BooMama updated her blog today and reminded me that the Mocha Club's explanation of their theme is out. Below is their video. LOVE. IT. Please watch it and be encouraged. (Don't bail out because you feel down about it...it gets good and makes you smile at the end) For those of you who have been to Africa, you will understand. For those of you who haven't, I hope you do.
And No, I am not unaware of the needs around us... I remind you to see them as well. It is often easier to meet those needs than the people half way around the world. It comes down to willingness and desire. Either way- in the US, Mexico, or Africa. As they say in the Nike world...Just do it. Just do something.
Deadline for Uganda's May trip is this Sunday sign up here. Don't miss the opportunity. Opportunities for Lee County are coming soon too...
And if you want to buy me a a shirt, feel free. I would wear it proudly. Size medium please.
I have failed you, blog readers! I have failed to update you on shoeboxes, sponsorships, and a couple of other housekeeping items!
First up-
Because of your generosity we have 262 shoeboxes headed to the Atlanta processing center before heading around the world! The children in Buloba will be receiving shoeboxes from Operation Christmas Child this year. I hope to get pictures from them when that happens.
I hope you included a picture or note...I saw a friend at the drop off last week and she said that her dtr. got a letter from one of the shoeboxes they did last year. What a treasure.
Thanks for all the toys, toothpaste, hairbrushes, cars, and love you included in your little wrapped boxes. With the gospel of Christ presented to these children before they receive their boxes their eternal future can be changed!
Yep, I am going to be shameless...that is my kid.
I loved her since I saw her on the June trip. And now she is "mine." I am sponsoring little Resty through ARM. If you haven't picked out your child yet, you can this Sunday after either service. Over in the left corner of the worship space. And it doesn't have to just be folks from our church...it can be anyone from your work or family... just let me know! $35 to change the life of a child and that child's family. Well worth the money. And keep in mind. I am currently unemployed...so I understand the sacrifice! But it is SO worth it!!!
We have currently sponsored 113 kids of the 257 that ARM sent us from Buloba. I encourage you to pray about it and step out in faith if God is calling you to do this.
I have been so encouraged by seeing your excitement about helping kids you have never even met! One of my friends was walking around the tables the first morning. I walked over to talk to her and she looked up at me- with tears pouring down her face. She said "How do you just pick one?" And the night of Celebration Dinner one of our KidzTown kids had picked out a child and her mom said "She won't stop crying." Her heart was broken for this kid that lives half way around the world and I think she was so happy to be able to help her... If it wouldn't have been too tacky I would have taken a picture to share. It was such a picture of the body of Christ...
We sold just short of $3000 of the ladies wares from Buloba. They will be back for sale in a couple of weeks in the worship space. All proceeds go into the Buloba fund for the church building and for future microeconomic needs for the ladies (sewing machines hopefully in the future as the ladies get interested in sewing!)
As soon as I can figure out how to turn pictures in my Mac I will post them of the ladies working. Funny thing is that they look fine until I upload them and then they are suddenly turned!
And THANK YOU for signing up for the TigerTown gift wrapping. I understand there is a waiting list for spots. Right now we are looking at expanding to the 4-6 times. I will be in touch with you who are on the waiting list about that soon.
I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving (if I don't blog before Thursday). Keep in mind that speaking about what you are thankful for is more powerful than just being thankful in your heart! Let it out! :)
Below is a video from Brooke Fraser. She went to Rwanda and promised a child she wouldn't forget them and get the word out... for those of you who have been to Uganda, I think you will understand.
This was in an email from a Cornerstone member about someone she knew in need. If you have any questions just let me know.-
Sheppard and I always knew that one day God would show us a blessing from our fire and be able to help someone else who is going through such a loss. A man called him the other day who did some work for us while we were building. His name is Mark Reap and he works for Jackson Heating and Air. They lost their home last week in Beauregard and it was also a total loss. He is married and has a 4 month old son. I talked with him today and he expressed his needs that I listed below:
Their son is 4 months but wearing 6-9 months so anything 6/9 and bigger for now and throughout the year. His name is Derrick Lamar Reap
They also need baby bed, and anything baby related, baby swing, toys, blankets, pack and play, exersaucer, etc.
Mark wears 38/34 pants, XL shirts, boots size 12 and tennis shoes 12.5
Rachel wears size 12 pants/skirts and L/XL shirts, size 9 shoes
They are going to look for their temporary housing today and he said they will be using most of their content money to build their new house so they will need pretty much everything. If you have anything you are no longer using and want to pass it along just let me know and we can be sure to get it to them.
Linens
dishes,
cookware
silverware
towels
glasses
sippy cups
tupperware
If you would like to send them something you can send it to us and we will get it to them.
Our address is 9660 Society Hill Rd, Auburn,36830
