less fortunate in this area.  In parting, I would like to leave this final thought: Those of you at New Life (or any of the other churches affiliated with this ministry), who haven’t experienced this opportunity; you are missing a great spiritual opportunity. Trust me when I tell you that there are few things in life better than looking into the eyes of just one person who says “God bless youâ€, and knowing in your soul they mean it with all their heart.
God IS great, honor him!
Art
thanks, Art….