What a Ride!

     Wow.  January has been a trip.  Literally.   Week to week food needs.  Increasing families needing assistance.  Weather.  Need I say more?
      This January, we saw 10% more families than last January.  And that was in spite of two holidays falling on normal service days and two other service days being disrupted by weather conditions.  I cannot even imagine how many families would have been served had we been able to be open those additional days.  It really is evidence of an ever-growing need for food security among our neighbors.
      In 2014, we pray that not only will the resources continue to be supplied for helping families in need, but that our methods of interaction and service will become more effective to help families to realize their potential as creations of an Almighty God who "knows the plans He has for us, plans for a future and a hope."  Even as we continue to provide a friendly peer to peer atmosphere to demonstrate God's love, we are keenly aware that for individuals stuck in the mire of poverty, there needs to be an additional encouragement to become aware of God-given potential and how to use it instead of being dependent on others.  Dependency is demeaning - no one wants it.  Even as Christ followers, we constantly struggle with the idea that humility is the virtue that Christ desires.  As we continue to be "providers who seem to have it all together" giving to "those in need" ,the phenomenon of elevating ourselves, however unintentional, and deflating others is perpetuated.  It is when working together, alongside each other, that true change can occur.
      So as we continue in 2014, I pray that the steps we take toward more effective ministry will be God-led, in His time and His way.  Today, a great example occurred.  Four mentors met at Smiley Court Community Center for the 1st m&ms Bible Cafe of 2014.  Initially, even after door to door surveys and weeks of flyers circulating, we had no young moms.  But we prayed.  And within 30 minutes, in walk two young women.  Once we introduced each other and began talking, the openness, honesty and beauty of the Holy Spirit's presence was so evident, we left there "walking on sunshine" and praising God.  And the young women were enthusiastic and promised to bring more friends next week.  To God be the glory!
      I'm praying that everyone experiences God's peace and presence in 2014.

Blessings,
Donna

Christmas Blessings from Forest Park Ministry Center

http://www.scribd.com/doc/193323029/FP-Newsletter-December-2013

        It's the day after Thanksgiving, and yesterday was the first time that I have had the honor of hosting my husband's family in our home for Thanksgiving dinner.  It was a joy, and I am reminded of the blessings that we have been given - faith, family, and friends - and of God's grace that amazes me daily.
        As we closed the ministry center on Wednesday, I spent some time reviewing the month and compiling statistics for the necessary monthly reporting.  Over 230 families sought assistance - that translates to well over 550 people when you count the children and other dependents in each household.  Nearly 7,000 pounds of food distributed - and thanks to donors and prayer partners, that included meat and fixings to help with each household's Thanksgiving dinner.  We pray that each family will experience God's presence and grace as they have gathered together for their holiday meal.
        But the needs are so much deeper than food.  A  plaque on my office wall states, "The hunger for food is less difficult to fill than the hunger for love."  That is so true.  The women that I meet through our counseling and mentoring ministry often have one thread of commonality running through their lives:  they are seeking to fill a God shaped hole in their hearts with love from the wrong sources.  Grandmothers raising grandchildren because daughters are running the streets tell me that their daughters are just not settled down yet, that its what they themselves did at that age.  Oh, to stop the cycle!  Please pray that the truth of God's word and His blueprint for a fulfilled life will be imprinted on the hearts and minds of these young parents.
        And while you are praying, please remember to lift the parents and the volunteers alike who will be participating in the 5th Annual Christmas Toy Sale for Families in Need on Saturday, December 7.  This day is another way that we reach out to parents, providing them the fun and dignity of shopping for their children's Christmas gifts, gift-wrapping the presents, and treating the parents to complimentary cocoa and cookies.  Many times, there are instances of burdens being shared and prayed over between cafe hosts and hostesses and shoppers or even between shopping buddies and shoppers.  It is a day where we desire for God's grace to envelope every person there and the event  itself.
        Excited to see where God is leading us as we end 2013 and begin a new year of ministry!
Joyfully serving,
Donna