Bethlehem Project

Today was the Bethlehem Project at New Beginning Church. The Lord provided $29,000 for us to buy toys for children of all ages and coats for children of all sizes. We held a can food drive yesterday to put together 250 bags of groceries for needy families. People started lining up outside the door 24 hours before we opened the doors. In case you didn't check, temperatures were below freezing and it snowed this morning.

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me [. . .]Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." Matthew 25:34b-36, 40b

It was a beautiful sight to see. People from our church, other churches, and schools came to help. We had volunteers getting people signed in, walking them around to pick out toys for their children, working behind the tables, giving out coats and food, and walking them to their cars. Our visitors we so happy. It was such a blessing to see their smiling faces when they picked out toys for their children. So many of them returned my smile and "Merry Christmas" with a smile but several people did not respond or would not look me in the face. I know that they were struggling with pride and the fact that they had to be there to receive toys for Christmas.

Paste this link into your browser to see the video on our church website:
http://www.newbeginningchurch.net/content/The_Bethlehem_Project.html


I stood behind the tables with the items aimed at teenage girls. It was so fun to ask the visitors about their children and help select an item. I was privileged to work side by side with one of my roommates Kathryn. It was a joy to share those moments with her.

"...even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28



Please pray for the needy in not only the Shoals but all over the world.
God Bless.
In Christ,
Christine ><>