Happy New Year!

What a beautiful end to 2009.  A dozen families were delivered help at Christmas and what a blessing to hear the stories of both the receiver and the giver.  "It is more blessed to give than receive". 

We know this New Year will bring us many new families to connect with and see how God can use something small to do something big.

"Rock On! I'm ... overwhelmed.  Can you take a picture of me with this?"

"Do you remember the story of Jesus and the fish? How he had just a little bit and he multiplied it to feed many?  That's what happened to us reminded me of.  The food that was given to us at Christmas was enough to feed our whole family at Christmas!  It was a wonderful Christmas. I wanted to tell you that I recommitted my life to the Lord too!"  

"I was just sitting here wondering what I was going to do. It's my birthday today and I was awake all night. Yesterday I was told that I got laid off.  God is so good!  Now I can sit somewhere other than my bed and sit at a table to eat!"

These are just a few of the quotes heard because people stepped outside of their world to reach another.

Thank you for contributing to Reach & Restore! 

Greetings!

Needs are big out there. I heard that there were 143 calls for Christmas help after the local program had its' cut off date for toy help.  We've talked to parents who are in tears this year because they have been unemployed and can't give anything to their kids for Christmas.  

We want to thank a group at Xcel Energy and Mohagen Hansen Architectural Group for adopting some of our R&R families for the holidays.  Deliveries are being made and it is a joy to see the blessings take place!

We are still praying for financial support to move ahead with the clothing closet/space expansion. Our first official newsletter went out this week. Please let us know if you did not receive one and would like one mailed to you.

As the Christmas Season is well under way, added activities and obligations mount.  Many talk of their pressure to get it all done and are to the point where they are looking forward to having it over.  As I ponder this reality it saddens me.  I pray that we can intentionally stop and be "still and know He is God".  Then CELEBRATE HIM intentionally for what He IS and came here for.

Merry Christmas!

Ronda Oliver

Director

Recent Activity:

Woman received transportation to a court appointment which ended up clearing a ticket and potentially may be refunded to her. Without the ride, she would have faced many future issues.

A woman who's daughter died during childbirth and now has taken in her three grandkids received a crib, baby items,  and other items to help her care for the children. Soon we will be bringing her beds for the other kids.

A woman who recently got out of prison received clothing so she can go back to school.

A family who was coming out of a shelter got assistance transporting their only items from a storage unit to their new and empty apartment. 

A woman leaving a battered women's shelter needed a suitcase to leave MN with her two children to live with her family. 

A man living in a pay by week place due to fleeing an abusive relationship received basic household items as he tries to pull his life together. 

Four soon to be mothers who don't have resources received basic baby gear like strollers, cribs, blankets etc.

Others not listed here have also been connected with R&R through deliveries recently-  Lives are being impacted by your generousity and they are seeing Jesus in the eyes of R&R volunteers.  All things point to Him who is our reason for reaching our community.

More people willing to connect with "R&R swimmers" are needed.   Praise God for the many provisions and lovely connections made!

Reach & Restore, Inc. announces it's first cookbook which is HOT off the press!

All proceeds will directly support the work of R&R.  This book contains 250 wonderful recipes that have been collected from R&R family and friends and kitchen tips that are very handy. It has a spiral binding and laminated cover for better wear and will make a fabulous gift for many!  Treat yourself and purchase one today.

Single copies are $14 each and Multiple copies are $12 each.  

Cookbooks can be purchased through the office of Ridgewood Church, Minnetonka (952-474-0858) or by calling 952-933-1393.

Our last offer on clothing closet space was not accepted as is. Please continue to pray for a miracle as we know that there is a need and a solution waiting for us out there.

Multiple families are being assisted this month with basic needs. If you are interested in joining the R&R crew we would love to speak to you!  God is using us to share His message during difficult situations.   

" We just got here two days ago after driving for two weeks. Our car broke down along the way and we had to spend all of our money on motel rooms and food.The job market is better here and I hope to find work after being unemployed for months down south."  This family was assisted with basic needs and will receive help getting connected in the area.

Next month an article will be published in the Christian Chronicle about this ministry! We are grateful and excited to read it.