There are so many stories of real lives YOU were able to impact as our Christmas Store and Afterglow programs were so well supported and attended.
Here are some glimpses into the lives of real ppeople in our community that were blessed by your kind generosity! Some details may be changed and/or added to protect the privace of these dear ones.
A young family in need of helps. The Dad is working, but not enough hours equalling not wnough pay.They earned their volunteer vouchers and were happy to come and shop. We were happy to bless them with two extra presents, as one set of their parents each have the same birthday...Christmas Day!
A person who wanted to meet us and give hugs. "I am so thankful for that beautiful prayer you said." As she cried, having lost her same gender partner just days before. We were blessed to show love to this one and a relative as they mourn a loved one and walk through Christmas Season.
Two or three others came and shopoed who are dealing with serious health issues. One a young parent, dealing with cancer. Another client dealing with other serious health issues...who also asked for prayer for one of her children that deals with a debilitating disease.
These parents were able to have the joy of choosing gifts for their kiddos.
An elderly Gentleman who came and shopped for himself and his spouse. They live in a very small place and on very little money. Before last year, when we met them, they had forgone Christmas presents for years. We are so happy to be able to have the opportunity to give them gifts and hope.
Another person who lost a spouse recently, was glad to be able tom come and shop for Christmas gifts. In the aftermath of loss, there are so many things to deal with. Having this opportunityhelped her to do this one thing all in one place and have gifts for children she loves.
A lady we know who came full of joy and ready to shop. She also comes into our office periodically and helps us translate Spanish speaking voice mails. What a great help! She is excited because one of her 'children' will be going to college soon! The first one in this family to do so. :)
Several young moms were able to come and choose gifts for their young children. Such a delight! One og these actually jumped for joy when entering the room to shop. "I am so excited!" were her words.
They left sweet meaningul prayer requests for us. Their hearts seem turned towards God.
A parent who has escaped a domestic situation was so touched and teary that she could come and choose gifts for her family.
A client newer to us and perhaps from generational poverty was almost in unbelief that we wuld assist. She too did volunteer hours to earn gifts. A hopeful story...
A client family we know who have worked hard to be clean and sober and move on in healthier ways in their lives also joyfully came to shop for loved ones. Shining faces. Love.
Volunteers from various churches serving with joy and gladness. Meeting one another and forming new frienships. Several mentioned the impact of this 'event' on their own lives...seeing God at work.
A woman who was blessed and refreshed from spending time with a prayer team. She was changed. She later shared with us that she decided to bless 2 families she doesn't know well and bought them some Christmas items with her hard earned money. She commented; "I feel so different inside. I think it may be the Holy Spirit." ?! YAY! God...
Christmas Store Impact. Love!
Here are some glimpses into the lives of real ppeople in our community that were blessed by your kind generosity! Some details may be changed and/or added to protect the privace of these dear ones.
A young family in need of helps. The Dad is working, but not enough hours equalling not wnough pay.They earned their volunteer vouchers and were happy to come and shop. We were happy to bless them with two extra presents, as one set of their parents each have the same birthday...Christmas Day!
A person who wanted to meet us and give hugs. "I am so thankful for that beautiful prayer you said." As she cried, having lost her same gender partner just days before. We were blessed to show love to this one and a relative as they mourn a loved one and walk through Christmas Season.
Two or three others came and shopoed who are dealing with serious health issues. One a young parent, dealing with cancer. Another client dealing with other serious health issues...who also asked for prayer for one of her children that deals with a debilitating disease.
These parents were able to have the joy of choosing gifts for their kiddos.
An elderly Gentleman who came and shopped for himself and his spouse. They live in a very small place and on very little money. Before last year, when we met them, they had forgone Christmas presents for years. We are so happy to be able to have the opportunity to give them gifts and hope.
Another person who lost a spouse recently, was glad to be able tom come and shop for Christmas gifts. In the aftermath of loss, there are so many things to deal with. Having this opportunityhelped her to do this one thing all in one place and have gifts for children she loves.
A lady we know who came full of joy and ready to shop. She also comes into our office periodically and helps us translate Spanish speaking voice mails. What a great help! She is excited because one of her 'children' will be going to college soon! The first one in this family to do so. :)
Several young moms were able to come and choose gifts for their young children. Such a delight! One og these actually jumped for joy when entering the room to shop. "I am so excited!" were her words.
They left sweet meaningul prayer requests for us. Their hearts seem turned towards God.
A parent who has escaped a domestic situation was so touched and teary that she could come and choose gifts for her family.
A client newer to us and perhaps from generational poverty was almost in unbelief that we wuld assist. She too did volunteer hours to earn gifts. A hopeful story...
A client family we know who have worked hard to be clean and sober and move on in healthier ways in their lives also joyfully came to shop for loved ones. Shining faces. Love.
Volunteers from various churches serving with joy and gladness. Meeting one another and forming new frienships. Several mentioned the impact of this 'event' on their own lives...seeing God at work.
A woman who was blessed and refreshed from spending time with a prayer team. She was changed. She later shared with us that she decided to bless 2 families she doesn't know well and bought them some Christmas items with her hard earned money. She commented; "I feel so different inside. I think it may be the Holy Spirit." ?! YAY! God...
Christmas Store Impact. Love!