Advent greetings to all!
I just want to share some of our activities and events of this past week. On Monday, a meeting had been scheduled for the Point of Hope Advisory committee, comprised of people in the Louisa community who support our work. Unfortunately most of the committe had forgotten the meeting or other more urgent matters evolved for them. Fortunately one member came. So we spent the morning talking about possibilities. I shared my vision, hope and plan for the new program when we reopen Point of Hope in February. As we talked the plan became clearer. Thus we got some work done. I am also very grateful for another volunteer who works like a consultant for us and has agreed to help in administration, organizing and structuring our new transition housing program. I think she was specially sent by our awesome God to balance my impulsivity and spontaneous nature. The rest of the week was comprised of some appointments and individual meetings, and a continuation of getting our Christmas decorations in some kind of order, trying to clear some space in the programs office. Friday was a day dedicated to driving for Father Beiting, and travelling with the group to fetch vehicles that were donated to the mission from northern Kentucky. We also picked up donations for the Christmas distribution to be held at the warehouse on Thursday this week. We were loaded down and still did not have enough space in the vehicles. Doesn't this remind you of the miracle Jesus worked when he mutiplied the loaves of bread and fish for the people to eat? The disciples had so many baskets of leftovers filled. I think so. The miracle of kindness and generosity filled the vehicles to the brim until we could not load more on. Jesus continues to multiply all the offerings and turns it into supplies so people may have what they need. Thank you.
On Friday evening, more of the Lord's worker, a group from Ohio arrived that have been coming for so many years called the "Mountain Vision". They are a group of dedicated women and men that work throughout the year to bring Christmas joy to the children of Appalachia. On Saturday morning, the community center was filled with families while the Mountian Vision welcomed the people and sang Christmas carols. As part of their program, they shared the Good News of Jesus Christ which is what Christmas is all about. They not only brought material gifts but more importantly brought the gift of Jesus. Father Beiting also spoke, welcomed the group and shared on how Mountain Vision began helping and supporting the work of the Appalachian mission. The children's excitement for gifts was a joy to see.
Throughout this week we at Point of Hope began preparing for the Christmas parade that was to happen on the Saturday. A few days before, Miranda spray painted old white sheets which became our signs wishing everyone Merry Christmas from us at Point of Hope and also from Father Beiting. The truck we drove was a truck normally driven by our maintenance man, very special Ed. Julie our creative volunteer, went to work on Saturday afternoon putting all the decorations on the truck and made it come alive, with help from Miranda & family. The truck was decorated with christmas lights and garland all around. The sides of the truck was decorated with Julie's talent for making signs. The front of the truck wished everyone Merry Christmas and the side wished Merry Christmas from Father Beiting. Julie and Shawanee sat on the top of the truck throwing candy to children watching the parade. The head of the parade was led by the parade marshall followed by the fire trucks, ambulances and police cars with all the sirens and horns. Though it was a short parade the children enjoyed it. It ended at the small park where Santa greeted the children and gave out candy canes. Unite coalition provided hot chocolate and cookies. Our truck provide christmas music which filled the park. It was a good parade.
This week, please pray for us that the Christmas distribution at the warehouse will go smoothly and well. We pray that the children may all experience the joy and happiness of finding gifts under a Christmas tree, but more importantly, they may learn to know the real gift of who Jesus is at Christmas.
May God bless you during this season of Advent as we wait in joyful expectation of the most wonderful gift of all. Peace be with you.
No comments:
Post a Comment