Lord's House Ministries

“Fighting Rochester Violence by Feeding Hearts, Bodies and Souls”

I opened the paper and there it was. Just moments before, in the wake of the Virginia Tech Massacre, I had prayed for God to show me "something". I wanted to help. I didn't know what to do, until that moment. There, an article of a lady who lived right in our little suburban town, told her story of losing her son to the same senseless violence that takes the lives of so many on our city streets every day. Debbie and Ed Fickess' son was randomly murdered while on his way to the Eastman School to study his music after finishing work one night, over a decade ago. Instead of sitting bitter and angry, she and her husband turned instead to love; chose to forgive, and turned such an unthinkable loss into purpose.

Investing themselves into the lives of those who most desperately need a friend who cares. They distribute food, provide clothing, enjoy doing crafts with the kids, reach out to and pray for the prostitutes, drug addicts, children—whoever shows up. They ask nothing in return. Love is given where love is not otherwise demonstrated. They shed light where there is mostly darkness. They look violence square in the face and smother it with kindness.
As I read her story something in my heart jumped.

Though my business was new and big success just a dream, I could feel the reality! Part of the reason, is my determination to help this woman and people like her--mother to mother. I had to know more about the hope and conviction of these people. What I read was so much more than a “go to church on Sunday, do your good deeds” kind of faith. It stretched beyond religion and seemed to be grounded in a very real, personal belief. To give up your Saturday to serve the same people who took your son’s life? That is something that sure made me stop in my tracks and think twice about all my excuses of how busy I was. What does it take to make a difference for someone? The more I learned about Ed & Debbie and what they do, the more I wanted my family to be part of it. I want to teach my children by example that what matters most to God is the human soul --whether black, white, rich or poor—there is nothing of greater value. There could be few other ways to begin building a legacy that truly will have a far reaching impact. Please know that when you support my business, you are supporting the Fickess' Ministry.

As Life Force customer or associate, 10% of all proceeds go directly to “Rochester Life Force” which directly supports the Fickess ministry. For more information on how you can get involved, contact us at lordshouse@familybodybalance.com

“Whoever is kind to the needy, honors God.” ~Proverbs 14:31