End of Summer Update - Looking to Fall Opportunities!

Summer 2009 has brought both great blessings and new challenges to the ministry participants and recipients at Forest Park Ministry Center. In August alone, we saw over 170 families, well over 1/3 for the first time. We distributed over two tons of food during the month, but best of all, as we fed them physically, there were many who for the first time learned of the Living Water of Jesus Christ and gave their lives to him. Praise to our Lord! There are some very specific things that I want to make you aware of. These opportunities are here now, and we need your support to see them through! You can support first with your fervent prayer, then with your time, talent, and or resources. Here are the exciting doors of ministry opportunity that God has opened:

1. On December 12, 2009, the MBA Church and Community Ministries (including Forest Park Ministry Center) will host a Christmas Toy Sale specifically for the guests of our centers who demonstrate need for assistance in providing Christmas gifts for their children. This event is important not only because it will make children happy, but even more important, it will reinforce the dignity and desire for responsibility that parents so crave in providing for their children. The toys, donated by churches and their members and by corporate donors, will be sold for extremely small amounts in order to be completely affordable by anyone; what few funds are received will be rolled directly back into the benevolence budget of the centers. You can participate by:
*****Donate toys or funds to purchase toys.
*****Help with set up during the week prior to the event.
*****Be one of the many needed helpers on the 12th - everything from shopping buddies to "cafe bakers and servers" to gift wrap!
*****PRAY for the families involved and for the workers, for prepared hearts and joyful spirits!

2. Summit Properties has requested representatives from Forest Park to come on site at two of their properties to facilitate groups that will enrich the lives of the residents at Rosa Parks Place and at Southlawn Commons. We are currently in the process of administering Needs Assessment Surveys to determine what types of groups are most needed. Become plugged into a brave new branch of ministry through Forest Park Ministry Center!

3. Be a crucial part of the renovation needed at the center in order to more effectively operate. The existing carport is in disrepair and is a safety hazard. Compound that with the dire need for more space for multipurpose use including receiving, sorting, instruction, and storage, and you see why enclosing the carport is a real need. The list at the right enumerates not only the materials needed but also the priority of the needs. Please prayerfully consider your ability to assist in this project by pledging the donation of materials or by refering this list on to those that you know who could assist in this way. God bless you all for your love for Christ and for your faithful support of His work!