We had a great visit Saturday with the folks at Country Estates.

Here's how God is working! They were all so grateful for the Christmas ham. We had called ahead, so they were expecting it, but you could see the joy on their faces when they actually placed it in their own refrigerators.  

Betsy organized a homemade meal to go with the ham, lovingly prepared by Grace ladies. We were able to buy new bikes and toys for the two boys, and plenty of Barbie toys for the sweet little girl, again thanks to the generosity of Grace folks.

We visited five homes: two are older widows living alone, one is a mother and her grown son, one is a mother, daughter, and the daughter's 8 year old son, and the last one is a grandma, grandpa, their daughter, and the daughter's two children, a 7 year old boy, and a 5 year old girl. The daughter is recently released from jail. That is a total of 9 adults and 3 children.

Bruce and Betsy Erickson and James and Elizabeth Schaefer went with us, which was a perfect size group. The trailers are pretty small.

Dr. Chuck has been treating one of the ladies since last Christmas, and has agreed to also see the grandmother of the 5 and 7 year olds. She has custody of the kids, and is in need of medical care. I can't describe the relief on her face when we told her Dr. Chuck would be able to help her.

One of the ladies who lives alone has offered to let us meet in her home to start a Bible study. She is in her 80s, and never learned to read. Several of the adults are interested; the mom who is recently released from jail attended Bible study there, and was eager to get started.

Randy & Julie Ross

“Why are you doing this, man? asked a neighbor, incredulously, as Artie offered him a free Honeybaked ham. “It’s a gift from Grace Church and we wanted to share it with each of you here in the Marnelle neighborhood. Merry Christmas!”

Last night, on a cold, blustery Sunday, nearly 40 men, women, & children went door-to-door, visiting each of the Marnelle community homes, doing something ‘ridiculously easy’ and yet ridiculously’ unexpected. 

187 homes...many of them for sale, lease, or rent...how many would actually be home? Teams of 2 visited each home, offering the Christmas gift of the Honeybaked ham, as a gift from Grace Church. So many different responses.   

“Thank you, man. I appreciate this.”

“Nope, don’t need it. My family and I are doing OK.” But, when asked if he would take one to give it to someone whom he knew might need it, he replied ‘Sure. That’s a great idea.”

“I was praying this morning, and I told the Lord how good it would be if I could have a ham, even a Honeybaked ham, this year for Christmas. And then, you showed up here at my home this evening. Wow! Thank you, thank you.”

No, I don’t eat ham. It’s not good for you. I don’t eat anything that isn’t Ok’d in the Bible for us to eat.”

Her eyes welled up in tears. “Thank you, thank you. I needed this. This has been a tough year.” Betsy asked the elderly woman “Do you need a hug?” She replied “Yes, that would be very nice.” So, there in the doorway, with the wind whipping around, the two women embraced, tears of joy streaming down their cheeks.

One Final Thought... 
Giving expensive, lavish gifts to people who don’t expect them or feel they don’t deserve them. It’s kind of ridiculous, isn’t it? Well, about 2,000 years ago a very generous Creator-God gave a very extravagant, lavish gift, wrapped in the form of a small infant, to a world that desperately needed to be loved, but never thought it was worthy.

Maybe ridiculous giving reflects the heart of Father more than we will ever know. Thanks to each of you who have joined in the effort to give generously, give ridiculously this Christmas!

• On Monday, January 19, 2009 the Pregnancy Resource Center of Fayette is hosting an informational meeting for couples interested in our Shepherding Home Ministry. One of our visions for 2009 is to begin offering a home to pregnant women who are clients of the PRC and are in need of housing. A Shepherding Home not only gives them shelter but also provides a model of the Christian family, a haven that many of them have never known. Please attend this meeting if you have any interest in exploring the opportunity to share your home with one of our clients, and please advertise the meeting in your church. A flyer is attached with details.
• On Saturday, January 24, 2009 we will be holding a volunteer training class for those interested in becoming counselors at the Pregnancy Resource Center. A flyer on this class is also attached. (I didn't get an attachment, but interested people could call the PRC to find out more.)
• Next year’s Golf for Life has been set for Friday, June 5, 2009, at Orchard Hills Golf Club. Make your plans to join us for a good cause and great fun!

For all positions we ask a 3 month commitment.

Clothes Closet Volunteer
Volunteers assist clients with shopping in the clothes closet and help sort and organize the clothing donations we receive.  Volunteers are needed Mon., Tues or Wed. mornings from 9 - 12 once a week if possible.

“Come back anytime. We need all the help we can get!” declared YMCA Director Pam Young as the 40 youth and adults from Grace Church finished up re-staining  
a large section of the Y’s Play Park.

The “Y” was in major need of repair and refurbishing after the action packed summer of camping. Over 2,000 campers ran, played, jumped, climbed,  and swam on the nearly 30-acre campus, located south of Hwy. 54 on Huiet Road. In addition, the Y was facing major budgetary cutbacks, affecting all full and part time staff.

So, YMCA Director Pam Young was thrilled with the efforts of the volunteers from Grace Church. Earlier in September, teams, ranging in age from 8 to 75, painted the Play Park, repaired lights, replaced worn out siding, rebuilt doorways, crafted & installed the chain link climbing frame, & straightened and strengthened all the picnic tables.

“Fayette County’s YMCA is probably the most culturally diverse spot in the entire county, especially with our summer camp activities”, explained Ms. Young. “The facilities are ideal for summer camp, and our rates are very attractive for all families. So, the Y gets a real workout all through the summer months.”

Grace volunteers were impressed that the Y Director pitched right in, pulling weeds, providing refreshments, running for needed supplies. “What an encouragement to have her working right alongside us.” declared one of the moms.

“When can we go back again? There’s still a lot we have to do,” declared Linda, one of the Grace volunteers.  YMCA Director Pam Young replied,  “Come back anytime. We need all the help we can get!” 

If you or your group would like to assist the YMCA, please contact Pam Young 770-719-9622. 

Empty parking lot. Empty church building....on a Sunday morning? What happened at Grace Church? We moved into our community - meeting...laughing...serving...
those in need. For full story, check out the Stories and the Photo Gallery.