"Labor of Love" 4th of July at Hand Up Ministries
Meet Our Cooks, Coordinators
&
Special Donor
Finding Inspiration and great Food in Every Turn
It isn't just about Independence Day; it's about the journey of the men at Hand Up Ministries
Freedom is one of America's greatest gifts. At Hand Up Ministries, many of our residents are experiencing another kind of freedom to begin again. Together, on this Independence Day, we celebrate our nation, our faith, and every second chance that makes tomorrow possible."- The Staff and Residents of Hand Up Ministres
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A letter from the July 4th Event Coordinator- Billy Landry
​This year’s 4th of July celebration at Hand Up Ministries was a full event: food, fellowship, fun, prizes, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes work.
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The festivities actually began the night before, on July 3, with movie night in the chapel from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The men were able to enjoy a movie, popcorn, and drinks together. Thankfully, I did not have to handle that part, because I was already looking at a long night of cooking and preparation. If I had been responsible for movie night too, I might have been up until 5:00 AM trying to get everything ready.
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As it was, I stayed up until around 2:00 AM cooking potato salad and mac and cheese for the residents. After only a few hours of sleep, I was back up around 7:00 AM to start preparing for the cookout.
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Like most events, the day did not go exactly as planned. Several of the men who had volunteered to help were called into work, which left me short-handed. But thankfully, some of the men stepped up, jumped in, and helped make it happen.
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I started cooking around 10:30 AM. The menu included barbecue chicken, ribs, sausage, potato salad, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, tater tots, and ice-cold sodas. The potato salad ended up being a huge hit, which made those late-night hours worth it.
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I also want to give a huge shout-out and thank-you to Chicken N Pickle at 8400 N. Oklahoma Ave. in Oklahoma City for their generous donation of chicken tenders and tater tots. Their donation helped us add even more to the meal and was truly appreciated.
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Along with the food, the men were able to enjoy horseshoes, cornhole, and prize drawings. Prizes included three TVs, a bicycle, small kitchen appliances, and a $100 voucher toward program fees. There was no cost for the meal, and everyone who showed up had their name placed in the jar for the drawings.
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By the time the cooking, serving, cleaning, and packing up were all finished, I was fully and completely exhausted, maybe even dealing with a little heat exhaustion. I got home, crashed, and had nothing left in me.
But even with all of that, it was worth it. It was a labor of love.
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I want to sincerely thank everyone who donated food, cash, prizes, supplies, or time. Because of your generosity, the Hand Up Ministries 4th of July celebration was a huge success and a real blessing to the men here.
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​God Bless America and Hand Up Ministries, Staff, Chaplains, Residents and Volunteers
Billy Landry
"Hand Up Ministry Worship Band"
Coordinator "Labor of Love July 4th Celebration 250 Years America"
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"LET FREEDOM RING", DEDICATED TO THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE DEFENDED OUR FREEDOM TO EVERY AMERICAN WHO BELIEVES IN SECOND CHANCES, AND TO GOD WHO CONTINUES TO BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
God Bless This Food, America and Hand Up Ministries Residents...Amen
Billy Landy
David Nichols
David Nichols/Founder/President joining in to serve the residents, staff, chaplains. Billy Landry grilling in the 100 + degree OK weather
It's a hot day, but worth the heat and friendship
Residents loving the day with games, grand prizes and wonderful food!
Despite the hot weather, the games really added to the Celebration Day
Billy Landry
Ray Riddle
Coordinator of the event, Billy Landry (white T-shirt) is feeling the heat after cooking all night and day for the residents. And yet, he says "It is worth it for our residents and Hand Up Ministries!"
Thank you Bill Landry....The food was fabulous, thank you
A quote from a Hand Up Ministries volunteer... "One day, I believe someone will walk through your website and realize that Hand Up Ministries isn't simple helping men transition after prison or homelessness- it is helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.... That mystery person will see that David Nichols/Founder/President continues to grow through his vision and the hard work of the staff, the residents, volunteers, board members, and community partners who carry it forward every day. That mystery person will join Hand Up Ministries mission to continue helping the prison releases and homeless with a second chance!"
THERE ARE MOMENTS IN LIFE WHEN FREEDOM IS TAKEN FOR GRANTED, AND THERE ARE MOMENTS WHEN IT IS TREASURED WITH EVERY HEARTBEAT.
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THESE ARE POEMS WERE WRITTEN BY A MAN WHO HAS KNOWN BOTH. THEY ARE NOT SIMPLY REFLECTIONS ON AMERICA, FAITH, AND SECOND CHANCES-THEY ARE REMINDERS THAT HOPE CAN BE FOUND EVEN AFTER LIFE'S DARKETST CHAPTERS.
