Dear New Life Friends,
It seems like such a small thing, but you just never know the impact!
That’s what I remember thinking as I read the biography of country music star Jimmy Wayne.
A Walk to Beautiful is not necessarily a book I would have picked up on my own, but a friend thought it important enough for me to read and one day when I went to the mailbox, it was waiting there for me.
As I read through the book, I was astounded at the challenging journey of this man who begins the biography relating his experience of being the opening act for Brad Paisley at Madison Square Garden. However, there was an extraordinary amount of “life” that led up to that particular shining moment.
I don’t want to spoil the story for you in case you decide to read the book, but part of Jimmy Wayne’s story is being a foster child. One Christmas he was the recipient of the gifts someone had purchased based on one of the white angels hanging on a tree. It had such an impact on him at that time in life that later on he wrote a song about it called "Paper Angels". - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UVIZpRm8ks.
We may never know the impact we can have by providing the items listed on an Angel Tree.
I’m so thankful New Life has been participating in this ministry for years. In fact, we have tried to build relationships throughout the year based on the angels we receive. One way of trying to connect is by hosting a pancake breakfast and Christmas party for any of the recipients who would like to attend.
Each year our Prison Fellowship Angel Tree is set up prior to “Black Friday” in case anyone would like the opportunity to make the most of the deals on that day for the sake of someone else. Then we will be making plans for our party on December 9. We need help in several different ways, so if this interests you, please contact Mallory_Smith@ccpsnet.net.
A Walk to Beautiful is a book I’ll never forget. It was a compelling influence for me as we began to engage in a year-round ministry called Open Table to come alongside individuals as they take steps towards sustained self-sufficiency - http://www.theopentable.org. Suddenly for me, the inspiring story of a struggling young man in Tennessee took on the real presence of a young woman in Richmond exiting foster care and connected to New Life.
Utilizing the resources we have - whether they be financial, relational, informational, etc. - to be a blessing to others, can…seem like such a small thing, but you just never know the impact!
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Mike