We are always in awe of God’s provision during the month of November…it is the time of year when our church families shower their love and support upon us in the form of food and non-perishable grocery items. It never ceases to amaze us as our near-empty shelves become filled once again with the items that will carry us through the upcoming year. We are praising God for the generosity of His people and want to say a heartfelt “Thank you!” to everyone who sacrificially gave so we can continue to feed our young people, despite Michigan’s economy!

Jeff Oswald, Michigan Director & Housefather

 This was our first year to participate in the annual Food Drive.  Generous individuals from churches collected food over the past few months and dropped it off at the office. Then many of them came out to one of the houses for a tour and lunch.  This year, our home was the “Open House.”  We had a wonderful turnout.  It was refreshing to get to meet some of the people who have been praying for us and supporting us.  Our hearts were blessed by the love our supporters have for children they had never met!  After visiting with some of our visitors for hours, John and I finally made it to the office, where we saw the fully-stocked shelves of food, along with boxes of food in the hallways.  We have never seen the food room so full! Everyday when I cook meals, I look at the individual items that I am using and think, “Somebody put this bag of rice in their cart with us in mind.”  We greatly appreciate everybody who gave and who continues to give so that this ministry can continue! 

John and Rachel, Michigan Houseparents

It is truly amazing as we sit back and count blessings, how much we have to rejoice in.  From Big Apple donating bagels, Kroger donating baked goods, churches donating chickens, to churches around our area calling to say they have so much food left over from their college Thanksgiving dinners that they would love to give it to us.  The economy is tough?  Be not anxious, for our food needs are being met!  These are just a few reasons we rejoice.

Rob & Tori, Michigan Houseparents

Thanksgiving Food Shower is now complete for 2009.  This was a lot of work and miles of driving followed by 2½ days of organizing and putting away enough canned goods, cereal, and other non-perishable foods to last for the next year. A lot of work but such a gift that has been given by God’s people made even more significant in this tight economy, but people gave, and gave, and gave.

Lowell & Lyndall, IN Houseparents

Thank you for all you donate to us through the food shower.  We could not continue with the ministry without your loving gifts.                                              

Tom & Rachael, IN Houseparents

 We thank all of you who gave to our yearly food drive!  It is so amazing when we get everything in our garage and try to figure out where it will go.  What a blessing to see God’s people give so abundantly. We were also encouraged when we were given about 20 freshly plucked chickens for our freezer and also were given many cases of orange juice.  God certainly gives “exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask or think.”

Paul & Karolyn Beltz, Life Coach,       Independent Life Program