**URGENT UPDATE, WE ONLY NEED $129 MORE ~ PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING

JUST CLICK ON CHIPIN LINK BELOW!!**

I just wanted to update everyone on Fred and Irene and their 5 grandchildren. I have received many text, emails, and phone calls about this family over the last week. Many of you, after dropping off the meal, and seeing the small hotel they are living in are overcome with emotions. My heart is very heavy tonight for them. I am sad as I think these children are on springbreak and confined to a tiny hotel room. I have prayed and fasted pretty much all weekend about this family as how God would have us help them and encourage them. I just look at my 4 youngest children who have ADHD and think how could I possibly confine my kids in a one-bedroom hotel room for 45 days. I am much younger than Fred and Irene so imagine how they are feeling. Tonight I received a text that when the food was dropped off, Frank just appeared very sad. It broke my heart. I am not sure exactly what we can do, but this is what I have come up with. I know this is short notice, but I just feel God is saying “you need to do something” so with that, I cannot do it alone and am coming to all of you.

I am trying to raise $900 for them. I am using Chipin where you can make donations via paypal (so yes, secure). I am trying to raise $900 because as you all know PayPal does charge a small processing fee. This money will go through our nonprofit PayPal Account www.miraclechristmas.com. I am asking EVERYONE OF YOU TO donate $1-$10 or whatever you can afford.   No donation is too LARGE OR TOO SMALL!! With the money we collect, I was going to see if they want to spend next week at the Great Wolfe Lodge in Sandusky. Irene told me early on that the kids LOVE to swim and I thought Fred and Irene could pick the kids up from school next Friday, 4/20 and spend Friday and Saturday night at the Great Wolfe Lodge with the kids!! The kids would be able to run around, swim, and enjoy themselves and Frank and Irene, I think, would be more relaxed knowing the kids were having a ton of fun. I know this is a big thing to ask of everyone, but please prayfully consider this. We have over 8000 fans on the page and if EVERY single person got involved, we could give them a GREAT GIFT, A FREE GIFT, just like Jesus is. . NO STRINGS ATTACHED. Please feel free to share the Chipin page with ALL your friends and/or family!! Let’s get EVERYONE involved. This is such an easy way to be the hands and feet of Jesus in such a tangible way.

Thanks for considering!!

GOD IS GOOD. . . ALL THE TIME!!

**WE NEED YOUR HELP ON EASTER SUNDAY!!**

**UPDATE TO SERVING**

**Unfortunately, at this point we have had nobody come forward that is willing to donate their facility to serve the families on Easter Sunday. I am checking to see if we are able to just make them meals and deliver to them. I am very sad as I thought this would be a wonderful way to show them how much we care on Easter and that we are NOT too busy to celebrate with them. I am believing God must have other plans!! I will keep you all updated if we are able to make each family a meal and deliver to them. Remember most families are displaced and in a hotel room so do not even have access to a stove, etc. . Please continue to pray for all families involved.**

Okay so most of you know about the tragedy that struck our community. There are 22 families displaced and put up in hotels. My heart is very heavy for these families and I feel we need to do more. Easter is a little over one week away and I just cannot feel good about celebrating Resurrection Sunday with my family knowing some of these families have nothing, including no family to celebrate with and knowing they are staying in a hotel so most likely will not have the privilege of having a nice Easter dinner. I am making a plea to our community to help me pull this off. My family cannot do it alone we need your help. . please don’t wait for someone else to step up. . we all need to join together!!

**Before we can proceed we need a facility, banquet hall, church, legion hall, etc to step up and let us use their facility to serve the families and cook.**

Once we get that then we will need the following:
Full fixings to serve over 100 people (I will make a specific list once the facility is named)
Servers – we will serve buffet style (20-30 people)
Drinks
Easter baskets for each child (40 children)
Or Monetary donations to get the above-needed items.

If you are interested please contact me at crothers8@aol.com.

This is such a cool way to be the TRUE HANDS AND FEET OF JESUS. . We can do it if everyone gets involved!!

GOD IS GOOD. . . ALL THE TIME!!

**URGENT UPDATE**

Our community suffered great tragedy yesterday. . there was yet another fire at Hidden Cedars Condominiums in Springfield Twp and sadly two people died. Many of the families that survived did not have renter’s insurance, thus meaning they have lost everything, but PRAISE GOD they are still alive. Sadly, a significant amount of families are currently displaced.

You can go here to get all the current information about the fire at Hidden Cedars Condominiums!

I stopped in to Timberlake Church today to get an update on needs, etc. The thing that struck me first was the instant love that you felt when you entered.  Many were there sorting through items and many just waiting for people in need to come to get help!!  My heart was so excited when I saw this.  This is truly being the hands and feet of Jesus and serving our brothers and sisters!!  I was able to meet Pastor Ed who I might add is a wonderful man of Christ. 

Here are the most URGENT NEEDS:

**NO MORE ADULT CLOTHING NEEDED**

Pillows – new please (these are frequently at Target for only $2.50)
Garbage bags – both large (black bags) and tall kitchen bags
Detergent – they only had a few bottles, please consider donating these
Blankets
Spring coats – all sizes
New socks
New underwear
School supplies and book bags.  The children have lost everything so this is a tremendous need!!

Also, please remember you can donate gift cards if you are from out of state.  No donation is too small or too large.  If we all did something “small” the end result is “huge”.  Let’s all count our blessings today and be a blessing to someone else. . . all for the glory of God!! 

Please send all donations to:
Timberlake Church
1007 S. McCord Road
Holland, OH 43528

Please contact Trina at trinawooldridge@gmail.com with any questions. My prayer is that everyone would get involved!!

I was contacted by Timberlake Church today asking for help. Timberlake Church was contacted by the Springfield High School that has 20 children displaced.. . that is just the high school so imagine how many children are displaced in the middle school and elementary school. It is so very sad and overwhelming for these families, but we can give them HOPE and help in such a tangible way. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus. We can stand in the gap as they are going through their struggles.

Below is what the church is requesting from us:

Hygienic care packages for both men and women, children, etc. including but not limited to:
Toothbrushes
Toothpastes
Deodorant
Shampoo
Floss
Feminine hygienic products
Razors
Bar soap
Hand sanitizer/soap

In addition to the hygienic items, school supplies would be greatly appreciated. REMEMBER These families lost EVERYTHING. Below are some school supplies that they could use:

Bookbags
Pencils
Colored pencils
Crayons
Notebooks
Notebook paper
Pens
Scissors, etc. If it is something that can be used at school they are in need of it.

Also, gift cards would be greatly appreciated. Gift cards to gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, etc.

Please prayfully consider helping. Remember no donation is too small, if we all did something “small” the end result is “huge” and this is a great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

GOD IS GOOD. . . ALL THE TIME!!

Okay, I have been contacted by the Lake Local Schools as they had a tragedy at their school. One of the families that attends their school had a house fire yesterday and lost everything. The fire was caused by a space heater. The story is very sad. Grandma and grandpa are raising their 5 grandchildren and they are an older couple. They lost EVERYTHING except what they were wearing yesterday. This story breaks my heart. As the grandparents should be enjoying their retirement they have stepped up to raise their 5 young grandchildren. Their needs are great, but I know we serve a mighty God that ALWAYS provides. I am praying that you all get involved in some way.

I have spoken to both the superintendent as well as the principal and here are the IMMEDIATE needs as of tonight. . Please note more will be added as the needs come in. . Please also note if you are not local that you could send gift cards or care packages or even cards to encourage this family. This is a very difficult time.

CLOTHING NEEDS:
Boy – age 1
Size 24 months
Shoe size 7

Girl age 4
Clothing sizes 5/6
Shoes size 10

Boy – 3rd grade
Clothing size 8 pants and shirt
Size 5 shoes

Girl – 3rd grade
Clothing size 12 pants and shirts
Shoes size 8

Boy – 4th grade
Clothing size 10 pants and shirt
Shoes size 5 ½

Grandma – Irene
Size large elastic pants
Shirt 3x
Shoes size 8

Grandpa – Fred
Pants size 38 x 32
Shirts 3x
Shoes size 11

Hygienic and food items are also GREATLY NEEDED!! This is a time that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus in such a tangible way. I pray that you will ALL consider donating to this family. Remember no donation is too small. . if we all did something “small” the end result is “huge”. Let’s show this family the love of Christ!!

All donations can be sent to:
Dolores, principal
Walbridge Elementary School
200 E. Union Street
Walbridge, OH 43465

GOD IS GOOD. . . ALL THE TIME!! 

Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus!!

**WE HAVE ADDED SEVERAL ADDITIONAL PLACES THAT YOU CAN MAIL ITEMS TOO**

As most of you know many states where hit by devastating tornadoes. I have received 100s of e-mails asking if we (couponers) would be able to help in some way. Most of the contacts I have had today state specifically they NO longer need clothing. They have more than enough of that.

Here is a picture sent to me from Desiree Hunt, she lives in the community and this is a picture of her school!

Here are the greatest needs:
Usable tarps
Work gloves (heavy duty ones)
Flashlights
Towels
Laundry detergent
Hand sanitizer
All cleaning items
Dry foods – canned goods
Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, kleenexs)
Baby products (diapers, wipes, Desitin, lotion, etc)
Personal Care items

I would highly recommend putting the following items in gallon-size Ziploc baggies (care packages):
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Shampoo
Razors
Dental floss
Bar soap
Feminine products for women.

Also you could make up some for smaller children and include a coloring book and crayons or be creative.

Due to the restrictions getting in to help, we will need to send the items directly to them – As I get additional addresses I will update this post or if you are aware of other places that items can be donated, please advise:

St. Francis Xavier Church
101 North Ferguson Street
Henryville, Indiana 47126

Bethel Baptist Church
15107 U.S. 31
Memphis, Indiana 47143

Plum Creek Christian Church
961 Nagel Road
Butler, KY 41006

Campbell County Neighborhood Center
437 West Ninth Street
Newport, KY 41071

Kenton County Neighborhood Center
315 East 15th Street
Covington, KY 41011

Lifeline Ministries – Urgent need for non-perishable food donations
4115 Dixie Highway
Elsmere, KY 41018

This church will mainly be helping the victims of Henryville, IN (over 300 houses destroyed)

This is such a tangible way to be the hands and feet of Jesus and stand in the gap as so many others are hurting. I pray that you will all consider stepping up and helping these families. Let’s count our blessings and help others. We never know when we may need the same help!

If you have been following my blog long, you know I am big on giving back. . I challenge everyone every week to donate 5 items. This is such an easy task as so many items I am listing are for FREE items. All you have to do is go pick up the items. We have had an outreach opportunity for a local (Toledo Area) Couple who just delivered twins at 28 weeks (two boys). Mom had been on bed rest and out of work and dad lost his job due to spending too much time at the hospital. I challenged everyone to give back to this family. Stand in the gap for them while they are going through this difficult time. The babies will be in the NICU for several months and they will have the expense of driving back and forth to the hospital as well as food bill, etc. Then on top of that when they get home, imagine how many diapers, baby wipes, baby items they will need. This week in the Loaves and Fishes Project I focused on numerous baby items. Here is a picture of what I was able to get for FREE with the power of Register Rewards. . .

I am beyond thrilled to be able to help this wonderful family in some small way. To find out more about this family GO HERE!! The cool thing is, we can all get involved in some small way. So many say, well I only have $1 to give this family. You know what if 100 people only had $1 that is $100. . .that makes a difference. Yes, $1 can impact a family that is struggling. I know first hand, I lived it. . . Jesus performed a miracle with 5 loaves and 2 fish and he can do the same with our donations. None of us can help everyone, but all of us can help someone, and when we do we serve JESUS!! We can never out give him, but it is so much fun trying!!

I have heard it said, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.” – Greg Laurie

One godly man or woman can make a dramatic difference, even in the darkest of circumstances. Jesus put it this way: “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13 NLT)

Our Lord is telling us that we, like salt, should make a difference in the situations we are in. Just as a little salt can either improve or worsen the flavor of something, a little influence can go a long way.

You might be the only Christian in your family . . . or the only Christian in your workplace . . . or the only Christian in your classroom . . . or the only Christian in your neighborhood. In fact, you may be trying to get out of an uncomfortable situation in which you find yourself.

But you may have been put there by the Lord to be an influence and, in a godly way, to move people in the right direction. God can do a lot with a little ~ YES, EVEN ONE!!

It is the POWER OF ONE. Our lives can make a difference. In Ezekiel 22:30 God says, “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one” (NLT).

God is looking for that ONE who can make his or her mark.

You may be the only Christian whom some people will ever know. The fact is that God can do a lot with a little.

If you don’t believe me, just ask that boy who was willing to share his lunch one day and saw Jesus feed 5,000 people, plus women and children, with his little meal. Or spend some time in the Book of Exodus, where you’ll find the story of one man who lived such a godly life that, for all practical purposes, he kept two-and-a-half million people from turning to full-tilt idolatry. His name was Moses.

God is just looking for one—someone like you, someone like me. Will you be that one person?

Would you be willing to do what you can, where you are, with the influence that God has given you? Never underestimate the power of one.

Don’t think your donations don’t matter or they are only 5 items, such a small thing. The number ONE is a huge number is God’s vocabulary. I pray you all see the impact you can have on our communities . . . ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!!

**WE CAN ALL JOIN TOGETHER AND HAVE A HUGE IMPACT**

Here is such an easy, tangible way to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus!!

One of our fans on Facebook has a dear friend that has been on bed rest for several months due to complications with carrying twins. She obviously has been out of work due to the medical situation and her husband just recently lost his job. She delivered the twins at 28 weeks on Monday and of course both babies are in the NICU. With the FREE Huggies wipe deal at Walgreens, we felt this would be a cool way to flood this family with God’s goodness in their difficult time.

Let’s be the Image of Christ. .here’s how you can help. .

If you are willing to donate please send to Elizabeth, 4864 West Alexis Road, Sylvania Ohio 43560. We all know how much it costs to raise children, but imagine twins when both parents are out of work. We could have a huge impact. Please know your donation does not only have to consist of the wipes, if you have other items, please feel free to send them to Elizabeth and she will get them to the family. Thank you for considering. . remember no donation is too large or too small when we all join together!!  We can make a huge impact. . .all for the glory of God!! Whose in????