Dear Friends,
As much as I like writing these emails, they necessarily have to take a back seat to the actual work of ministry itself. I almost did not get this one out to you-not because of a lack of material or information, but because of the time demands created by being in this sort of intensive ministry.
Pardon the format, but If I did not write it this way, then this month it would not get written.
Updates:
Many of you have asked about James and Ruby. They are much better off than they were. James has almost fully recovered and is back to doing odd jobs, which takes a great deal of economic stress off of them (and us). While they are struggling less than they did, life for them is only returning to the normal level of chaos and confusion that is living one week away from being on the street. James is looking for a more permanent job, so if you know of someone who needs a handyman/mechanic type, let me know.
The Gathering (another thing many of you have asked about) is still going, and going great. We are still meeting, still trying to love each other and still working out what following Jesus in our world looks like. Hopefully after the first of the year we will make it more public, but right now we are still trying to own it before we can share it. Continue to pray for us and if you want to send a small check to help us pay rent on the meeting room, that is always appreciated.
I went to Cincinnati a few weeks ago to hang out with Bart Campolo and see how their ministry works up there. Bart and his family were very gracious and helpful and because of some of our discussions, it will eventually lead to improvements in the way we minister to our poor and homeless friends. I am, however, still having nightmares about the 22 hour bus ride.
Last Tuesday I spoke at Peace College during their chapel service for Hunger and Homelessness week. In addition, I am teaching at Raleigh Mennonite Church this weekend and on Monday of next week, I am giving the message in the chapel service at Campbell University. In short, I am speaking a lot, which is, as Martha Stewart used to say, a good thing. If you have a small group, Church, Sunday School class or anything else you need a speaker for, hit me up. I use complete sentences and everything. 
Over the last month, I partnered with Connections Church in Cary to collect warm clothing for my friends who are feeling the recent cold front that has hit Raleigh. Last weekend about six of us passed out hoodies and socks to some very cold people.
Thanks Connections people!
In short, I am still here, still building relationships and helping some very broken people learn how to love in the way of Jesus. Doing ministry among and with people who seldom change is at times, discouraging. There are times I wish I could brag more about life changing encounters or financial turn-abouts. And while those things do happen, what is much more common is folks who were hurting yesterday still hurting today. The difference is that now they no longer have to hurt alone. That, I think, is no small thing.
Love wins. Always.
Hugh Hollowell