It is always amazing what God uses to bring glory to Himself and this Christmas in Lakeshore was no less amazing. By man’s standards, God makes the impossible; possible. Let me set the stage for you: two weeks before Christmas, over 500 children in need, one Sunday for churches to get the word out, at least three days of shipping time, seemingly limited funds by God’s people this close to Christmas and the need for people to act immediately. Impossible for the need to be met in a seven day time span by human efforts, yes, but not impossible when God is about the business of bringing glory to Himself. The SOS went out by word of mouth, e-mails, many, many phone calls and the internet blogs. Immediately, the body of Christ responded as the Holy Spirit prompted their hearts. Churches, individuals and groups went shopping, bought gifts, wrapped and packed them for shipment and shipped or drove them to Lakeshore by Friday, Dec. 22. After all the families were adopted, the phone calls and e-mails did not stop. People sent in money, more toys and gift cards for anyone that came in at the very last moment in need. One of the most precious aspects about the gift -giving came in the form of those who work at the distribution center everyday since Katrina got to be the very ones to pass out the gifts. Those sweet folks that have been the sounding boards, shoulder to cry on and the ones to pour out your troubles to got to be the ones to pass out a little hope in the form of Christmas gifts from so many of you.
Thank you to all of you who participated in this display of God’s glory. It is important to note that not one of the people who gave wanted to have their names on the cards to the families or wanted to receive credit in any way. God received all the glory. The many families that were blessed by the gifts asked that we tell you all how much they appreciated your love toward them. More than one family said it was the best Christmas that they had ever had in their whole lives.
Somehow saying “Merry Christmas” at the end of this post doesn’t seem to fit; maybe a more fitting close would be to say “Happy Extravagant Grace of our Loving Lord.”
One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. Psalm 145:4-6
