Poverty.... Distrust.... Honesty.

        Ruth Givens, children's director at Taylor Road Baptist and active mentor for the M&M's Bible Study at Forest Park Ministry Center, spoke to a group of pastors and church leaders last week about her experience with the girls in M&M's.  The three words that she used: poverty, distrust, and honesty - encapsulated the experience.  Ruth related how deeply mired in the cycle of poverty are the girls who frequent this Bible Study.  She also related the distrust so imbedded in their mindsets because of life experiences, abuse, and neglect. - And the honesty that they exhibit when they do finally open up and share their lives and hearts with us.  -And the joy when they find that someone really does care and love them!

        So imagine our delight this past Tuesday when one of the girls enters the room "aglow" and smiling.  Most of the girls are single, but this young woman is married, and although she has experienced much heartbreak, is determined to make it work.  She delighted in telling us about the weekend - her husband had spent an entire day with her and the children:  making a meal to eat together, going on a picnic and playing ball and other outdoor games together.  She was so happy and encouraged!  As we rejoiced with her, we encouraged her and the other girls to continue to pray for the men in their lives, whether husband, boyfriend, father of their children.  God moves mountains, and He softens hardened hearts!

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

        Happy New Year!   We are looking forward to what God has in store in 2013 for His ministry at Forest Park Ministry Center.  This past year has been full, and for me personally, a great challenge due to added responsibilities regarding graduate school and internship.  With these completed, however, I am excited to report to you that the outreach opportunities into the community have the potential to expand in the coming year through Forest Park Ministry Center. 

        First, I want to share some 2012 statistics with you.  1,760 guests visited the center for assistance, representing 4,277 family members who were assisted with food and / or clothing.  That translates to 46, 736 pounds of food given to families in need during the year 2012.  62 of those families received financial assistance for utilities, at least 90 of those families received baby items.  There were 15 newborn babies that we had the privilege to visit in the home, pray and talk with the mom, and present them with a layette of beautiful new necessities for the baby made possible by the groups who have so graciously supplied the layette ministry throughout the year.

        All of these statistics are “small potatoes”, though, compared to the lives that have been won for God’s Kingdom.  During 2012, 14 people prayed during their visit to receive Christ as their personal savior.  All of the statistics above pale in comparison to the fact that these souls that were lost and hopeless now know the joy and hope of faith in Christ.

        A stressful year has ended with bountiful joy as we have seen God answer prayer in several ways.  A dear friend wrote on her Facebook page about the reminder that God grows us in our trials. This is so true – and those challenges are the very venues in which His glory shines!  Friends and colleagues have had trials followed by God’s grace and blessings, and my own family has been through illness and healing as well.  And here at the center, God has raised some men who are seizing the opportunity to mentor men in the neighborhood.  Please pray for these efforts, bathed in prayer, to be rewarded with fruit for the Kingdom!

        We are so thankful for your prayerful support.  We are all a team, including each of you, carrying out the Great Commission in our community.  May each of you have a blessed 2013. 

Joyfully serving,

Donna McCullough, Director

Forest Park Ministry Center

        

Tis the Season!

        Giving.  Thinking about the season upon us.  And gratitude beyond measure for all who have given time, talents, words of encouragement, gifts, and prayer as we held the 4th annual Christmas Toy Sale for Families in Need.  It was a powerful blessing; even as the stress of logistical details loomed, there was always the reminder that something much bigger than petty details was happening.  Grace.  Joy.  Sharing Christ's love.  Lisa shared on her blog the moving story about one family.  Shirley, one of the cafe volunteers, shared the experience of visiting with a grandmother who, through tears, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to select and give gifts for her grandchildren in her custody.  140 volunteers gave to others last Saturday at the toy sale, and countless others gave toys, supplies, and baked goodies needed to make it happen.
        Every week, volunteers assist us at the center to reach others in every day ways - providing food, clothing, vouchers to shop for clothing, a listening ear, a word of encouragement, and most importantly, prayer and hope through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Good News.  I am so humbled to work alongside so many precious servants who desire to be the hands and feet of Christ.  I am posting a current list of the permanent volunteers, those who work voluntarily day in and day out to live out the Great Commission in our "Judea".  If you know one of these, take a moment to say thanks and ask them about their experiences.  You may be inspired and led to do the same.
        As for me, words cannot adequately express my thanks to these friends for their encouragement, for their help, and for blessing me with the example of their service.  God is good.
Blessings this Christmas season,
Donna