GiveBack Operation Christmas Child 2015

   

GiveBack is a program of Lift DisabilityNetwork. It is an annual event that empowers the Disability Family to move from a role of recipient to contributor. The Central Florida disability community was invited to fill shoe boxes at Calvary Assembly of God in Winter Park as an expression of their desire to give back and share gifts with others less fortunate around the world via Operation Christmas Child.  November 7th was a fun filled day of activities which included face painting, cookie decorating and Christmas caroling. Volunteers from various churches and groups assisted with the event.

I did a variety of things: pre-packed boxes with generic items, carried box for a nine-year old with walker as he chose treasures and coached him in filling out a paper introducing himself to the child who will receive their box, and helped consolidate contents of table near the end. 

The favorite part of my participation was definitely the privilege I had to pray over dozens of partially prepacked shoeboxes and volunteers before they chose special treasures for an age level and gender. I thanked God for the volunteer's service to God through packing the box, guidance in packing the box for whoever would receive it, blessings on the box recipient and their family - that they would sense God's love and care though the shoebox gift, and blessings on the packer.

Entrance to the event. Thank You Calvary Assembly of God in Winter Park for hosting the GiveBack event. 

Jim Hukill, Executive Director of Lift Disability Network and Bonita Slaymaker, OCC Volunteer

Tables were set up with items appropriate for three age categories: 2-4, 5-9, and 10-15... with gifts for boys on one side, gifts for girls on the other. Volunteers choose an age  category and gender to pack each box.

Distributing additional items to appropriate age level tables

Volunteers gather before the event for instructions.

Andrew leads the pack to begin the event.

Volunteers in action

Working at front table for age group 10-13, pre-packing boxes with
generic items: pens/pencils, nylon backpack, small bags with soap,
toothbrush, toothpaste, and washcloth.

Volunteers cheering on the gal in wheelchair packing the last box of the event.
Leftover items will be saved for another packing event.

Indiana Visit - AU Homecoming & Fortville Church Visit

The 2015 Homecoming of my alma mater, Anderson University and School of Theology in Indiana was October 2-3.

The highlight of the university weekend for me was the AU Presidential Inauguration of John S. Pistole, the former Administrator of the United States Transportation Security Administration and a former Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was moving to hear so many good things said about my alma mater and our extremely capable new president. WATCH ONLINE  

Other Homecoming events I attended were:

~ School of Music, Theatre, and Dance Homecoming Concert with the Outstanding Music Alumni Award Presentation

~ Street Fair, Rain-or-shine event (it rained, a lot!) including the Tri-S (Study, Serve, Share) Alumni Tent

~ AU Football vs. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. At the edge of the football field was the 6th Annual 1970s Hospitality Tent where I enjoyed hot apple cider and refuge from the cold wind.

As one who has long enjoyed making and wearing costumes, I wanted a photo taken with AU mascot "Rodney the Raven."

  

~ English Department  Alumni Reception @ home of Deborah Miller Fox (center pic above)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

       A great treat for me was visiting First United Methodist Church in Fortville where I served as Associate-Youth Minister 1978-80 while in seminary at Anderson School of Theology. I oversaw Children's Church, Youth Ministry, and Young Adult Ministry plus assisted in worship. Such a pleasure to re-connect with old friends and youth ministry colleagues and meet new friends. Precious people!

       It was something of a shock to me to realize that the youth and young adults I had the privilege of working with (and still call "my kids") are now in their 50's, some with grandchildren. Yikes! I feel old. Fun reminiscing...such things like a then student's pizza birthday party in the hay loft of the family barn; I jumped down through hole from loft to bottom floor once and allowed "my kids" to bury me in the hay. Fun!

I still pray for my grownup "kids" and their families. 

Thank you Reagan & Andrea Grubbs for your hospitality in Anderson and Bud & Kay Shoults for you hospitality in Fortville.

NewarkNaz - Ohio

While staying with my sister and her husband during my Ohio cancer surgery, recovery, and treatments, I enjoyed attending Newark Naz. After decades of church leadership, it was refreshing to primarily sit back during this season. I enjoyed participation in the activities of Newark Naz's womens ministry.

What an anointed message: Prayer Is Powerful  by Margaret Nsubaga (second from left below) from Uganda. Our hearts united in compassion. 

 

It was my privilege to share briefly about my ministry in Cameroon on October 6 at Newark Naz' Woven Women Ministry, "Girls Night Out" that focused on Africa. 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

                                                              

It was refreshing to worship and be nurtured from God's word as well as from personal testimonies at the Fall Retreat of Woven Women Ministries on September 19th.

I had a small display set up with information about ministry with Wycliffe at the retreat.

                   

Girls' Night Out during the summer.  

One evening I joined Woven Women's Ministry to encourage the precious hearts at The Courage House. These women are in rehab for substance abuse. Woven comes alongside them once a month through the Gifted Hands crafts ministry. Many of these gals have attended Woven events over the years.