JANUARY 2009 UPDATE OF MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

138 families served, for a total of 326 family members 5 people prayed to receive Christ and have been referred to a church for discipleship 3, 084 pounds of food were distributed to people in need. 9 households were assisted with their heating bills 1 family and 1 single person were assisted with emergency food, coats, clothing, and household goods after losing all they had in house fires 2 new moms were visited in their homes and given layettes with infant necessities Thank your for your prayer and support for the ministry at Forest Park!

Pressing On In 2009

January ushered in a brand new year, and we are all the more blessed to serve and compelled to reach Montgomerians in need with the love of Christ. I want to give a huge shout out to some incredible volunteers who give of their time and talents each week to make the Forest Park Ministry Center run so effectively. During the months of December and January, my father has been gravely ill (praise God, he is on the road to recovery!) and in the midst of several crises when I had to be with him and my family, the faithful volunteers carried on, ministering to those guests who were in need and came to FPMC for assistance. I cannot thank them enough for their faithfulness. I am posting a picture of some of the volunteers that were able to gather for a Christmas celebration so that you can put a face with your prayers for the center and all who work and visit there. During the last half of 2008, we saw record numbers of guests visiting Forest Park. Here is a recap of August through December of 2008: Since Forest Park Ministry Center reopened its doors for service on August 1, 2008: Ø over 800 households have been served, for a total of 1,931 people. Ø 15,473 pounds of food have been distributed. Ø there have been 16 professions of faith, one rededication, and 63 followups by pastors or the center director. Ø 8 home visits to mothers of newborns to deliver layettes and pray with these moms. Ø 38 families were assisted with utility bill payments. Ø 30 families were registered with Christmas Clearinghouse to receive Christmas gifts for their children. Ø and sponsoring churches enabled the center to distribute 65 full Thanksgiving baskets to families in need, along with assisting at least 3 families with emergency needs arising from medical emergencies. Thank you for helping to reach those in need in Montgomery by supporting Forest Park Ministry Center. In this way, you are the hands of Jesus to a lost and needy world! Isn't God incredible? Even in a time of economic crisis, He enables His people to reach out to those in need with generous hearts. Thank you to all who love and support His work through Forest Park Ministry Center. During the month of January, some groups have visited the center to offer their special assistance. Children and their leaders from Southlawn Baptist Church came to see what we do at the center and to lend their assistance in the food pantry. Youth from Prattville First Baptist came and worked to clean up the yard and prepare our sign in front for new lettering. On Sunday, January 18, leaders from WMU and Women's Ministries of our sponsoring churches met at the center, and several commitments for Layette Baby Showers and CWJC Mentors were made. Thank you to all for your service and for your support. We are looking forward to an even more powerful impact for Christ's Kingdom in 2009.