the big give

I'm a little late on this, but I wanted to make sure I documented and shared the incredible impact radiant church was able to have on our community and the world this past Christmas. Each year we have asked our church to get involved in a service project we call the "big give". It includes several options for families and individuals to participate and this year our focus was on...

1. ministering thru song in area nursing homes with young children
2. a winter coat and clothing drive
3. a city wide food drive where food is donated by local companies, then packed and delivered by volunteers all over the city
4. the angel tree gift giving to families in need both in our church and the community. We also had the opportunity to not only buy the gifts, but also deliver them.
5. household goods drive where items were collected and donated to the deacons conference in Kalamazoo.
6. A big give offering where all proceeds went to build an orphanage in India where children literally abandoned on the streets will receive clothing, shelter, education as well as being used as a church to present the gospel.

I could not be more proud of Radiant church. Here are a few of the statistics,

1. we had over 80 people in two nursing homes singing to the elderly.
2. we had over 80 people volunteer at the food drive
3. we sponsored 50 families resulting in over 350 gifts purchased for families.
4. we had over 700 winter clothing items donated.
5. we delivered over 200 household items to the neediest in kalamazoo

Last but not least we needed fifty thousand dollars to build and furnish the orphanage in india to take 50 kids off the streets. We are currently at 80 thousand dollars with the possibility of being able to build two!! Our missionary in India literally cried when we told him.

Our church is not perfect, but I have to believe this is what Jesus meant when He talked about doing unto the least of these and laying up your treasure in heaven. I am so thankful to God for the impact we were able to make and when every one reaches beyond what they think they can do, miracles happen, people are touched for eternity, and God gets all the glory.

Amen and Amen!!!

Here are a few pics of my precious addy and me at the nursing home. (Ava was sick)