Green Apple: February 2008

Every Life Group at our church is challenged to do some kind of outreach in the community. Our group decided to lend a hand at Mercy House in Downtown Dallas. A few years ago, husband and wife team Karen and Keven decided to rent a run down house and use it to minister to the homeless that didn't fit into the area shelters. They don't "fit in" because they won't abide by the rules like stay off drugs, obey curfews or just aren't comfortable in a structured environment. For what ever the reason Mercy House is their last bit of refuge. The house is only open on Saturday and Sundays. They provide a continental type breakfast and a sermon followed by a hot lunch. The couple's mother does all the cooking and plays the piano during services. They have upwards of 90 people come through on a weekend and quite frankly are pretty worn out by all the work. That's where we stepped in. We did all the cooking for them on Saturday and helped out with the service and just hung out to talk with some of the folks that were there. Several men had testimonies of being "hooked" on something when first going to Mercy House, but are now clean and sober or in a recovery program to help them kick it. It was great to see their excitement in God working in their lives. I'm looking forward to going back!

Everyone enjoyed some homemade Taco Soup. The recipe is easy to make and delicious! I'm making it for the fam tonight and so can you.

Taco Soup

1 and 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 15 oz. can corn or hominy, undrained
1 15 oz. can kidney beans, undrained
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 pkg. ranch dressing mix
1 - 2 cups of water

Brown beef with onion on medium high in a large Dutch oven or stew pot. Stir in cans of veggies and beans and packages of seasonings along with water. Bring to boil. Simmer for 30 minutes on low. Makes 6-8 servings. Enjoy!