NEW YEAR... NEW FOCUS... NEW ADVENTURES

WOW! I cannot believe we have gone through 2011... 2012 even sounds funny to me!... What a year 2011 was... for so many... Central Florida has seen a record number in unemployment and homeless families... so many folks without the bare necessities...

We are so fortunate to have a roof over our heads, clothes (more than we need... I'm working on that), and food in the pantry and the frig (cleaning both out though)... It is such a joy to be able to help others by sharing what we have... it is our responsibility as Christians to take care of each other, to the extent we are able...

We are praying for work and good health in the new year and a closer walk with our Lord whose timing is so perfect... Steve (hubby) was laid off the end of October from the only job/company he's ever worked for (41 years). There was just no work for his department... I am really surprised he was not laid off earlier... even back in 2010 'cause work was so slow. However, God in His perfect timing, saw fit for the layoff to come one month after he became eligible to start receiving his Social Security benefits! Praise the Lord! Not something he had planned on, but we were very thankful to have that option.

We are both keeping busy with volunteering and helping out our older daughter with the kids when needed.

Our church's focus in 2011 was "A Passion for God" and for 2012, it is "A Passion for People" which I believe we got a headstart on last year (read posts below about LOVE Orlando campaign)...

I pray you all have a wonderful new year full of spiritual growth, the joy of serving others, and a new awareness of those in need around you. Pray that God will use your talents to bless others as we encourage one another through this recession... we continue to take much comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone in this, and we know Who is in charge and Who wins in the end... can I get an Amen?!

Blessings!
~Kathy

LOVE ORLANDO - do you know about this?!

LOVE ORLANDO is a movement started by First Baptist Orlando, to serve the community and show God’s love to others. Over $5.6 million was pledged on one weekend to help restore hope to those families that are broken... meeting their basic needs is just the beginning.

So far, the church has partnered with 11 Orlando-based nonprofits and distributed about $1.8 million in grant awards under the Love Orlando banner. The ministry is committed to funding long-term and foundational programs that demonstrate proven results in moving families to self-sustainability.

The church hopes to continue to identify partner ministries/organizations in Central Florida to be a part of this Love Orlando initiative. Rather than simply distribute funding, Love Orlando will partner with local, nonprofit organizations to address a range of issues, from homeless prevention to food for impoverished elementary-school kids to transitional housing.

How LOVE ORLANDO came about...

Some of you know of the 60 Minutes "Hard Times Generation" segment that aired earlier this year... Bruce Wilkinson (author of The Prayer of Jabez) was scheduled as a guest speaker at our church about a week after that segment aired... Well... he came to Orlando and challenged us (First Baptist/Orlando congregation) to do something about the "new homeless" in Central Florida... our church's response was pledges totaling more than $5.6 million (to be given by the end of this year) -- specifically to address this situation and help families that so desperately need hope... so I was a little surprised to watch this second segment which aired in November...

60 Minutes: Hard Times Generation
Scott Pelley from CBS’ 60 Minutes program presented a follow up segment to the eye-opening “Hard Times Generation” piece that aired eight months ago. Both stories detailed the plight of homeless families with children, living in Central Florida. Click here to watch the program if you missed it when it aired on November 27th (and the response from the Second Harvest Food Bank). 

I would like to challenge you to find a non-profit, charity, faith-based organization, etc... and make a donation... it's pretty easy to see what's truly important after watching these segments... feeding, clothing, and providing shelter for families who are struggling to find hope... or buying another video game for a child or grandchild who really doesn't need it... find the charity or cause that ignites your passion and do something to make a difference for those around you!
Blessings!