NewsLetter September 2009

It's like the beach allowed all problems to fall away and fun, play and the ocean breeze brought families together!

Dear Friend,

Taking children and their families to the beach is always one of the highlights of the year. However, this year we were going to cancel the 2 days we had planned.  We had no buses or money for the food and activities. So we prayed, as we often do these days, asking God to lead us in what we need to cancel and what we need to keep.

Within days money started coming in; a visitor decided to write a check for $300. Dale, a Child Sponsor of over 17 years, said he would buy the 35 boogey boards we wanted to have for the kids. The Dream Center gave us buses to use and the drivers all volunteered. Some of the food we needed came in the weekly donation pick up. All of this happened a week before, the buses actually 2 days before.  

So, August 9th and 16th, we took over 550 people on a one day, all expense paid, vacation to the beach.  Most of the kids and families had not had a vacation or even a fun family day together all summer; this was their getaway.  

It's surprising what's important to God. This was something he wanted to make sure happened; He wanted these families to get away and be refreshed. As much as we wanted it for them, God wanted it more. Below are some thoughts and observations from the staff and interns.  

MaryAnn writes, "The beach day was such a blast, watching the families and children play! As I was watching them, I saw and felt families connecting and bonding with each other in a much deeper way! It's like the beach allowed all problems to fall away and fun, play and the ocean breeze brought families together!

Mari-Lu Herrera and her little girl, Emily, faithfully come to Metro Kidz, Adopt-a-Block and the food truck every week. In all the times I have talked with her I have only heard about her husband, but never met him. But all it took was a chance to go to the beach for him to come

Teagan writes, "Sunday I had a blast working with the children and playing with the families. At one point during our time at the beach, I found a 20 foot string of seaweed that I then wrapped around my body and head. As I swam and walked along the shore, the kids had so much fun acting like I was the 'Sea Creature from The Deep'!! It was amazing and we had a ton of fun!

MaryAnn writes of another story,"Mireya Herrera came to enjoy the day at the beach with her four daughters and numerous grandkids. She went down to the edge of the water to watch her grandkids playing in the ocean. As she was soaking her feet in the water a great big wave came up and crashed over her, pulling her into the water. At first, panic went through me but as the water cleared up, I saw a great big smile on her face!?

It's interesting what really ministers to us. Going to the beach doesn't seem all that amazing, but when you do something with love, people can tell, your family can tell.  In the days ahead, let's remember to stay close to God that he might use us in a sincere way through a word of encouragement or the simple but effective touch of our hand.

With your help we're blessing the children and families,

P.S.: I literally marvel at how much we get done with so little. The money you send is often used within days to fuel the trucks going to the kids programs or picking up food for the families. We are trusting God and moving ahead. Please consider an extra generous gift today to help with giving children much needed school supplies.