A year ago the unemployment rate was on the rise. It was 6.1% and we thought that was high. Today it is 11% and jobs are much harder to find. Christian HELP's client count has gone up dramatically from 30-50 people a day to an average of 80 a day now. The needs in the community are so great. We cannot do this alone.
We have our annual Harvest of Hope fundraiser coming up October 22nd at First Baptist Winter Park from 11:30 AM-1 PM. This event helps Christian HELP to continue to provide much needed services to the communtity. When others are shrinking, we are expanding both locations and services. We have been tremendously blessed by God with food to meet the needs and He keeps showing us that He really is in our day to day lives.
If you are able, we would love to have you be a table captain and invite your friends, church group, or business associates to join you. Each table seats 8. Please e-mail or call Jackie 407-834-4022 or by e-mail at jackie@christianhelp.org if you would like more information.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday @ Christian HELP
We had a staff meeting on Monday and as we talked around the table it was easy to be discouraged that there is not an abundance of jobs out there for our clients. People are getting jobs, but with employment now at 10.8% it is harder to find a job and the process takes longer.
Jackie, our Development Director asked for stories of what we are doing and helped us to see the positives in our day to day interactions with clients.
Kristy, our Operations Director highlighted some of the clients we saw in just one day- here are the excerpts:
Tuesday was a very busy day at CH. We had approx 72 clients walk in the door. Of those 67 were fed. (The number is much higher when you include all the family members)
Northland referred a mom and her son here for food—as the boy sat in the chair waiting while the mom was interviewed he said he was hungry. They were sent to the food pantry.
A woman who lost her job last week and whose husband is disabled were going to have their water shut off. The bill was paid and she was given job leads.*
Another client received help in paying for the state exam so that she could take the test to become a medical assistant.*
An elderly man who receives social security is living in his car with no air conditioning, was given food and the names of 2 shelters. He has a heart condition.
Another gentleman, who was in a terrible accident and has had 15 surgeries in 4 yrs, received food because his disability check just won’t cover everything. He has 3 kids—2 are joining the Army and the other is a full-time college student. He works when he can.
Most received prayer—all received a listening ear.
It’s a great deal more than job leads.
* Financial assistance is given as the Holy Spirit leads and benevolence funds are available.
These stories are just a sample of the types of people we see every day.
We can't do this alone. If you are not currently supporting Christian HELP, we ask you to pray about your part and let God lead you. Just $60.00 a month can put food on the table for a family of 4. Christian HELP not only feeds the body, but also the soul.
Thank you for your prayers.
Jackie, our Development Director asked for stories of what we are doing and helped us to see the positives in our day to day interactions with clients.
Kristy, our Operations Director highlighted some of the clients we saw in just one day- here are the excerpts:
Tuesday was a very busy day at CH. We had approx 72 clients walk in the door. Of those 67 were fed. (The number is much higher when you include all the family members)
Northland referred a mom and her son here for food—as the boy sat in the chair waiting while the mom was interviewed he said he was hungry. They were sent to the food pantry.
A woman who lost her job last week and whose husband is disabled were going to have their water shut off. The bill was paid and she was given job leads.*
Another client received help in paying for the state exam so that she could take the test to become a medical assistant.*
An elderly man who receives social security is living in his car with no air conditioning, was given food and the names of 2 shelters. He has a heart condition.
Another gentleman, who was in a terrible accident and has had 15 surgeries in 4 yrs, received food because his disability check just won’t cover everything. He has 3 kids—2 are joining the Army and the other is a full-time college student. He works when he can.
Most received prayer—all received a listening ear.
It’s a great deal more than job leads.
* Financial assistance is given as the Holy Spirit leads and benevolence funds are available.
These stories are just a sample of the types of people we see every day.
We can't do this alone. If you are not currently supporting Christian HELP, we ask you to pray about your part and let God lead you. Just $60.00 a month can put food on the table for a family of 4. Christian HELP not only feeds the body, but also the soul.
Thank you for your prayers.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Christmas in July- 2nd Annual Event
Next Friday wil be our 2nd Annual Christmas in July. We hope to see you there. While it is a fundraiser for our Community Christmas program, we also consider it a friend raiser as well. It is a wonderful opportunity for the team at Christian HELP to spend time together socially with each other, with our volunteers, with our supporters, and with our community.
This year we were blessed to get Melony McKaye back as our MC. Melony is the midday host at Z radio and a wonderful part of the Christian HELP Board of Advisors. We also have an up and coming country star, Johnny Bulford, winner of the 2009 Colgate Country showdown. He is a country singer with a wonderful voice and some beautiful songs. The event is FREE, but for a small additional fee we will feed you finger foods and you can meet and rub elbows with Johnny.
DESSERTS that will rock your diet will be on hand. We have a chocolate Fountain and cheesecakes, cupcakes, and cookies galore.
The Silent Auction is available for preview on http://christianhelp.org. We have hotel stays, spa packages, theme park tickets and more.
Best of all it is a family event and KinderCare Learning Centers will provide free childcare for ages 2-10, just let us know you are coming.
We would LOVE to see you there. More details on the Christian HELP site.
May God Bless you as you bless others.
This year we were blessed to get Melony McKaye back as our MC. Melony is the midday host at Z radio and a wonderful part of the Christian HELP Board of Advisors. We also have an up and coming country star, Johnny Bulford, winner of the 2009 Colgate Country showdown. He is a country singer with a wonderful voice and some beautiful songs. The event is FREE, but for a small additional fee we will feed you finger foods and you can meet and rub elbows with Johnny.
DESSERTS that will rock your diet will be on hand. We have a chocolate Fountain and cheesecakes, cupcakes, and cookies galore.
The Silent Auction is available for preview on http://christianhelp.org. We have hotel stays, spa packages, theme park tickets and more.
Best of all it is a family event and KinderCare Learning Centers will provide free childcare for ages 2-10, just let us know you are coming.
We would LOVE to see you there. More details on the Christian HELP site.
May God Bless you as you bless others.
Monday, June 1, 2009
God's strength
Philipians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
God has been so good to us at Christian HELP. We have seen the need increase tremendously with our clients and He has provided for us every step of the way. We know when we get a big shipment of food, it will be a busy day. Just when we think we are going to run out of something it shows up at our door.
Kristy, our Director of operations asked if we got a microwave for our kidworx yard sale if we could get it for the office. I said yes. That day, we got an e-mail from a lady who said she did not know much about us, but could she donate a microwave. We laughed about it as we said yes.
Many of our Christian HELP family are going through health issues. If it is not us directly, it is a member of our family. Please keep us in your prayers. We want to be able to keep our focus on working for the Lord.
I will be out of the office for at least 2 weeks after my surgery. I cannot even imagine slowing down that much, but I know I have to. I hope to take that time to read my bible and reflect on God's word. I know He is the source of my strength.
I also want to say we have the best staff and volunteers ever. We just finished our yard sale. THANK you for the donations and the help. Some of the z88 team even came to see us. We have our employment seminar next week. WESH has signed on as a sponsor- very exciting! And of course, Christmas in July is coming featuring Johnny Bulford and Melony Mckaye. Buy your tickets today and spend a wonderful time with us!
Without God and without your prayers, we would not be able to fight the fight. I am so blessed to know that He is with us all the time.
God has been so good to us at Christian HELP. We have seen the need increase tremendously with our clients and He has provided for us every step of the way. We know when we get a big shipment of food, it will be a busy day. Just when we think we are going to run out of something it shows up at our door.
Kristy, our Director of operations asked if we got a microwave for our kidworx yard sale if we could get it for the office. I said yes. That day, we got an e-mail from a lady who said she did not know much about us, but could she donate a microwave. We laughed about it as we said yes.
Many of our Christian HELP family are going through health issues. If it is not us directly, it is a member of our family. Please keep us in your prayers. We want to be able to keep our focus on working for the Lord.
I will be out of the office for at least 2 weeks after my surgery. I cannot even imagine slowing down that much, but I know I have to. I hope to take that time to read my bible and reflect on God's word. I know He is the source of my strength.
I also want to say we have the best staff and volunteers ever. We just finished our yard sale. THANK you for the donations and the help. Some of the z88 team even came to see us. We have our employment seminar next week. WESH has signed on as a sponsor- very exciting! And of course, Christmas in July is coming featuring Johnny Bulford and Melony Mckaye. Buy your tickets today and spend a wonderful time with us!
Without God and without your prayers, we would not be able to fight the fight. I am so blessed to know that He is with us all the time.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Blessings
About 3 weeks ago I woke up one morning with a searing pain in my shoulder and my arm. The trooper that I am, I went to a walk in clinic where I was diagnosed with a muscle spasm, told to put heat on it and given some pills to relax the spasm. A week later I was in the emergency room crying because the pain was so bad. I tell you this not to make you feel bad for me, but just to share the lessons that I have learned.
I am going through some different treatments now for what has found to be 2 herniated disks and a pinched nerve. I am still working full force and trying to put my best game face on. I have learned though that I need to slow down. This has given me time to reflect on what is important to me.
So onto the lessons-
1. If you are blessed by helping others, you have to allow others to bless you by helping you. I can work on 3 projects at a time, but I cannot carry my computer or peel an orange. At first I felt like a burden asking for people to help me with such simple things, but I have found that they really don't mind helping at all, Barbara my assistant KNOWS I need her in order to be able to eat an orange. (I need her for many other things too- she is awesome and keeps me straight). Moral here- allow others to be blessed by helping you.
2. I am behind on everything. I am not used to this. I am very organized and like to have everything done by the time I go to sleep each night. Two times recently, someone has come into my office and said are you busy. The answer both times was overwhelmed and yes. Both times though God laid it on my heart to stop what I was doing and make time for the clients. One was Harry's client- a professional lady doing everything right in her job search. We spent time talking and praying together. I was so blessed to meet her and try to help. The second was today when Gretchen Kerr brought in 2 lovely young ladies who needed some extra special care. I was able to share tips with them, help them with food, and again take time to pray with them. God has still made time for me to get all of the important things done!
How grateful I am that God has slowed me down a little so I can smell the roses. My kids have been amazing in helping me around the house, my co-workers have helped me at every turn. Dick Wilson, our founder took on a grant request with our grant writer and got it pushed out in a couple of days. God is so amazing even in our times of pain, hurt, and despair He is here for us, listening to us, caring for us and loving us.
While I pray for healing for myself and all of the Christian HELP family who are suffering from ailments, I rest on the peace that this is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Please keep us in your prayers, continue to bless others, and allow others to bless you.
I am going through some different treatments now for what has found to be 2 herniated disks and a pinched nerve. I am still working full force and trying to put my best game face on. I have learned though that I need to slow down. This has given me time to reflect on what is important to me.
So onto the lessons-
1. If you are blessed by helping others, you have to allow others to bless you by helping you. I can work on 3 projects at a time, but I cannot carry my computer or peel an orange. At first I felt like a burden asking for people to help me with such simple things, but I have found that they really don't mind helping at all, Barbara my assistant KNOWS I need her in order to be able to eat an orange. (I need her for many other things too- she is awesome and keeps me straight). Moral here- allow others to be blessed by helping you.
2. I am behind on everything. I am not used to this. I am very organized and like to have everything done by the time I go to sleep each night. Two times recently, someone has come into my office and said are you busy. The answer both times was overwhelmed and yes. Both times though God laid it on my heart to stop what I was doing and make time for the clients. One was Harry's client- a professional lady doing everything right in her job search. We spent time talking and praying together. I was so blessed to meet her and try to help. The second was today when Gretchen Kerr brought in 2 lovely young ladies who needed some extra special care. I was able to share tips with them, help them with food, and again take time to pray with them. God has still made time for me to get all of the important things done!
How grateful I am that God has slowed me down a little so I can smell the roses. My kids have been amazing in helping me around the house, my co-workers have helped me at every turn. Dick Wilson, our founder took on a grant request with our grant writer and got it pushed out in a couple of days. God is so amazing even in our times of pain, hurt, and despair He is here for us, listening to us, caring for us and loving us.
While I pray for healing for myself and all of the Christian HELP family who are suffering from ailments, I rest on the peace that this is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Please keep us in your prayers, continue to bless others, and allow others to bless you.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Being a Light
Isaiah 6:8 says Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
It was nearly 3 years ago that Dick Wilson shared his desire to go into semi-retirement. I remember telling God that I wanted to do more for Christian HELP. As a preacher was preaching about Isaiah on the radio, I said to God. "Here am I. Send me!".
As I celebrate my 2nd Anniversary on staff with Christian HELP, I reflect back on that day. I had a strong desire in my heart to help people, to do more, and to do it for God. God answered my prayers in a way that I didn't expect, but I am so blessed that He answered my prayers His way.
Christian HELP is a ministry made up of ordinary people doing God's work. Sometimes people come in and we just don't even know what we can do for them or how to even begin. God has shown us over and over again that He is still on His throne and in control. He can give us the words to say and prayers to pray.
So many people are searching for answers right now as the economy is in shambles. People are coming to us wanting to help. We have more really great volunteers now than ever with a heart to serve. If you are looking for a great place to connect and serve, Christian HELP might be the place for you.
I keep hearing things like I want to do more, God is leading me to Christian HELP, Christian HELP has been on my mind. If God is leading you, listen and respond.
An acquaintance of mine said that when he was looking for a new job, he started praying for God to send him where He is active. I am so blessed to be able to say that God is active at Christian HELP. Dick and Madge Wilson always put God first, and that legacy lives on.
We are called to be the salt and the light in the world. This past Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the celebration of life for a local Pastor's wife who has gone on into eternity. Her strongest desire through her life and her battle with the illness that took her life was to be a light. She said that when she died she wanted to have no spiritual regrets.
Christian HELP is a light in the darkness to many who are searching. People who are experiencing job loss, financial crisis and hunger both physically and spiritually grace our doors. We have an opportunity to listen to them, help them, and minister to them. Won't you share in this?
This year is very challenging for us financially. Because of the economy, our job fair revenue is down. We need your help. We need your prayers, your talents, and if you are able, your treasures. We have matching dollars that extend through April. It is my prayer that you will be a light for Christian HELP by helping us help others.
Thank you.
It was nearly 3 years ago that Dick Wilson shared his desire to go into semi-retirement. I remember telling God that I wanted to do more for Christian HELP. As a preacher was preaching about Isaiah on the radio, I said to God. "Here am I. Send me!".
As I celebrate my 2nd Anniversary on staff with Christian HELP, I reflect back on that day. I had a strong desire in my heart to help people, to do more, and to do it for God. God answered my prayers in a way that I didn't expect, but I am so blessed that He answered my prayers His way.
Christian HELP is a ministry made up of ordinary people doing God's work. Sometimes people come in and we just don't even know what we can do for them or how to even begin. God has shown us over and over again that He is still on His throne and in control. He can give us the words to say and prayers to pray.
So many people are searching for answers right now as the economy is in shambles. People are coming to us wanting to help. We have more really great volunteers now than ever with a heart to serve. If you are looking for a great place to connect and serve, Christian HELP might be the place for you.
I keep hearing things like I want to do more, God is leading me to Christian HELP, Christian HELP has been on my mind. If God is leading you, listen and respond.
An acquaintance of mine said that when he was looking for a new job, he started praying for God to send him where He is active. I am so blessed to be able to say that God is active at Christian HELP. Dick and Madge Wilson always put God first, and that legacy lives on.
We are called to be the salt and the light in the world. This past Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the celebration of life for a local Pastor's wife who has gone on into eternity. Her strongest desire through her life and her battle with the illness that took her life was to be a light. She said that when she died she wanted to have no spiritual regrets.
Christian HELP is a light in the darkness to many who are searching. People who are experiencing job loss, financial crisis and hunger both physically and spiritually grace our doors. We have an opportunity to listen to them, help them, and minister to them. Won't you share in this?
This year is very challenging for us financially. Because of the economy, our job fair revenue is down. We need your help. We need your prayers, your talents, and if you are able, your treasures. We have matching dollars that extend through April. It is my prayer that you will be a light for Christian HELP by helping us help others.
Thank you.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Double Your Impact
Unemployment is at 8.9 % in Central Florida. All I can say is WOW. You can get so wrapped up in the numbers- unemployment is up, the dow is down and everything else is spinning around like a tornado our of control.
The blessing is that in the midst of the storm some things get better. Customer Service is better now than it has been in a long time, new ideas and ways of doing business are cropping up, and people are learning what is really important to them.
At Christian HELP we provide employment counseling, but we do so much more. We are able to help with immediate food needs, and also able to provide hope. Our God is so big and so amazing that he can turn any situation into a blessing.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose . Romans 8:28
Many people are looking for ways to get more involved in their community. Some are volunteering, and some are helping financially and with in-kind gifts. For Christian HELP, in March and April, we are able to make your dollars go even further with matching funds. We have several generous donors, Charity Challenge, and the Feinstein Foundation matching the funds we receive during this time.
As we face the downturn of the economy and the fall of our job fair revenues due to less hiring, we pray that you will stand with us financially and prayerfully. You can donate online through the widget on the blog, through paypal at http://christianhelp.org or by check to 450 Seminola Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707.
We appreciate your generosity.
The blessing is that in the midst of the storm some things get better. Customer Service is better now than it has been in a long time, new ideas and ways of doing business are cropping up, and people are learning what is really important to them.
At Christian HELP we provide employment counseling, but we do so much more. We are able to help with immediate food needs, and also able to provide hope. Our God is so big and so amazing that he can turn any situation into a blessing.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose . Romans 8:28
Many people are looking for ways to get more involved in their community. Some are volunteering, and some are helping financially and with in-kind gifts. For Christian HELP, in March and April, we are able to make your dollars go even further with matching funds. We have several generous donors, Charity Challenge, and the Feinstein Foundation matching the funds we receive during this time.
As we face the downturn of the economy and the fall of our job fair revenues due to less hiring, we pray that you will stand with us financially and prayerfully. You can donate online through the widget on the blog, through paypal at http://christianhelp.org or by check to 450 Seminola Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707.
We appreciate your generosity.
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