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We can choose to spend our
time talking and debating the recent topics of "violence"
and "swine flu" in Mexico, or we can choose to step out in
faith and actively address an issue that is un-debatable: ministries
operating in Baja that are rescuing and making a difference in
thousands of children's lives need our help more than ever.
Due to the economy, violence,
and the recent health concerns, the supply lines of food and
groups entering Mexico
has dramatically curtailed, leaving many ministries in critical
food shortage situations.
Visiting
the kids at Purple Palace
Recently, representatives
from GAIN, CONVOY of HOPE, and FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN joined
forces with STM, Halarious Givers, Genesis Diez, Club Dust, Corazon
De Vida, and other partnering ministries to tour northern Baja
to see firsthand how to address the situation.
These organizations provide food and aid globally and are
responsible for meeting the basic needs of millions of children
worldwide.
Spending some time with the kids livng
in a Baja community
Its because of folks like
these, the donors that support them, and folks like you, that these
Mexico
ministries now have food available to meet their needs.
For more information on how
you can become a part this food distribution effort or know of a Baja
ministry addressing the needs of children that would benefit
from food, please contact Jim at jim@strongtowerministries.info
Children of
Migrant Farm Workers living in work camps near
Ensenada that Genesis Diez
Ministries assist.
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Over 600 People See Hearing Everett Over Weekend
Theatre Showing
Photo by
Keith Durflingere, Whittier
Daily News
For those of us wondering if
Hearing Everett could ever have the chance of making it on the big
screen, we think we have put that question to bed. During
the month of April, Hearing
Everett made two "big
screen" appearances.
The first was a 3 day
screening of Hearing Everett
at a "hometown" theatre. The event was organized by Steve
Sundin, who went out into his local community to see if he could
generate any interest for a theatre showing. This effort resulted in
local businesses, youth organizations, civic clubs, and local
churches joining in for a "3 showing weekend run" of the
film that was a huge success. The film was almost a sellout each
night and was the top grossing weekend film at sixplex. The city even
incorporated the film to "kick-off" an upcoming community
service weekend called 'Serve Whittier "
which has over 30 local churches participating. The event even
received some local press coverage
www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_12210310
For
those of you wondering how Steve pulled it off, contact him at
562 619-0352.
Photo provided by Matthew Coon
The second "big
screen" event was a theatre screening in Santa Barbara
hosted by Hope Community Church, who launched their churchwide
serving campaign by showing Hearing Everett to their
congregation, followed by their small groups participating in the 5
week study. Pastor Jim Firth also intends to center the Sunday
message for the next 4 weeks around each weeks small group topic.
For all you first timers
reading our newsletter that want additional info on the Hearing
Everett film and small group study you can go to: www.hearingeverett.com
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Looking
for Date and a Place to serve?
Can you find some time and have a passion to make a
difference? We could use some help!
- Web and Art
Design
- Fundraising
Commitees and event planners
- Grant
Writers
- Prayer
Partners
- Administrative
STUFF
- Drivers
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Greetings,
From the time we wake up
until the time we fall asleep, we are constantly faced with
distractions. Not saying all distractions are bad, but some do tend
to take up a bit more time than they should which causes us to
loose focus on God and the wonderful plan he has for our lives.
Life's "distractions" sometimes prevent us from being all
that we can be for the one that created us. They can also
cause us to loose sight of all the wonderful people God has
placed in our lives that serve as model examples for us. Ray, for
example , is one of those folks that should not or will not be
forgotten.
I first met Ray at the
Purple Palace, our ministries first project. The thing that struck
me most about Ray when I met him was the twinkle in his eyes and
the warmth in his smile. Never mind the fact that he was 80
something at that time and could work circles around the college
kids that were helping out. Ray is one of those rare people you
meet that "get it", because he believes the more you
focus on Him, the less the "distractions seem to
distract". Ray leaves no doubt as to where his strength comes
from, to whom he relies on for guidance, and to whom he
serves......
In a short time, Ray is
going to come face to face with our Lord, and this is the one
person I am sure is going to be met with these words," Well
done my good and faithful servant."
It has been my great
honor and pleasure to serve beside you my friend, you are a great
example of how one can finish the race in spectacular
fashion..distraction free.
Director of Ministry
Operations
Ray Cormier
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Second Story is
Underway.....
1st Floor
Doors and Window's Have a Donor!
Second Floor
of the DOF Nursery
A
reminder of why we serve.... a future resident awaits her new
home!
April was a busy month for
the DOF Nursery Project! Several groups showed up with skills and
funding. The result is the walls of the second story now stand at
8FT and we are ready to start the roof. Downstairs, the interior
walls and ceilings of the nursery's first floor are being
plastered.
A donor has stepped forward
offering to purchase the downstairs windows and doors! As soon
as they are ready, we will need all you "window and door
installation experts" out there to put your talents into
motion. In the meantime, anyone with plastering or plumbing
experience would be welcome anytime.
Although this project
definitely involves a lot of "building", there are plenty
of other reasons to get involved. Whether its bringing and
providing a meal for the kids, playing soccer with the teenagers,
organizing a a craft activity for the little ones, or just loving
and holding a baby for the day, a wonderful serving opportunity
awaits everyone.
Don't forget that you can
help with this project by getting your family and friends together
at Color Me Mine in Rancho
Santa Margarita for a TILE DECORATING PARTY!!
For a 50.00 per tile donation, you can handpaint a custom tile that
will be placed around the entry way openings of the new nursery.
You can also choose to sponsor a child living at the DOF for 50.00
that will allow each child to create their own tile that
will be proudly displayed.
To get more information or
to join one of the groups going down, please call Steve at 714
397-2229.
DOF
kids having some fun at the Dia De El Nino
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Starting in June, a valid
Passport or Passport Card will be the only acceptable form of
identification for those traveling to and from Mexico by
automobile. There will be plenty of serving trips in Mexico coming
up this summer so don't delay! You can go to certain local
libraries and post offices that make it a quick and easy
process. For more information on Passport requirements go to:
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Twice a month, a local
church in Santa Ana, along with STM volunteers, continue to
provide medical attention, food, and clothing to hundreds of needy
families living locally. As a result of this ministry outreach
event, the church attendance has grown from 45 last March to over
300 today! Many of the volunteers that are now serving at the
food/evangelism outreach are the very same folks that once
stood in line to receive the food and clothing items they are
now handing out. The difference is, now not only are their physical
needs being met, but also their spiritual needs as well.
If you, your family, or
your small group would like to spend a Saturday being a part of
this outreach, contact Dimitri at 714 357-0587.
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Hearing
Everett Recognized For Its Message and Production
Quality
Over two years ago, STM partnered with two
other Christian ministries (Rancho Sordo Mudo and Gratis7 Media
Group) to embark on a journey to make a film and small group series
that could be used by churches to encourage and inspire people into
local and global service. That journey would require FAITH in
action, much like what was required from Ed Everett, the man the
film is based on.
Step by step, God continued to reveal His plan
for this project. He brought over 20 churches together
and over 300 professional and non-professional
volunteers came forward to donate over 12,000 hours of service
towards making this project a reality. Today the project continues,
one step at a time. But along the journey, God has
been faithful to provide reassurance through new and
exciting ways. Over the last couple months, this film has earned
recognition from Film Critics
WINNER-Audience
Choice Award Attic Film Festival 2009
WINNER - Best
Film Runner Up Attic Film Festival 2009
Winner- Directors
Award Hearts and Minds Film Festival 2009
Official
Selection- International
Christian Film Festival Wales 2009
Official
Selection- ReelHeART
Film Festival Toronto 2009
Official
Selection- Gideon
Film Festival 2009
Honorable
Mention- San
Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival 2009
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