Changing Lives: Stories
These twelve stories are incredible
testimonials to the power of serving and the value of the many
missions that JCPC supports. Click on each story to be
inspired..
One Mother's
Success Story | Itzel's
Story
Changing Lives with Clean Water | The Power of Faith
Two Days (and a Night) in the Life of a
Patient Care Advocate | A Night in
Barahona
A Letter from the Stoscher's | Sharing Christ with the "Invisible": Jack
Wehmiller's Story
Nastya's Story: From Troubled Orphan to Orphan
Leader | A Campus Crusade for
Talia
Four Ways That "Just-in-Time" Assistance is
Changing Lives | The Blood of
Life
One Mother's Success
Story - Atlanta Union Mission
|
Top
↑ |
Ivey had been addicted to crack cocaine for over 22 years. She
was brought to Atlanta Union Mission (My Sister's House) by her
seventeen year old son.He drove her into the parking lot of My
Sister's House and the gate locked behind them. He told his
mother that he would not leave until she got out of the car and
went inside to get help. His goal was to help her "get clean"
in time to see him graduate from high school. Finally, after a
lengthy delay and discussion, she got out of the car and went
inside-and didn't come out for a full year.
The woman graduated from the detox program at My Sister's House
and has now been drug free for four years. She was able to
attend her son's high school graduation ceremony and he was able
attend her graduation ceremony.
Now, the son is a senior in college, and the woman is a proud
Mom working and living independently.
Itzel's Story - Compassion
International
|
Top
↑ |
Each week our JCPC Sunday School children take a collection to
sponsor two children through Compassion International. One of
the children we sponsor is Itzel de Jesus Romero.
Itzel is eight years old and lives with her mother and father in
San Juan Cuauhtemoc, Mexico. She is responsible for running errands
and cleaning duties at her home. Her father is sometimes employed
as a farmer, and her mother maintains the home. There are two
children in Itzel's family.
San Juan Cuauhtemoc is home to about 3,100 residents. Most of
the adults are unemployed, but some work on plantations and earn
the equivalent of $185 per-month. Typical houses are
constructed of cement and have block walls. The regional diet
consists of maize, beans, chicken, bread, rice and potatoes.
Through the funds that we send monthly to Compassion
International, the staff of CDI Herederos del Reino in Itzel's
village provides Itzel with Bible study, nutritious food, medical
check-ups, health and dental education, recreational activities,
special celebrations, reading workshops, school supplies and
academic support. The staff also provides counseling for Itzel's
parents on child development and care.
JCPC has received numerous letters and pictures from Itzel over
the past year thanking us for sponsoring her. She always asks us to
pray for her parents as they struggle to find work opportunities
and are constantly under stress. She is always thinking of others
ahead of herself when asking for prayers.
As an example, here is a recent
letter we received from Itzel:
May God bless you. I hope you are doing fine. I have attended
summer bible school and I've been learning a lot. I've learned that
Jesus was born. He grew up and he preached in the villages. I also
learned that he died for our sins and that he came back to life on
the third day. He defeated death by resurrecting. I obey my
parents. I love you very much sponsor because you help me. Please
pray for my mom and dad's well being. I want to thank you for my
school supplies. I am happy.
Itzel's mother wrote a letter to us as soon as she found out
that JCPC had sponsored Itzel. Her gratitude toward us in the
letter was overwhelming. "Thank you, Thank you, this means so
much to me and to Itzel. This means Itzel will have opportunities
given to her that she would not have otherwise".
It is amazing how a small collection each month can have such a
large impact a child's life in a country so close to ours yet so
far away...
Changing Lives with Clean Water
- First Water
|
Top
↑ |
Haitian and Dominican workers who hope to find work harvesting
and processing sugar often relocate to company towns throughout the
Dominican Republic known as "bateys". Government services are
practically nonexistent in the bateys and disease runs rampant.
Thanks to the work of First Water, a non-profit company run by
Johns Creek Presbyterian Church member Tom Flaim, 20,000 residents
of Dominican bateys now have access to clean water. Given that
water-borne diseases are the number one killer of children and the
elderly throughout the world, the availability of clean water is
essential. In the communities where First Water has installed water
purification systems, water-borne diseases have been nearly
eradicated, with clinics actually recording zero occurrences of
water-related illnesses since the systems became operable.
Because the water purification systems provided through First
Water are solar powered, the residents of the bateys will enjoy
clean water forever, regardless of whether electricity is available
or not. The availability of clean water has spurred commercial
growth in the bateys and increased attendance at local schools.
Tom gives thanks to Johns Creek Presbyterian Church for his
spiritual growth and for the generous gifts that have helped to
provide clean water to the residents of the bateys.
The Power of Faith - Anonymous
JCPC Youth
|
Top
↑ |
When I was growing up, there were a lot of difficulties in my
life. All throughout elementary and middle school I was teased and
bullied. On top of that I had troubles at home even before my dad
lost his job when I was in 7th grade. It was right
around that time that I started to come the youth program at JCPC,
back when it was still The Church of the Hills.
My faith experience came during the summer after 8th
grade when I went on the DOOR mission trip in Atlanta. There, I saw
firsthand just how God can change people's lives. I got to talk
with a homeless man who told me about what he had been through, and
I saw in his spirit the power of God. After that trip I truly
started to believe in what I was listening to. I stopped going to
church just for Sunday school entertainment; I started to go to
listen to the sermons. I had interest in them and in the teachings
they brought.
Usually a teenager goes to church because he is either forced or
bribed to by his parents. Rarely does he go when neither of his
parents go. When I was younger, I dreaded going because I was so
small and all I was concerned about was not being able to watch
T.V. But as I grew older I started to understand more about what it
was all about. I started coming on my own even after my parents,
unfortunately, stopped coming.
This Church is my home, and the people in it are true family. At
the end of every single event I attend, when I am standing
somewhere waiting for my parents to pick me up, there is always
someone who asks if I need a ride home, and will offer to wait
until my ride has come. The good nature of the people at JCPC is
intoxicating. I feel truly blessed to be here and to have met these
wonderful individuals.
Faith is an astounding thing, and it's what drives us all to
discover the answers we seek. I am thankful for finding my place
among others at JCPC. I am a proud Presbyterian and I hope to one
day help change the lives of others as God and this church have
done for me.
Two Days (& a Night) in the Life of a
Patient Care Advocate - Beacon of
Hope
|
Top
↑ |
You never know when someone will touch your heart and how God
will guide your hand…
It was a regular Tuesday afternoon; I had just come in for
my four hours of volunteer work as a Patient Care Advocate (PCA). A
young lady was waiting in the reception area. I told her someone
would be with her in a moment. I privately did not think it would
be me since I had just arrived and hadn't gotten up to speed as of
yet. But as God would have it, the rest of the PCA's were with
patients so I came out and introduced myself to Ashley (not her
real name) and took her back to a counseling room.
During our conversation, I found out that Ashley was 19 years
old and might be pregnant. She was a full-time college
student and stated that she didn't feel as if she had any major
financial or emotional stresses except that her divorced parents
might be disappointed and angry with her. She was also in a serious
two-year relationship with the potential father of the baby.
However, when asked about her intentions, should she be
pregnant, Ashley stated that she would either become a parent or
have an abortion and that she was "50/50" about the decision at
that time. Adoption was definitively not an option. She asked me if
ABOH performed abortions and I told her they did not, but that I
could give her abortion education. She said no.
The pregnancy test was positive, and it was estimated that
Ashley was seven weeks into her pregnancy. She insisted that this
could not be right, that she could not be that far along. The
medical staff and I suggested an ultrasound and we scheduled her
for the very next day at 1:30 p.m. She left with the brochure
"Before You Decide" and my assurances that we were there for her
whatever she decided.
I worried through the rest of the afternoon that Ashley would
not come back the next day and that she might indeed schedule an
abortion. The nagging concern continued into the evening and I went
to bed saying a prayer for Ashley and her baby before I fell
asleep.
That night I had a very real dream of meeting Ashley at ABOH the
next day and of holding her hand and talking with her during the
ultrasound. Ashley was smiling in the dream. I felt calm and
comforted during the dream and awakened from it knowing that I
needed to be at ABOH that day, even though I was not scheduled to
volunteer. I often have vivid dreams that are very real but never
have I had such a clear feeling that I must do something specific
upon awakening.
I admit that my own selfishness, and perhaps the Devil, kept me
thinking throughout the morning that maybe I didn't really need to
be there. I mean, I had lots to do and all of the PCA's were
wonderful and dedicated and maybe Ashley would be better off
talking with one of them. As the time neared for Ashley's
appointment, I called the receptionist at ABOH to see if she had
shown up. She had not.
Finally, I got in the car and drove to ABOH. Everyone was
surprised to see me. I told them about my dream, and they too were
amazed.
You can imagine how thrilled I was when Ashley showed up. I told
her how happy I was that she was there and asked if I might keep
her company during the ultrasound; she said yes.
Our wonderful medical director worked her magic and soon
Ashley's baby was visible on the screen - so very tiny and yet so
very alive with a strong beating heart. The medical director
explained that Ashley was probably 6 weeks into her pregnancy and
pointed out how the image on the ultrasound at this point in the
pregnancy resembled a diamond ring with the yolk sack representing
the band and the baby representing the diamond on the band - what a
beautiful analogy!
Ashley smiled and asked good questions throughout the procedure
and looked happily at the photos that the medical director so
wisely placed in a card with the caption "An Image of Life" on it.
It was then that I noticed the beautiful engagement ring Ashley
wore on her left ring finger.
Ashley and I went back to the counseling room and I asked her
how she felt. She said she was still undecided but that she was
looking forward to showing the photos to the baby's father. I
commented that she now had a beautiful diamond ring on her finger
and a beautiful living ring inside her. She smiled at the analogy
and looked at the photos again. I asked her how she felt about the
baby now, and she said she still was undecided as to what she was
going to do.
Then I told her that I had dreamed about her the night before.
She laughed a little and said, "Now, you're scaring me!" I
then told her that it was a happy and comforting dream and that I
was so very happy to be there with her and grateful that she had
talked with me and let me be with her during the ultrasound. Beyond
that I didn't know what else to say - my intellect said "use your
training and say more" but my heart said "just leave it at that,
being here is what was asked."
When I hugged Ashley goodbye, I told her I loved her and that I
hoped to hear from her. And then I cried a little. As of this
writing, I don't know what Ashley decided to do, but I thank the
Lord for giving me that dream and for the opportunity to fulfill
it. I pray that my dream for Ashley and her baby comes true.
A Night in Barahona - Rivers of
the World
|
Top
↑ |
The handful of Gospel tracks had been in the bottom of my
Pelican case since Honduras. The small tracks presented the
Gospel in simple recorded Spanish in ways that most anyone could
understand. It made sense to me to share them with Pastor
Pedro on a visit to the Dominican Republic last year.
"Super Bueno!" was his strong and usual reply, "Let's go share
the Word!" and out to the streets we went!
Nights in Barahona, Dominican Republic, are filled with folks in
the parks, men on motorcycles, and couples walking the
streets. We started in their central park and handed tracks
to everyone! Small conversations started and prayers were
offered. A few folks said they would come to worship on Sunday.
Pedro positioned me in the streets and, as motorcycles drove by,
I handed 40 or 50 drivers a Gospel track. Everyone was
polite, and no one tossed their track in my sight!
Pedro and I parted ways and covered a few of the main streets ,
sharing Christ with everyone we met. When I returned to the
appointed rally spot, Pedro and a street woman approached. "She
wants you to lead her to Christ," he said, "have at it!" and the
dear pastor left me with a woman who needed the Lord! What a
blessing to see a life transformed on the streets of Barahona!
The night took a decidedly more serious turn when Pedro took me
down a side street. By now, the crowds were gone and the streets
were dark and quiet.
"There, just there, do you see it?" he asked me. "Looks
like a garbage bag," I replied. "Yes, it is- and there is a
child inside it."
Orphans from Haiti have inundated the streets of Barahona.
The earthquake left so many with no families, and they simply
wandered until they landed here.
Gospel tracks are a wonderful tool to open the door, but we must
do more. And we are.
Your funds and your mission teams are helping us build an
orphanage that will take over 100 children off the streets of
Barahona and provide them with the love, education, and faith it
takes to rebuild their lives.
Please know how grateful I am for your support, and accept our
invitation to return to the Dominican Republic!
Bless you!
A Letter from the Stoschers -
Mark & Ruthie Stoscher, Our Missionaries in
Albania
|
Top
↑ |
Mark, Ruthie, along with their four children, have been living
and working in Albania since 1994. This former communist
country is still very open to the gospel, and exciting things are
happening there thanks to the Stoschers. Mark serves as
pastor at The Erseka Evangelical Church and as Director of Torchbearers-Albania, a ministry that draws
over 1,000 Albanian youth each summer. In the winter they
host a six-month intense Bible School for Albanians and
international students.
Below is an excerpt from a recent email message that Mark
Stoscher sent to JCPC…
Great to hear from you!
I think you got the email I sent out last month, but I wanted to
update you about two boys who grew up in our church, Ulis
(1st picture, in the middle) and Vaso (2nd
picture).
Today at our staff meeting, Ulis shared a story about 6 boys who
came up to him after Vaso's talk last night at our campus (see
other photo below). "How can we follow Jesus?" they
asked. Ulis told them about how he had come to Christ at
camp here a number of years ago (something neither I nor our
permanent staff had known). He went on to tell these boys
about one of the most copied pictures in the world - of Christ
standing at a door knocking. "There is no handle on the
outside, but He invites you to open the door and let Him into your
heart and life." The boys' eager response: "How do we find
the handle?
Ulis told us how he had led individuals to Christ before, but
had never seen such an eager group. He led them in prayer as
they asked Jesus to be Lord over their lives. As Ulis shared,
I looked over at our daughter, Abi, who was in the room (she is
leading the crafts this week). Both of us had tears in our
eyes. Only God.
Here is Vaso giving the evening talk last night. Please say a
prayer for these 150 "junior highers" heading home from camp
tomorrow, and for our staff who will greet another 150 junior
highers on Sunday!
Regarding prayer letters, we send them out periodically, as well
as email updates. We are working on one that will be going out soon
regarding the camps/programs this summer, so I can get you that as
soon as it is finished (even before it goes out generally).
In Christ, Mark
Sharing Christ with the "Invisible"
- Jack Wehmiller's Story, Rivers of the
World
|
Top
↑ |
I had been to Port au Prince in Haiti on the 28th of January
2010; I had seen all the devastation. I am now back in Barahona,
Dominican Republic, at the Sanchez Hospital where an entire wing of
the facility was dedicated to Haitians injured in the
Earthquake. We've been passing out bottles of water and
anything else we could do to help. I had my interpreter Patrick
with me. Right out the clear blue, a young lady tells Patrick that
the woman in the bed next to her, Migueline, sings beautifully.
I asked Patrick to see if she felt like singing. He did, and she
said she would be glad to!
Before she sang I ask how she had been injured and found that
she had gone to the market on the day of the earthquake, just like
any other day. The building she had been in collapsed and
trapped her. It was necessary to remove one of her arms, on site,
to save her life. She was then transported to
the hospital by ambulance. One of her legs was so badly
damaged that they also had to amputate it.
All of this had taken place only fifteen days earlier, but
she was willing to sing.
All she had were the clothes on her back and her Bible,
written in Creole, but she was willing to sing.
She had lost family members and friends, along with her home, but
she was willing to sing.
When Migueline began singing in Creole, I didn't understand any
of the words, but I understood what the music in Heaven will sound
like when I arrive! At the end of her glorious song she
lowered her hand and in broken English she cried out "Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah!" and then closed her eyes to rest.
I really didn't know exactly what to do after what I had just
witnessed, so I sat on the edge of her bed for a minute. I put my
hand on her shoulder and the following thought began to rush thru
my mind:
This 33
year-old young lady had just lost some of her family and some of
her friends; she had lost her home and she had just lost an arm and
a leg; yet she could still Praise God for life itself.
It was clear that someone had told her parents, or a friend, or
very possibly Migueline herself, about Jesus. And it
was Jesus that she was clinging to. She understood that
through all of this He would sustain her. In the midst of all
that had happened to her she still had the love of
God present in her life.
My mountains started to become mole hills. My
problems, all of a sudden, seemed rather insignificant in the
scheme of things. My life changed for good.
We go all over the world on mission trips and we do all kinds of
worthy work, I am told. We build orphanages and we install water
purification systems. We send medical teams to cure River Blindness
and all matter of disease. But the real reason we do what we
do is to have that chance to share Christ with someone who is
literally "invisible" to the rest of civilization as we know
it.
I am so thankful to the person who took the time to
tell Migueline about her Savior. Who will I tell?
Nastya's Story: Orphan to Orphan Leader
- Thomas Family, Missionaries in Russia
|
Top
↑ |
Tens of thousands of orphans in Russia are moved out of state
institutions each year at age 17. Most of these orphans enter a
cycle of self destruction, often falling into a life of crime. Many
choose to end their lives by committing suicide. This story is
about one such orphan.
The Nastya that I met when we moved to Russia was already a few
years out of the Harbor (a residential ministry for orphan
graduates). She had come back to take an English class that I had
been asked to teach. Nastya stood out to me, and we got to
know each other, slowly. She struck me as extraordinarily
thoughtful, hungry for growth, perceptive about people, and
personally engaging.
Little did I know at that time that there had been another
Nastya - one whom the Harbor had inherited in 2004. That Nastya was
nothing like the one I knew. She had come to the Harbor from a
"correctional" orphanage, which meant that she was considered
mentally delayed. In the Russian system, once you are diagnosed
this way, it's all over. You're typically stuck in that facility
for life, and no one tries to change what your papers say you
are.
When she applied to the Harbor, she met none of the
benchmarks that were needed for acceptance (cognitively or
otherwise), so the psychologist rejected her outright.
The Nastya who applied to the Harbor had little more than a
vague sense that there was a God. But she did have a drive and
dream to be somebody, and that was what motivated her. When her
application was rejected, she ended up enrolling at a college and
living in a dormitory for a month. But Nastya was so drawn to the
Harbor that she prayed, "God, if you exist, then make it work for
me to come to the Harbor."
Two days later she was invited in.
Nastya's true self was so hidden behind the wall of lies that
came from years of living in a "correctional" institution, no one
at the Harbor could even recognize her true potential. Harbor staff
nonetheless invested countless hours in her until the real
Nastya-the one I met-began to emerge.
As Nastya has told me, she came to the Harbor with a completely
closed heart, but it was impossible to keep it closed when the
Harbor staff was so open and loving toward her. She opened up and
blossomed-despite her best efforts!
Sometime in those two years, Nastya had to admit that God was
real, that Jesus loved her and had died for her, and that she owed
Him everything in return. Nonetheless, she resisted baptism for a
whole year after that, realizing that it was like getting married -
the most serious commitment she would ever make.
We started inviting Nastya over to our home within a few months
of meeting her, and she quickly hit it off with our daughter Lydia.
They would go on walks together; Nastya would take Lydia on outings
around town; and they shared a love of clothing design. Besides
just liking Lydia, Nastya wanted to give back to us for our
hospitality by helping Lydia with her Russian.
Nastya would stay late, and we'd talk about God, her place in
life, and relationships. She seemed to have a natural bent and
inclination in counseling, so she was fun for me to talk with. Her
appetite for meaningful conversation is voracious.
Outside the Harbor, Nastya is the kind of person who gets along
with most everyone, and many of her fellow graduates from the
Harbor seem to turn to her for wisdom and guidance in life,
relationships, and work. As one of the most senior graduates
of the Harbor (founded in 2002), she now has a large network of
young adult friends.
Nastya recently became the 1st member of a new team
God has called me to start called Orphans Reaching
Orphans. Our mission is to build relationship bridges with
Harbor graduates and other orphan graduates that model the love of
the Father, and encourage healing, growth, the pursuit of dreams,
and generosity.
It's a wonderfully organic ministry. I mentor and train Nastya
and the others on the team, and they, in turn, reach out to orphans
who are out on their own but often without the life skills,
relationships, and perspective to help them see and fulfill God's
purposes for their lives.
The Nastya I have known for nearly four years has always struck
me as a person who is serious about her relationship with Christ,
and the depth of that relationship continues to grow. I find that,
for Nastya, the most important question is, "what does God want?"
Her faith is remarkable for someone of her age (26).
*****
Lyle Thomas and his family have lived in St. Petersburg, Russia
since 2007. On staff with Church Resource Ministries,
Lyle is part of an effort to transform the city by developing and
coaching Christian leaders and serving the needs of the orphans and street kids as the
Lord leads.
RICE UNIVERSITY
An ongoing part of our ministry, and one that is especially
emphasized at the beginning of each school year, is to follow-up
with each and every new person who interacts with our ministry,
whether through attending a Bible study, a weekly meeting, or an
outreach event. This year Talia* is one of those new people
we followed-up with after she attended a Bible study that Jason and
I led.
Quiet, with big brown eyes that remind me of a doe, Talia agreed
to meet with me (Jackie) and Megan, whom I disciple, so that we
could get to know her better and talk about Christianity.
Through that meeting, it was clear that Talia had some confusion
about how we "get right" with God, but was incredibly thirsty to
know and understand Him. So, Megan and I invited her to start
studying Romans together on a weekly basis. Talia eagerly
agreed.
On the day that we were scheduled to begin our study I was
walking across campus and passed a girl who was on her cell phone
and quietly sobbing, head down. After passing her I slowed my
pace, then turned to look back at her face; it was Talia!
Not sure what to do, I stood at a distance and waited for her to
get off the phone so we could talk. She didn't get off for a
long while, so I just went to her and hugged her, then walked
away. Later that day, she texted me to cancel our study,
saying she had to go away for the weekend. I had no idea what
was happening and was very concerned for her. Megan and I met
that day and prayed earnestly for her. When I texted Talia to
tell her that, she replied, "Thank you. I really needed to
know I'm loved."
This past week, Talia returned and asked to meet me so that she
could tell me what's going on. We met in the campus chapel
and, weeping, she told me that her boyfriend of over a year had
been physically abusing her. She explained that she finally
had the courage two weeks earlier to break up with him, and that
she had subsequently reported the abuse.
There was a restraining order placed against him and she had
been going to all sorts of "legal" meetings to explain the matter
to university authorities. In the meantime, he continued to
contact her incessantly, threatening to sue her, asking if she
still loved him, asking her to say she had lied so that he could
avoid any trouble.
She was very confused. We processed the issue a little out
loud together, then she said, "But can we still study the Bible? I
still want to." I was amazed at her hunger for God.
There are many students who are Christians and only
impulsively read the Bible, and here was a girl in an emotional
torrent who turned immediately to Christ. I loved seeing how
God was drawing her near to Himself as she was seeking to know Him
more.
All of this has shown us that many of the students we walk past
every day are walking in darkness. They are dealing with
serious issues, even physical abuse. They need Christ.
And their need is urgent - it is now.
This is what we're called to do-to meet this need. We are
so grateful for your partnership in bringing light - bringing the
truth of Christ - to these lost ones through your support
of Campus Crusade for Christ.
| 4 Ways a "Just-in-Time" Assistance is Changing
Lives - The PLACE- Forsyth |
Top
↑ |
A Single Mom
A single mother had lost her business-and her means of
survival-and found her way to The Place after she had exhausted
every resource available to her, and had sold off many of her
possessions. She was facing homelessness and had no other place to
turn to for help.
Initially, she did not want her child to know how bad things
were, but it came to the point where she had to explain what was
happening. The mom knew that she would be losing her home
because she had not been able to pay her large mortgage for many
months; the home was scheduled to be sold on the Forsyth County
courthouse steps.
Try as she might, she could not find work despite the fact that
she had been actively seeking any kind of employment for some
time. She had found a rental property but was only able to
pay a one-month deposit; the landlord additionally required rent
for the first and last month of the lease in order for her and her
child to move in.
The Place was able to help her to get into an alternative rental
property so that she and her child could avoid being homeless. She
has since found employment and has once again become
self-sufficient.
A Sudden Passing
A lady called The Place in tears saying that her husband-the
provider-had suddenly passed away. She indicated that her electric
and gas services had been turned off due to lack of payment and her
landlord was threatening to evict her if the power was not turned
on immediately.
The lady indicated that she had no life insurance to cover
expenses because she and her husband had been living "paycheck to
paycheck". She did not drive, so a friend brought her to The Place
for assistance. The utility payments were made on her behalf and
she was counseled about the availability of Supplemental Social
Security.
The lady now lives with her sister because it was determined
that she was incapable of mentally functioning on her own; she is
now receiving Supplemental Social Security benefits.
Assisting a Caregiver
An elderly woman served as a live-in caregiver for an elderly man
who unexpectedly passed away. The man's family told her that she
would need to vacate the man's home immediately and find a new
place to live.
Without any money beyond her monthly Social Security payment,
she called The Place desperately seeking a place to live. The Place
was able to assist her in her search for an affordable place to
live and paid for her deposit and initial month's rent.
The woman is now able to maintain her own residence and is
grateful that The Place was able to help her in a time of
crisis.
Out of the Cold
Two local elderly women struggle to make ends meet on their social
security checks. They are barely able to pay make their mortgage
and utility payments and still be able to buy food and other
necessities.
The cold weather we experienced last winter resulted in the
premature depletion of their only source of heat-a tank of liquid
petroleum. The women were not able to pay for delivery of
additional liquid petroleum and contacted The Place.
The younger of the two women shared the necessary documentation
to justify their need and The Place was able to arrange, and pay
for, delivery of 150 gallons of liquid petroleum. This allowed them
to keep their heater supplied for the remainder of the winter
season.
*****
The Place is a nonprofit Social Service Organization that has been
serving Forsyth County families in difficult times since 1975 with
emergency basic needs. The Place also operates a thrift store
onsite providing affordable merchandise, with all sales supporting
agency operations.
| The Blood of Life - LifeSouth
Community Blood Centerss |
Top
↑ |
Each year, nearly five million Americans need a blood
transfusion. To meet our responsibility, we need to collect 305,000
blood donations a year. That's 836 donors a day. With over 30 donor
centers, 38 blood mobiles and over 1,000 blood drives a month,
LifeSouth Community Blood Centers are committed to
making sure the blood is there when you or your family member is in
need. We are your community blood center. The blood supply
collected from our donors directly serves the needs of patients at
over 100 medical facilities throughout the communities we serve in
Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
There are no substitutes for blood. Volunteering to give blood
is giving the gift of life to patients who need transfusions. We
hold this gift with the highest regard. Please consider becoming a
part of our community's blood supply by donating blood when the
LifeSouth blood mobile comes to JCPC.
Hailey Jones is 4 years old and is battling leukemia. She needs
multiple transfusions of red blood cells and platelets.
"I always thought blood was for when you had surgery or were
in a car wreck," said Lavender, Hailey's mother. "It brings her
color right back and the platelets make her bruises go away."
Nick and his wife Shelsie Ballew noticed that Kaedyn's cheeks
seemed swollen and that he seemed irritable. At first he was
diagnosed with the mumps, but was later found to have leukemia. He
was immediately taken to Shands Hospital at University of Florida
where he received transfusions of red blood cells and platelets.
Nick said he never realized the importance of blood donation for
cancer patients.
"The blood Kaedyn used was donated before he even got to the
hospital," said Nick. "Donating is a good thing all
around."
Brooke Walker had experienced a completely
normal pregnancy until it came time for the twins' birth. By the
end of that day, Brooke needed six units of blood; the oldest twin
Bailey needed two units of blood and her little sister, Brenna,
needed one unit of blood. Brooke and Jeff, a sergeant in the
Detective Division of the Montgomery Police Department, were both
blood donors before that day.
"When I pray, I think about how blessed we are and how lucky
we are," said Brooke. "Donation is our best chance to pay it
forward."