Our Newsletter
February,
2012
Dear
Ministry Partners,
This month we want to share another one of the COC success
stories. Jonathan attended our programs starting at four years of age.
He was a regular attender and as he got older he became a helper.
He operated our multimedia booth for several years and was an
excellent helper on the bus, especially on field trips.
We could always count on him to be there and the little kids love
him and follow his direction. We
often refer to him as “our son”.
Jonathan is now attending Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft.
Myers, and is in the RN program of study. He loves the Lord and we see
great things in his future. He
still comes to help at COC when he is in town.
Many of you know that Brenda and I moved to
Brooksville in the past year. There we joined a small country church,
Hillside Community Baptist Church. God has an assignment for us at this
church. Several weeks ago, their children’s outreach director resigned
and Pastor Joe asked us to take over. We agreed to teach the kid’s
church on Thursday evenings. Well, it has been a joy! There are needy
children in this community just like in the Largo/Clearwater area. These
children are hungry… hungry for love, attention, and the gospel.
The children accepted us quickly and are already showing us love.
A young girl (two weeks ago), shared that she did not have a mom or
dad… she is in foster care. Last week I made sure to tell her we love
her and I will be her “dad”. I sat next to her during the lesson and
she lit up! Just this past Thursday, an older boy came to me, gave me a
hug and said, “I love you Mr.
John”. This brought tears to my eyes! We praise God that He has
chosen us to lead these precious children to Him. Brenda brought some
children’s clothing for these children. The clothing was spread out on
chairs and within minutes, the children had taken all the clothing &
had smiles on their faces. We
are teaching the same Kid’s Church lessons as in Largo and are seeing
the same results as the children pray to ask Jesus to be their Saviour.
We shared with the children at COC in Largo that they have
brothers & sisters in Brooksville and how needy the Brooksville kids
are. The COC kids have compassion for the children in Brooksville and we
look forward to challenging them to help in some way.
Could there be combined events in the future?
The programs at COC are going well with the few dedicated
volunteers we have helping us. We are learning about the “full armor
of God” and the children are challenged to learn the verses “Stand
firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the
breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with
the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all
this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the
flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Eph. 6:14-17. We
are all commissioned to minister to these children and for this
reason we need your continual support. Please help His children. Thank
you to the many folks that send continuing gifts!
No gift is too small. The
financial picture at COC is still of concern but we know that our God
will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
We need your help to make this outreach happen.
Quilter’s Luncheon & Auction
Fundraiser: This event will
be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012.
Mark your calendar! Luncheon tickets are $15.00 each. Call Brenda
for tickets at 727-385-1895. The
tables will be decorated by ladies hoping to place 1st, 2nd
or 3rd in the “table decorating contest”.
There are some beautiful quilts to be auctioned, with goodies on
sale in the boutique and a wonderful luncheon!!!
The hall will be decorated with lots of quilts and the drawing
for the opportunity quilt will take place that day.
Tickets for a beautiful, hand applique quilt are available for
$1.00-need not be present to win. Call
Brenda for these tickets or send a check marked “quilt” and we will
fill out your tickets & place them in the drawing.
Continue
to pray for the center, our finances, the children and families, Christ
the King Lutheran Church, staff and for these folks with health
concerns: Brenda’s mom, John’s step-dad in Greece, our daughter
Constance, son David, Mary, Bernice, Betty, Jack, Jean, Joann, Sue,
Bill, Eileen, Elizabeth, Richard, Marilyn, Ida, Hank, Phyllis, Nelle,
Dave, Paul, Karen, Diane, and Elise.
Blessed
in His service, John & Brenda
