Last Saturday, we made our way around to the camps. Through the generous hearts of the congregation at Grace Methodist, we were able to give our friends gifts of shoes, coats, gloves, shirts and pants. Just in time for the cold weather they faced this week. What a blessing. They all really liked their gifts. Turner, Richard, Robert, William were doing ok. Dale was again not looking good or feeling well. Smokey had a bad tooth ache and was just getting up as we got to his apartment.
We had a nice surprise Saturday morning, as we met with the Keithville Middle school Student Council faculty advisor. Her children collected over $300 for Common Ground and also gave us coloring books, freeze bees, and other smaller toys. She wants to come again one Saturday and help us out around the center. What remarkable young people.
Krysten spent most of the morning sorting through all the toys and gifts we have received from various churches for our neighborhood children. She and her band of elves went door to door Christmas Day handing out the packages. Forgot to ask Krysten how it went. Krysten could you let us know.
With school out, there were no scheduled activities for the children.
Hat got a call Monday evening from William about Dale. William was concerned for Dale's health. Hat made a few calls, and Tim and Charley picked up Dale and took him to the emergency room at LSU hospital. Tim said, they almost lost Dale during the night. On Wednesday afternoon, Joey, William and I went to MICU to see Dale. We woke him up, talked for about 30 minutes. Dale was doing much better. The doctor came in as we were visiting and told Dale he had a severe case of ulcers. It was great watching William and Dale talk together. William had a smile on his face, seeing Dale doing better.
Thursday, we got started off by Gus singing songs in chapel. Then Ms Jean sang a song, followed by Pastor Eddie sharing the Word from Philippians. Talking about letting go of the past, so we can move forward into the new year. The highlight of the evening, was when Pastor asked if anyone wanted to turn their life over to Christ, to let go of the past and start the new year living for Christ. A young lady came forward, Bernice. Pastor invited us up front to lay hands on Bernice and promise to help her start a new life in Christ. Awesome.
Krysten, Joey, Ms Dorothy and Ms BJ provided us with our meal, groceries and drink. Ms Lisa came in to check in our friends at the grocery table, Momma T and Allison helped serve our meal, Ms Ardis served our drinks, Joey, a new friend John, and Gus washed the dishes and an old friend Ricky helped clean off the tables. We got to see Georgette and meet Momma T's granddaughter. What an evening.
I lvoe this time of year, for moments like we had Thursday. We get to see our young adults who have moved on to new adventures, to come home and come by and see us. The real meaning of Christmas, family.
Continued prayers for Ms Abbie and Mr Joe. Both are getting better but still have a long way to go. Go by and say hi, they would appreciate seeing you all. Prayers for our Ms Sarah as she leaves us next week for her 6 month stay in Haiti. Exciting and also challenges await her. We will miss her. We can always go by the youth office and give Mr Scott a hard time to make him feel at home!
As Pastor Eddie talked about in chapel, we are at the threshold of a new year. We have an opportunity to let go of the things in our past, so we can move forward into the future. If we don't let go, then we can not move forward. What is in your past, what is holding you back, what is wearing on your heart, what are you holding onto, that prevents you from moving forward? We have so much to look forward to in the new year, what a shame if we don't let go and get to experience all the blessings God has for us. I pray for each one of us, we can forgive, we can forget, we can let go. God is preparing us for experiences beyond our comprehension, we don't want to miss out!
What a community you are becoming. I am amazed at all the things you are doing for God. Just this week, one of our friends needed your help and compassion and you came through. When there is crisis, you don't think of reasons why you can't help, you jump in. When a community member gets sick, you provide food and conversation. You help out around the center, when there is a need, not complaining, just doing. Thank you all for allowing Christ to flow through you and be the light into the world. What an honor it is to know each one of you and to see you grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus Christ.
May we all have a blessed new year. Amen.
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