We never take for granted the opportunity to share what God is doing through the Care Mission. So we want you to know we greatly appreciate that you have taken the time to read this newsletter.
Since we opened our doors in June, 2005 through December 2013, God has used the Care Mission to provide food and/or clothing assist to 35,191 households. Those households included 93,436 individuals. Approximately 3.2 million lbs. or about 1,600 tons, of food has been distributed, enough food to prepare approximately 1.4 million meals.
In 2013 alone God used the Care Mission to provide food and/or clothing assistance to provide food and/or clothing assistance to 19,837 individuals. That amounted to 6,879 households. For the year we averaged 573 households assisted each month. However, the average number of households receiving assistance during the last 6 months of 2013 rose to 627. The most in any one month was August, in which 691 households received food and/or clothing assistance. In 2013 we distributed approximately 341 tons of food, enough to prepare approximately 292,000 meals.
We do not share this with you to boast, except to boast in the Lord, because we know that it would not be possible for us to have such an impact without God’s provision.
As impressive as these numbers may be, we who serve at the mission know that they reflect only a small part of what God is doing. We know that God is using us to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and most of the time that is being done without saying a word.
The sad truth is that we as “Believers” greatly minimize our witness and do a disservice to the Kingdom of Christ when we limit our expression of the Gospel to quoting John 3:16 and then offering a memorized prayer of salvation.
God is using ministries such as the Care Mission to reach those who have become deaf from the noise of religion. Presenting the Gospel through actions is much more effective, but it is much more challenging as well. As we strengthen our faith in Christ by trusting in Him to provide, we also recognize that the way God most often chooses to get us the funds, food and items we need is through the obedience of those who support us.
During 2013, 44% of our funding came from our thrift store sales, 40% from individual donors, 11% from churches and/or church groups and 5% from corporations and/or civic groups. We are so grateful to those who patron our store, those who donate faithfully, and those who encourage your church, your workplace or civic group to support this ministry.
As a supporter of the Care Mission, we feel it is important for you to know that your efforts are not in vain. Lives are being changed. Through your support and the support of many others, God is making Himself known to many who had lost hope, lost direction or lost any sense of worth. Don’t let the enemy fool you. When you support the Care Mission you are not supporting just another place that hands out food. That is not what we are. We are a place where God is known. We are a place where the teachings of Christ are seen. We are a place where the love of Christ is felt. We are a place where the Gospel isn’t just a slogan, but a way of life. We are not perfect, so we are also a place where the love, grace and mercies of God are the cornerstone of our ministry. Knowing that God can use such as us demonstrates just how powerful and merciful He is.
We greatly appreciate your support and your obedience to the Holy Spirit.
And we cannot begin to express how valuable to the success of this ministry are those who give of their time and talents. We are excited to watch as God is bringing individuals to join those already serving to strengthen our resolve and deepen our abilities. You are our greatest blessing and most treasured asset as we move forward. We praise God for you all.
Please keep in your prayers:
Our Board and Leadership, our faithful servants and supporters,
all those who enter our doors, and our upcoming events.
Food for thought…
Recently a young man came to volunteer. He was a former drug dealer fresh out of prison, still on probation. He was stereotypical with prison and gang tattoos, and piercings. He was friendly enough and said all the right things, “I’m going straight. I’m not messing up again, etc.”
As he began carrying food out to those we were assisting, he began to ask Kendra questions; where does the food came from, how could we afford to give so much and why were we doing this? Between clients she would try to explain, but as the day went on the young man only seemed more puzzled.
Then after returning from carrying food assistance out to a new client and looking completely confused, he told Kendra that when he unloaded the wagon the lady began to weep. She thanked him repeatedly as she cried and gave him a long hard hug when he was done. The young man confessed that he did not know what to do and he had almost cried himself.
Wouldn’t you love to have watched as this “tough guy” was being embraced?
We later learned that the following weekend this young man gave his life to Christ. We can’t say whether or not his day at the Care Mission helped in his decision, but maybe, just maybe, it gave him food for thought.
Be Blessed,
Deon and Kendra