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October 2, 2007

This past week has been packed!

The housing that we thought had found for the family in the motel fell through 2 days before the expected move in day,  but within the same day God provided an even better place!  “You are a miracle worker” was the reaction to God’s handiwork. “God knows what you need” was the response and praise was in order!  It’s been a roller coaster of ups and downs for this couple but over the weekend they settled into their new little place. A delivery was made and they are looking forward to attending church and say “through all this and all you’ve done, we’ve come back to our faith in God”.

How awesome!

A wheelchair was given to a man who is alone and is healing from a car accident. He is on his back 18 hours each day.  There was concern that the wheelchair was going to be too narrow but the man made a comment ” I hope it’s not too big so it’s easy to get around in” before this concern was mentioned!  It turned out to be a good fit!  

Out of the blue an R&R support crew member asked if we needed a compact refrigerator… this gentleman above had just requested one a few days before! 

 Two other families received moving help within the past week from our delivery crew members. 

One of which needed a washer and dryer. God provided those in a timely fashion! One was even donated and delivered by a stranger!  The other family was moving from a motel. Medical expenses due to a stroke caused them to lose their place and start over. It was so much fun to see how God pulls things together. The items given to this family came from more than 8 different families. The storage space is such a blessing for this ministry!  And how things even coordinate is unreal…

“Everything goes together…like it was coordinated or planned!” said a swimmer after setting up their place.

“You have no idea how much this means to me”… quote from the newest R&R swimmer family.

They were searching for housing and R&R began helping in the search. A solution was found within a few days and the fit is amazing!  This couple plans to attend church soon also! Renewing wedding vows were mentioned too. 

The women’s support group/bible study is currently consisting of women from our church and is having impact. God knows who needs to be there and letting go of the original idea of R&R swimmers attending for support is not an idea that has come to an end, instead we have to wait and see what God will do with the people who are coming. After all, we are all swimmers. Some of us have more struggles then others…

Please pray for one of our R&R friends who was in a car accident a few days ago and now is having chest pain.  The car was totaled and was much more valuable to him than it is worth. He delivered pizza as one of his jobs.  Please pray for his health and that his future will come together again. He had come so far!

The Lord is good. Please pray for this ministry. Thank you! 

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September 20, 2007

The past few days have been busy with God’s goodness.

God has provided housing for a R&R family!  They will be moving early next week. In the meantime, a local food shelf is helping with their motel bill up until they move! This is the couple that was temporarily living in their car a few weeks ago. “We don’t know what we would have done without your help! Thank you SO much!” Today the male is interviewing for a permanent job, currently he is doing temp work.  Household items are being collected for the move.

A woman with no resources to make the rest of her move happen, received help moving her heavy furniture items a few days ago. There was so much relief in her voice as she said, “God bless you!”. Her deadline was today.

A boy at a local shelter received pants for school. He was still wearing shorts.   

Two children will be receiving winter clothing this week.

A woman who graduated from Teen Challenge will be receiving winter clothing. She walks a mile and a half to school and doesn’t have a coat or boots. Last year she wore two sweatshirts for her coat!

A woman received business attire for job interviewing. When she said she didn’t know what she was going to wear to interview, we checked storage and just “happened” to have 4 suits in her size! “Blessings to you! Someday I’ll return them to you. I didn’t expect this at all. I have to do something for myself now and get back together.”

Two other families will be helped with moving next week. One has nothing but God has provided a housing solution for them that is larger and cheaper than their last place. The mother is recovering from a stroke with a baby on the way! Household items will be delivered to them from R&R supporters.  The other is starting over after a horrific relationship. She had no resources for helping with the move- this help will be a huge stress reliever- keeping  her possessions will keep normalcy for her children. 

Yesterday, one of our social worker connections called and R&R was asked if we had 2 beds for a local family. Sure enough, we’ll be able to help.  “Amazing! You are such a great help, I’ll let the family know.”  This will be another delivery done in the near future.

After meeting with a case worker at a local food shelf, I am realizing how the church needs to lift them up in prayer!  Last year they had 8-10 new financial cases per year. Last week alone, they had 20!  The numbers have gone up 190% she said.  Please pray for the workers who are overworked and underpaid!  May God encourage them in what they do and give them discernment with their clients. 

Wow. Please keep this ministry in prayer. Lives are being impacted through people like you. God can use “ordinary” people!

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September 10, 2007

Unfortunately, we had to “let go” two of our R&R swimmers during the past week. Both were told the truth in love and released from our help. Although a very sad thing, we pray that God will use the time we had to show them God’s love will motivate a change to be more responsible in their choices for their futures. Both are very appreciative of R&R and are further along because of the ministry.

The new swimmer with cancer and the new Life Preserver went out together yesterday and had a ball. The Life Preserver said she is so thankful for this opportunity to give to someone else and is really excited to befriend her.

The couple that was living in their car is now in a motel through Friday because of R&R support crew members who have given financially to the ministry. The motel manager gave us a discounted rate too. Praise God. We are searching for an affordable apartment now. They were so thankful to get the news from the motel manager after losing all hope to move forward.  Right now we are gathering household items so they are ready for a move within the next few weeks.

A R&R 3 yr old was given a donated Barbie bike with training wheels yesterday. “Mine?” she said with a smile. She took off the safety pads on the bars and said.”Pretty! Shiny!” She had to expose the glittery parts. She got on the bike (only in her underwear) and took off down the sidewalk happily as can be!  This little blessing may be more work for her mother, but what a joy to see a child’s delight and a positive outlet for an active little girl.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement as we serve. May God be praised for the work He has done. 

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