If you can make it, I'd love to see you at New Covenant Church of God (formerly Ephrata Church of God) in Ephrata, PA, this Saturday evening. Pastor Ted Stricker has agreed to have me come speak about Orphan Relief and Rescue and the amazing work being done in Liberia.
The address is 111 E. Chestnut Street, and the service starts at 6:30 pm. I sure hope to see you there; a familiar face or two is always helpful!
(Also, if you're interested in hosting an event or having me come speak, please get in touch with me and let me know. I'd love to be able to share with you!)
faith+hope+love in Liberia, West Africa
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
new email address.
After a few days and some help from the technologically savvy, I've finally got my ORR email account set up!
elena@orphanreliefandrescue.org
Yay! =)
elena@orphanreliefandrescue.org
Yay! =)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
wanna help?
As some of you know, Saul Coronado (a man from my church) has volunteered to prepare a dinner for a fundraising event. (More to come on that later ... but be sure to mark your calendars for September 13th!)
Right now, I'm looking for people who would like to volunteer help sell tickets. If you think you'd be able to help me out, please get in touch with me & let me know how many tickets you'll be needing. And THANK YOU in advance!
Right now, I'm looking for people who would like to volunteer help sell tickets. If you think you'd be able to help me out, please get in touch with me & let me know how many tickets you'll be needing. And THANK YOU in advance!
Monday, August 17, 2009
unexpected blessing!
As I pulled into the parking lot at work this morning, I was greeted by two of the girls in my class at the summer camp. Each was holding a large, bright gift bag and wearing a large, bright smile.
"What's this?" I asked.
"It's for you!" they replied.
Peering in, I saw that the bags were filled (and I mean filled) with things like shampoo, toothpaste, pens, hair elastics, deodorant - all in bulk.
"It's for when you go back to Africa," the older one explained.
My heart skipped a beat. What a wonderful, unexpected blessing!
I want to take the time to thank that family for their love and generosity. The "little" things -- like a bottle of shampoo or tube of toothpaste -- go such a long way. Your giving has blessed me incredibly.
So THANK YOU!
"What's this?" I asked.
"It's for you!" they replied.
Peering in, I saw that the bags were filled (and I mean filled) with things like shampoo, toothpaste, pens, hair elastics, deodorant - all in bulk.
"It's for when you go back to Africa," the older one explained.
My heart skipped a beat. What a wonderful, unexpected blessing!
I want to take the time to thank that family for their love and generosity. The "little" things -- like a bottle of shampoo or tube of toothpaste -- go such a long way. Your giving has blessed me incredibly.
So THANK YOU!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
merci! gracias! THANK YOU.
Last night was the benefit concert at Hope of the Nations. Only one word can describe it: INCREDIBLE. How beautiful it was to be able to share my story and the story of what God is doing in Liberia, in the lives of those precious children that live there. I am immeasurably blessed to have had that opportunity.
Thank you so very much to all of you who came out & showed your love and support. And thankyouthankyouTHANKYOU to everyone who helped put this whole thing together! I've said it a million times, but it's true - there's no way I can do any of this without you. Thank you, Jewels, for birthing this event - love you times a million! Thank you to those who decorated (Mary, you're awesome!) Thank you to everyone who baked all the yummy desserts (and thank you, Cordie, for taking care of planning that!) Thank you, Callowhill Cafe, for donating the coffee. Thank you, Al & Donny, for doing the sound and A/V. Thank you, Bala and Laly, for being my creative geniuses. :) And thank you, Gustavo and Twila, for being not only my pastors but my dear, precious friends. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for caring about the things that make my heart cry.
And finally, thank you so incredibly much to everyone who gave. The offering last night totaled over $1,500! (And that's not even counting any proceeds from Jewels' merchandise or donations from my monthly sponsors.) God is so amazingly faithful! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that last night was just the beginning of something special in my life, in the life of my church (just like you said, Twila!) and in the lives of all of you who have joined me on this journey.
Much, much love to each and every one of you.
xo
Thank you so very much to all of you who came out & showed your love and support. And thankyouthankyouTHANKYOU to everyone who helped put this whole thing together! I've said it a million times, but it's true - there's no way I can do any of this without you. Thank you, Jewels, for birthing this event - love you times a million! Thank you to those who decorated (Mary, you're awesome!) Thank you to everyone who baked all the yummy desserts (and thank you, Cordie, for taking care of planning that!) Thank you, Callowhill Cafe, for donating the coffee. Thank you, Al & Donny, for doing the sound and A/V. Thank you, Bala and Laly, for being my creative geniuses. :) And thank you, Gustavo and Twila, for being not only my pastors but my dear, precious friends. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for caring about the things that make my heart cry.
And finally, thank you so incredibly much to everyone who gave. The offering last night totaled over $1,500! (And that's not even counting any proceeds from Jewels' merchandise or donations from my monthly sponsors.) God is so amazingly faithful! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that last night was just the beginning of something special in my life, in the life of my church (just like you said, Twila!) and in the lives of all of you who have joined me on this journey.
Much, much love to each and every one of you.
xo
Thursday, May 21, 2009
save the date(s)!
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord."
(Jeremiah 29:11)
(Jeremiah 29:11)
This has always been one of my favorite scriptures because it reminds me of God's loving care for me, of His good intentions towards me and that His plans for my life are always, always good.
I can't lie; the last few weeks have left me a bit unsettled about Liberia, and doubt has reared its ugly head more than once. 'Are you sure, God?' 'Is this really the plan, God?' 'God, if this is You, why aren't all the pieces fitting together the way that I think they should?'
God's answer?
Jeremiah 29:11.
God's plan for me does indeed include Liberia. That much I'm sure of. Despite the question marks, this waiting game and the several disappointments I've endured on this journey, God is continually reminding me that HE knows the plan. (In other words, I don't have to.) Furthermore, He is reminding me that His plans are abundantly good - and that I can rest in that.
So for those of you in the Reading area, I hope you can make it to Hope of the Nations on May 31st (service starts at 10) to hear me speak about my heart for Liberia and my hopes, goals and visions for my upcoming return.
(Also, there will be a benefit concert on July 31st at Hope of the Nations, and I'll be speaking at that as well. Stay posted for more info!)
Finally, please know that your prayers are always needed and appreciated, and that they are so, so precious to me. Thank you all and much love to every one of you.
I can't lie; the last few weeks have left me a bit unsettled about Liberia, and doubt has reared its ugly head more than once. 'Are you sure, God?' 'Is this really the plan, God?' 'God, if this is You, why aren't all the pieces fitting together the way that I think they should?'
God's answer?
Jeremiah 29:11.
God's plan for me does indeed include Liberia. That much I'm sure of. Despite the question marks, this waiting game and the several disappointments I've endured on this journey, God is continually reminding me that HE knows the plan. (In other words, I don't have to.) Furthermore, He is reminding me that His plans are abundantly good - and that I can rest in that.
So for those of you in the Reading area, I hope you can make it to Hope of the Nations on May 31st (service starts at 10) to hear me speak about my heart for Liberia and my hopes, goals and visions for my upcoming return.
(Also, there will be a benefit concert on July 31st at Hope of the Nations, and I'll be speaking at that as well. Stay posted for more info!)
Finally, please know that your prayers are always needed and appreciated, and that they are so, so precious to me. Thank you all and much love to every one of you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)