January 13, 2008 12:06 am
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On behalf of the Wesley staff and board of directors, I want to thank the citizens of Meridian and the surrounding counties for helping to make Christmas 2007 such a memorable season for all. Our very walls were brimming with Christmas cheer and laughter as families and social workers received toys for foster care children, and seven large books filled with needy moms and dads picking up holiday food and toys for their children.
There were many remarkable stories as I think about Christmas, but we all were thrilled with delight as a little seven year old girl squealed when her shiny,new pink bike was rolled out! She has not believed in Santa for two years, when her mother had to tell her about being sick with cancer and that it would be a tough Christmas that year. Let me just say that this little child is extremely talented and intelligent, and wise beyond her years. As she saw her new bike, I asked if she was surprised and she told me that she was so happy that she felt she would just pop, but was not really surprised. She went on to tell me that her Mama had taught her to always take problems to God and that she had asked Jesus for a new bike last Christmas..." He always hears and answers our prayers...but you have to ask, Miss Ginger, and He answers when the time is right. That's why I got my bike this year and not last year!" The faith of that small girl was a Christmas miracle for those of us that witnessed it, and we always get tickled as we sort of shake our heads and wonder who is ministering to whom around here! (Out of the mouths of babes.) This is only one story out of hundreds that can be told which exemplifies the Spirit of Christmas which was experienced through Wesley House Community Center, Inc., as a result of your kind generosity and prayers.
Please keep in mind that the Christmas ministry is only one program (under the community agency) of many that we have through our six separate and distinct agencies. While Christmas was being distributed to eligible families, the other agencies did not stop their services to this community. In fact, our Child Advocacy CEnter, under the Victim Services Agency, has continued to burn the midnight oil in order to work towards becoming accredited on a national level! The other agencies, education, community health, Christian relief, and Connectional Ministry, have also been extremely busy as we have continued to prayerfully work cases in order to help instill hope to those who may have little to none. As Christians, we must continue to believe in people and their abilities. With proper tools, guidance, and prayer, the cycle of poverty can be broken for many and the impact of that on families will be astronomical as they become productive citizens in our community and churches.
I want to invite you to tour Wesley House as you will see that God's hand is over this ministry in a big way. My staff and I are blessed daily as we strive to serve in a way that is pleasing to the Father. As we serve, so we are served.
Thank you for loving us and for your support financially and especially for your prayers. I look forward to showing you around Wesley House in 2008!
Ginger Grissom Stevens
Meridian
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