the refuge

Hello Friends and Supporters of the Refuge,

I just wanted to share with you a little update on things with the Refuge. But, before I do that, I wanted to share a few reflections on my thoughts during Easter, Holy Week, and the 5th anniversery of the War in Iraq. Zechariah, in the Hebrew Scriptures, says this in

Zechariah 9:9-12

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!

Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!

Lo, your king comes to you;

triumphant and victorious is he,

humble and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim

and the war horse from Jerusalem;

and the battle bow shall be cut off,

and he shall command peace to the nations;

his dominion shall be from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth.

As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you,

I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.

Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;

today I declare that I will restore to you double.
As I reflect on this passage in light of the Christian understanding of this as a prophetict depiction of Jesus “Triumphal” entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, it gives me great pause for thought. As we look at this image of the Christ, it completely contrasts that of a warrior or conquering King. It complete constrasts and deconstructs the whole idea of a Jesus who would support War, who would subjegate a people by force. It is in complete contrast to the Imperial moves of the Roman Empire, and yes the US Empire, in attempting to bring peace by preemptive war. We are told that the King would come not on a War Horse or Chariot, but on a Colt of a Donkey. We are told that he will cut off the War Horse and the Chariot, and the battle bow and command peace to the Nations. That we would return to the stronghold as “prisoners of hope”. What a contrast this is to our current climate in this country, where those in leadership seek to bring peace through the sword. My hope and prayer is that during this time of Holy Week, of New beginings (Resurrection), that we would as both people of many faiths and human beings begin to learn and live peace!In closing, as we seek to live peace, let us be mindful of those who struggle with peace in their life due to living on the edge of homelessness and poverty. So, it is with that I ask that you would prayerfully and thoughfully consider giving some extra help to the Refuge this month. Currently, we have 2 single mothers with one child each, that live under the same roof and cannot pay all of their Electric and Water bills, as well as rent. The Electric bill still has $300 of it that needs to be paid and $200 in a Water bill. They are also $400 short on Rent. Additionally, due to a downturn in giving from some donors due their finances, I am also short on paying my own bills due to not getting a full salary this month. I need assistance in paying a water bill, $90, and an Electric bill $225, as well as cell phone bill of $240. If you can help in any way, it would be appreciated. All totaled, this comes out to almost $1500. Please consider helping in anyway you can. All gifts can be sent to the Refuge at 1818 29th AVe. North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33713. If you have any questions, please call me at 727 278 1547 or our new office phone at 727 821 8293. All gifts are tax deductable.

Thank you, Bruce