Many Thanks from the Children in China

Pastor Doug,
It was my pleasure to become friends and work with Karen and Josh while they lived and served in China. The gave us 500 USD from your fellowship and explained the year of Jubilee. I was so amazed. After years in the church and now on the field, I've never of heard of a fellowship giving their people money to give away.
I just wanted to say thank you because of you we were blessed and our needs provided.....in order to help the orphans in China.
Sincerely, Pam in Henan
http://www.swallowsnestzz.org

The Jubilee Helps Children in China

We were given the Jubilee money by a member of your church who knew we were going to China in fall of 2009 to teach English to university students in Henan Province. She challenged us to find someone to bless with this money during this past school year. Well, we have!
My friend Pam started an organization in 2006 called Swallow's Nest to provide care for about 25 special needs orphans in 3 apartments in downtown Zhengzhou. These children are waiting for surgeries and/or adoptive placement with a forever family. As a nurse, I have been able to assist her with infant assessments, wound dressing changes, and other concerns. Pam and her family have challenged us to care for the 'least of these'. This money will go to offset the cost of surgery and the ongoing costs of formula and diapers. They are truly God's hands and feet.
Their website is: www.swallowsnestzz.org
Amazing stuff! Thank you for this opportunity.
Josh & Karen (and Levi) Christoffels
Zhengzhou, Henan Province CHINA

The Jubilee By: Nate and Tara

My husband wasn't in church with me the day the envelopes were handed out but I was so excited about the challenge that this "Year of Jubilee" money came with and wanted to use it to help someone in need. My husband shared my excitement and we both did not want to rush into giving it to the first person we saw. So after brainstorming and praying about it we were a little unsure but knew we didn't want to wait too long...in June (and I know I'm a bit late in writing about it) a coworker came to me (one whom I rarely see) and was telling me about some financial struggles she and her family were having. As I listened, I could feel that tug and then she said, "I just wish someone could loan me $500" . At that moment I just said, I will. She couldn't believe it and after I told her several times over, yes I will, in fact, I don't want you to repay me. God loves you and so do I, I said. She got tears in her eyes and still couldn't believe that I would. I knew that's exactly who God wanted me to give it too. I don't know why, but that's not important...God wanted me to listen to Him. Isn't He Amazing! What an opportunity!

The Jubilee By: Robert and Jackie

Patience Pays Off

Robert and I had been holding on to the Jubilee money for over 5 months. We both felt that if we continued to pray for God's leading, the right person, family, or organization who needed this gift would be obvious. I must admit that I was starting to feel anxious about "sitting" on that much cash for so long. I wondered if we would never have a clear sign and should just pick a local organization that we thought would use it wisely. Robert encouraged me to continue to be patient.

Just a couple days ago we learned that our new neighbor was suddenly admitted to the ICU fighting for life. The family is currently without health insurance and the parent in the hospital is the "bread-winner." Praise God - it now seems they will pull through, but might have a long recovery ahead. It was emotional for both me and the spouse when Robert and I explained how we came to have the $500 and now knew that it was meant for them. What joy there is in being rewarded for patience and trust in our Lord! Thank you elders, pastors, and anyone else involved in the development of this "Year of Jubilee!"

Robert & Jackie Heider

The Jubilee By: Lane and Laura

We decided to give our $500 to a help out a young couple our age. My high school classmate/family member and his wife have twin daughters who are 22 months old. In August, one of the twins was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer. She has already had a tumor surgically removed and now has a very tough fight ahead of her. She has started intensive, systemic chemotherapy and will likely have to follow with radiation, stem cell replacement and additional chemo. Each treatment will require a 4-5 day hospital stay. In order for her mom to provide the best possible care for her, along with her their other 3 children, she has discontinued working. This leaves the family with only one income. So, hopefully the Jubilee money will help to cover some of the family’s financial needs. We hope and pray God will take care of the rest. Lane and Laura Ischen