These past few weeks have been some of the most encouraging times of my life. I have been emotionally overwhelmed by the amount of support I’ve been receiving from friends, family and strangers all over!
This past weekend was an especially special support-raising weekend for me. For the past 7 years, my mom has been conducting an independent ministry at a local arts & crafts fair in our hometown of Bossier City, LA. She calls her booth the “Garden of Angels” where she displays homemade angel decorations created by her and my Grandmama. While she does enjoy the crafting aspect of the event, her real reason for being there is to spread Jesus to anyone walking by. Every year, she hands-out hundreds of free items that contain cute little knick-knacks as well as Gospel presentations and scripture reminding us of the love of Christ for us. Her stand always says “Take a (basket, cup, bag, etc)! They’re free – just like the gift of salvation, extended to us because of the love of Christ.”
I’m constantly amazed to watch people’s reactions to the free gift – most are in shock over something being free, or that anyone would spend time doing this. Others are encouraged to do the similar ministry opportunities with their Christ-loving friends. But the best reactions are the children – the ones who take a look at the Jesus coloring books and scripture and ask “Mommy, read it to me!” I just LOVE that! The parents were usually incredibly thankful that their kid has something to keep them occupied, but then it was a great ministry opportunity for them as well.
The baskets this year were also a great conversation-starter for many ladies who wanted to know why we were doing this. We were able to talk openly and freely about our relationships with the Lord and discuss my plans to serve Him abroad next year. My mom had decided this year to donate all of the proceeds from her crafts to my World Race fund. We were blown away by the support she and I received – her sales were nearly 300% greater than any years previous. So many people were supportive of this ministry and my World Race. Countless strangers left donations on top of the items they bought and some kept returning to donate more. I am still overwhelmed by the love and support of so many strangers that I now know as my brothers & sisters in Christ!
Just a portion of the booth – some elves and snowmen candy dishes my mom & I made 🙂
What was even more shocking was that the arts & crafts fair as a whole didn’t have the best year in terms of profits. So it blows me away even more that my Mom’s booth was so successful! All I can say is “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 – that’s it!
