A Label of Love

For those that knew Randy Walgamuth, several thoughts probably come to mind. They're likely the kind of thoughts that end up in the comments of every Facebook post from Ink Free News that feature his name and mug shot. But for every remark and label that the general public of our community has stuck on him, there are many more that most have failed to mention. This failure is not only due to ignorance, but to the tragic reality that so many people (including believers in Christ) neglect to see an image bearer of God the way the Father sees him.

For this reason, I felt it was vitally important to give you a glimpse of the Randy that most will never know. It's the Randy that Jesus told stories about; a living example of the heart of the Father and what the Gospel is all about. He's the perfect picture of God's mercy; the one that the Lord left the 99 sheep to find (Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:4-7). This man taught me more about the love and mercy of God than I could ever learn from any evangelist or Bible teacher; and it has marked me for life.

I have worked at The Salvation Army since 2014. Early on, I was like most people. I couldn't understand why he made the choices that he did. Chronically homeless and addicted, he lived out on the streets and in the woods; and sometimes in the homeless shelter. I've seen so many people (and agencies in addition to ours) invest in him. I'll never get over how much personal time and resources my own boss, Ken Locke, spent on him. No matter how busy or drained he was, he still went above and beyond for Randy like he was his own brother.

Admittedly, however, I used to feel frustrated. Randy constantly made demands and expected everyone to do and give what he needed without delay or hesitation. He also seemed oblivious to the fact that even those who had to be tough with him (whether it was a police officer, judge, etc.) actually cared about him and were way more lenient than he deserved. Countless cups of coffee, food, clothing, rides, etc. were given to him by numerous people, agencies, and strangers. The time and personal sacrifices didn't seem to sink in and make him grateful; nothing about his lifestyle changed and it usually just got worse. So many times, he was in and out of jail (and the hospital as well). In all my prayers for him, I finally lost it one time as I was thinking about the fact that he got all that medical care, but I (a tax paying and law-abiding citizen) had no health insurance. God changed my heart with one phrase, "Melissa, this could be his reward in full."

His reward in full. It broke me. I couldn't get over it. If the most reward he would ever get would be all the things that he gets now, how sad and frightening would that be?! What good would it do me to be angry that he was taking so much now when I would be getting an inheritance for eternity that he may never get to be a part of? Am I really going to be mad about the fact that he got the temporary care for his earthly body that I didn't? What good is it to gain any advantage on Earth but lose your soul (Matthew 16:26, Mark 8:36)? Was I really going to be that jealous brother in the prodigal son story?

That's when things shifted for me; not just in how I saw Randy, but in how I saw everyone. It is so easy to be angry at others when they have something we don't, behave in terrible ways, and even get away with things that they shouldn't. Yet, God sees them the same way He sees us. He forgives their great debt and expects us to do likewise (Matthew 18:21-35). Randy had a record and reputation that everyone could see and judge; and yet God loved and wanted him. I realized just how truly merciful and loving the Father has to be in order to continually and relentlessly pursue this lost sheep of his. If He loves Randy SO MUCH to keep rescuing him and giving him countless second chances, how much more grateful should I be as a child of God? ALL OF US have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Who among us ISN'T a Randy? We have all sinned; and yet, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Every single one of us is a sheep that has strayed. I too have behaved in terrible ways; offending God and others. I can't imagine what my own rap sheet must look like, how great my debt must be, and how much I have truly been forgiven. God has been merciful to me and has spared me from lots of things that I deserved (both here and in eternity) and gave me mercy that I do NOT deserve. The Good Shepherd gave His life for every one of us lost sheep so that we would return to Him and be reconciled through Him (Isaiah 53:6, John 3:16-17, 1 Peter 2:25). I've accepted Christ and am safe. Jesus wanted Randy safe too and this is the verse He reminded me of every single time: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV).

Left Side Back Row: Friends, Randy and Larry, (both are now home with the Lord).

In what few years I have known Randy, I saw him soften. He even frequently attended church at The Salvation Army (and on more than one occasion, donated his cigarette lighter in the offering plate). I have watched prayers be answered; even when he would tell us outright NOT to “pray too hard” for him. We prayed all the more; and it obviously worked! I saw Randy experience the heart of God through each act of love, mercy, and kindness (even if he didn't recognize it). God moved on the hearts of so many people to share the Gospel, their time, money, and resources. Ken has always said, "No one has heard the Gospel more times than Randy Walgamuth." Every act of compassion sowed a seed; and God was even more patient than we were to see them grow. Year after year, Ken would say, "I don't think he's going to make it through another winter." We dreaded the day that he would be found frozen outside or something worse.

The "something worse" was cancer. Again, no one thought he would last as long as he did. Once more, God showed His amazing love and mercy. Randy didn't suffer alone outside. The last year or two, he was either at The Fellowship Mission, the hospital, or hospice. No doubt the staff was amazed at how many visitors Randy had these past few months. I think he finally understood how to give and receive love. For the first time, he said to me, "I love you, Melissa." I was amazed to hear him say it! "I love you too, Randy." I assured him that there were so many people that did and that God loved him even more. I asked him if he confessed and believed in Christ as Lord. He said, "Yes. Yes I do, Melissa." I don't think any of us saw some big emotional/radical change, but we all believe that on whatever level his mind could still understand, he believed and was making his peace. In fact, that is what Ken assured me of. He said that he had never seen Randy so at peace.

I have many more things I could share; and they're only a fraction of the many testimonies that I know others have. People that have known him a lifetime have told me about how much he has been through; even as a kid growing up. Pain and trauma take a toll. I wonder what his life would have been like if his childhood had been different. It makes me sad to think about what his life has been like and how he's the very last of what family he had (even his only child passed in recent years). Despite all the darkness, the light still won out. Jesus shone through so many people that Randy couldn't hide from it. God had His way. Randy couldn't tune out the knocking at the door. None of us may know for sure when/how he opened that door to Jesus, but we believe that he finally let Him in.....and that Christ welcomed Randy into heaven. We love you, Randy! Thank you for all that you taught us! Until we meet again!

Update: Click here to read an additional post of my thoughts after Randy's funeral.

I'm In A Charity Pageant And Need Your Support! :)

When I say the word “pageant”, what comes to your mind? I’ll bet they’re the same things that come to my mind as well: gorgeous girls, swimsuits, crowns, and of course “world peace.”

I don’t know if most people have a favorable opinion of pageants. Personally, I’ve never fancied them much. I’ve done a couple fashion shows, but they were non-competitive and all you had to do was model clothing. They were just for fun, and I was perfectly content with doing things like that (you might remember The Salvation Army Fashion Show that I was in, back in September).

However, the opportunity has come up for me to be in a pageant. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get involved, but this isn’t your standard beauty pageant. This pageant is the Salvation Army’s “Queen of Charities” pageant. The focus isn’t about outer beauty but rather, inner beauty (and there are NO SWIMSUITS! Hallelujah!). ;) The pageant focuses on the contestants’ poise and charitable works; and all the money raised benefits The Salvation Army.

Now THAT is a pageant I can get into! Not only will I get to fellowship with other women, but I will be advocating/representing my favorite charities (as well as raising money for one!). The added bonus is getting to dress up and be girly! How can I say “no” to all of that?!!

The only thing left to do now is wait for the big event; which is on April 18th (I will let you know when you can get tickets!). The only other thing I can do in the meantime is ask for support and sponsors. Even though this is an optional part of the experience, why would you want to be involved in a charity pageant and not raise money for charity? Therefore, I am hoping that my loving family and friends (and their businesses) will be eager to support this charity by sponsoring an ad in the program. If you’re a business, this would be a GREAT opportunity for you to advertise your company’s ad and information in the program (and support a great cause at the same time!). And, if you’re one of my awesome friends or family members, you can just send your amount along with a “best wishes” message for me that will be printed in the program! Oh, that would make me feel SO LOVED! ;)

Additionally, there is one more way I can raise money. I can have a “kettle” displayed at someone’s business. All I need is for a business to volunteer to promote it (and have written consent from you to do so). I will decorate and bring my kettle to you so that you can display it at your cash register (or wherever) and people can drop their spare change into it. I must have my kettle turned in by April 10th; so the longer it can be displayed, the better! Once again, all the money will go to The Salvation Army (and your business will look REALLY good to your customers as you show your charitable spirit of support!). The kettle money will also count as “votes” for an “audience choice award” at the pageant. The one with the most sponsors will be awarded as well. While I am not concerned about “winning” these awards, I am VERY concerned about trying to do whatever I can to encourage others to give generously for the cause (especially in an economy like this where organizations are getting less and less donations). This is not about “me”; it truly isn’t. Whatever “glory” I gain, I will give back to Him; because it’s not mine. This is about Christ and helping His people. My greatest award and achievement will be whatever hearts I can win to Christ through this (that’s always my goal!). I am already “titled” and “crowned” as a child of God. Nothing can top that!! I am an ambassador for Christ and a co-heir with Him. I’m already a “queen”, and winning or not winning a pageant won’t change that (2 Corinthians 5:20, Romans 8:17).

Below, you will find the information form. You can either give your information and check (payable to THE SALVATION ARMY) to me, or mail it to them directly (specifying that it is me that you are sponsoring). If you have any questions, let me know!! Remember, all of this is for CHARITY (and tax deductible)! All of the money helps feed and clothe people in the community and sees to it that children don’t wake up to an empty sight underneath the Christmas tree this year. My friend, Jama, is the coordinator of this event. She has told us all so many stories of how countless families have been blessed because of the kind hearts of people, like you, who give so generously. I can also say that personally, The Salvation Army helped a VERY dear friend of mine have a beautiful and special Christmas last year. That tearful and heartfelt moment full of happy children, a full refrigerator, and a stress free holiday couldn’t have been possible without the generosity of caring strangers; who displayed their faith by helping others. You have NO IDEA what a difference you will make in someone’s life; and it might just be someone you know!!

My hope is that God would be glorified and that His light would shine in me as I participate in this! I know that money is tight for so many people, but I’m hoping that there would be an outpouring of support anyways! I know I have a lot of GREAT friends, so I’m expecting GREAT things! ;)

God bless you all, and thank you for supporting me!! Make sure that you give me (or mail) your contribution before the deadline of MARCH 15th!!! Thank you so VERY much!! ;)

EVENT PROGRAM ADVERTISEMENT ORDER FORM

Business Name:

Contact Person:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Telephone:

Ad Size (circle)

Platinum ($500) Gold ($250) Silver ($100) Bronze ($50)

Friends and Family ($25)

Amount Paid:

$________

Signature of Purchaser:____________________

Your advertisement will appear in the Miss Queen of Charities 2010 Pageant Event Program on April 18, 2010. In order to ensure proper placement, we request that you respond no later than March 15, 2010.

Please include this form and make checks payable to:

The Salvation Army

2901 N Clinton

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Helping Others Is Always "In Style"

This past weekend has been tiring, but extremely worthwhile. As many of you know, I took part in The Salvation Army Fashion Show on Saturday (and it was a great success!). The success was a result of the love and compassion that every volunteer poured into the event; none greater than my best friend, Jama. When she puts her heart into something, she puts it ALL in! She planned and organized it all - everything from the gift baskets (which her Mom tirelessly wrapped ALL OF THEM!), the clothing, the selection of models, EVERYTHING! In my opinion, she can’t be thanked enough because no one has any idea just how much time and effort went into this event! The fact that it did as well as it did and was absolutely perfect was the result of her tireless efforts and the passion for people that God has placed within her heart! I am so blessed to know a woman such as this!!

I posted my pictures on Facebook and Myspace, but here is a link to the pictures that I have in case you haven’t seen them. They were taken by Mitch (and he did a good job considering that photography isn’t his forte lol. Thanks Mitchie Bear!). There were also photographs taken by a professional and when/if those pictures are available, I will make you aware of the link to that.

Though, as I said previously, this had precious little to do with us models, our clothes (all of which were directly from The Salvation Army stores!), or the gift baskets that were auctioned off. What the event all boiled down to was the fact that all the time and effort put into this show was to raise money for this organization; an organization that touches peoples lives. In fact, right before the show, Jama came back into our dressing area with tears in her eyes (and was trying desperately not to cry). The rest of us started tearing up as well when she told us about a woman she just talked to. She said that The Salvation Army had adopted their family for Christmas last year and she wondered if Jama remembered who she was. She did. This was a family who had been through a lot; the greatest of which was their son that was very sick. In fact, that ended up being his last Christmas. However, the woman wanted Jama to know that because of the Salvation Army, they had had a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS! Jama reminded us that the outfits we were wearing were going to be sold in order to make lasting memories and happy moments for families like that little boy‘s. All the money raised would be going to families who might only have one last Christmas and because of those that support The Salvation Army, last Christmases are filled with joy and not barren Christmas trees and lonely forgotten people.

I don’t know the grand total raised for sure, but Jama said that all the gift baskets sold and I know that much of the clothing did as well (in fact, she said that there were some girls fighting over the vintage jacket I wore - which I should have bought myself lol). Everything went extremely well and everyone enjoyed serving in whatever role that they had. Things went smoothly and there were no trips, falls, or wardrobe malfunctions (well, during rehearsal I experienced some lol. Glad THAT was cleared up!). Plus, our master of ceremonies, Sandy Thompson, did a great job with the event! In fact, her descriptions and comments were so thorough that it gave us models plenty of time to change; especially when we REALLY needed to hurry (thanks Racheal for keeping us moving!!). It was a great time and we had a lot of fun; even in the chaos of flying clothes backstage. ;) We had several good laughs (like when Sandy Thompson said “umpire waist” instead of “empire waist” lol). I am SO GRATEFUL that I was able to be a part of it all!!

The icing on the cake is the fact that all of the money is going to help families in desperate need this Christmas. Now, more than ever, people need our love and support. Interviewing for that Christmas program will start soon, and I can only imagine the heartbreaking stories I will hear during that time. I’ll tell you what, I will look at those red Christmas kettles more fondly and favorably than ever (and I pray that you all will do the same). Spare change adds up to a LOT; and it may just buy a family some unforgettable and priceless memories that they will forever treasure!

Grace and peace to all of you!! May you all be blessed and encouraged to serve others with your gifts and talents! Be the hands and feet of Jesus and watch as hearts and lives are forever changed!! Remember, love and mercy never go out of style!! You’ll always be in fashion if you clothe yourself with Christ (Romans 13:14, Galatians 3:27). Jesus isn’t a “trend”, He is the “MUST HAVE” for EVERY season!! May compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience be your garments (Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 5:5)! God bless you all!!