I wanted to take this time to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. There is something really cool about putting last year behind and having an opportunity to start over. In some ways, 2009 was one of the most difficult years ever, yet on the other hand, it was one of the most amazing years ever as well.
We were completely and totally blessed financially in every possible way even though the overall economic climate of our country is in a downturn. That in and of itself is something to be happy about because of our commitment to take every young woman we serve in free of charge. The other thing that was so great about 2009 is that we were able to open a brand new 23,000 square foot, 40-bed facility in the Sacramento, California area, and that means 80-120 more girls who will be able to graduate the program next year as a result. We have also formed many new relationships and there are many people who have decided to up their giving as a result of a lot of negativity on the part of others. It’s always cool when that kind of things happens.
We are also very excited about the property we own in two other cities, and we are also praying diligently about building a home for sex-trafficking victims. There is so much need and so much human suffering. I’m glad that I get to serve a God who cares those for whom there is no justice.
As we begin this new year, I want to challenge myself and you as well that our commitment be to serve others and to give like we have never given before. If we think according to natural terms, we will find reasons not to give. However, the real blessing is in giving above and beyond through the most difficult times. When we do this, we will see God move in ways we have never dreamed possible. Just some thoughts as we start this new year. I’m so excited that we have 365 days in front of us so that we can do our best to do what Jesus did – “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38).
Happy New Year!!
We were completely and totally blessed financially in every possible way even though the overall economic climate of our country is in a downturn. That in and of itself is something to be happy about because of our commitment to take every young woman we serve in free of charge. The other thing that was so great about 2009 is that we were able to open a brand new 23,000 square foot, 40-bed facility in the Sacramento, California area, and that means 80-120 more girls who will be able to graduate the program next year as a result. We have also formed many new relationships and there are many people who have decided to up their giving as a result of a lot of negativity on the part of others. It’s always cool when that kind of things happens.
We are also very excited about the property we own in two other cities, and we are also praying diligently about building a home for sex-trafficking victims. There is so much need and so much human suffering. I’m glad that I get to serve a God who cares those for whom there is no justice.
As we begin this new year, I want to challenge myself and you as well that our commitment be to serve others and to give like we have never given before. If we think according to natural terms, we will find reasons not to give. However, the real blessing is in giving above and beyond through the most difficult times. When we do this, we will see God move in ways we have never dreamed possible. Just some thoughts as we start this new year. I’m so excited that we have 365 days in front of us so that we can do our best to do what Jesus did – “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38).
Happy New Year!!
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2 comments:
here's to making 2010 better than 2009. well, hopefully. happy in so many ways to say goodbye to that year.
please keep us posted on the vision for a house for sex-trafficking victims.. it has been my heart and passion to come along women who are in this population. to love them and share God's hope, and unconditional love with them. I was really exposed to it in Sicily when I saw women on every corner back in 2000. My heart broke for them and at that moment God created a very special place for those women in my heart and it has only grown over the years. That everyone would know what it means to be the bride of Christ and seen for the beauty within. Thank you for following your dreams and God's vision.. My family will be forever grateful.
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