Some members of York United Methodist Church started a "Blessed Scarf Ministry." A group of dedicated ladies made a commitment to knit scarves while praying over them. The scarves are dedicated at Church and some are given to Cafe 41:11 for us to give out to guests as we see a need.
These scarves are so beautiful. More importantly, we gave away our first scarf!
A middle school student with significant needs had her choice of scarves today. Without hesitation, she pointed shouting, "Oooh, I want the purple one!"
I handed her the purple scarf and smiled. She unwrapped it, flipped it around her neck, and skipped out into the snow in style and wrapped in loving warmth. What a sweet, special memory! Totally sweet!!
Thank you ladies of York United Methodist.
elves
My family, Janis Nazarian, and Cafe 41:11 were truly blessed by so many generous people this past Christmas. My family received gifts from members of True Faith Fellowship, special one-time financial donations, furniture from another new ministry (BTW - if you know of someone in need of furniture, contact me for details) and gift cards from known (and unknown) friends and family.
One Christmas card filled with gift cards read:
To: The Van Arsdale's
From: A Christmas Elf
The cafe received gift cards too. Cafe 41:11 now has Home Depot cards, a GFS card, and a prepaid Visa card at its disposal. Our Angel Tree was a big hit. The cafe also received rock salt, paper products, hot chocolate, towels, cleaning supplies, and so much more!
The cafe team wishes to thank all those "Christmas Elves" for their generosity throughout the holidays. You demonstrated your love for Jesus Christ by giving to the cafe. This strengthened our endeavor to give, love, and serve the young people and families in Medina in Jesus' name.
church
I want to share with you one final note of encouragement. The volunteers at Cafe 41:11 are serving with as much love, grace, mercy, and compassion as they can muster. You may have heard me say this before, but it's important to say it again. Cafe 41:11 is a tool for the Church. We are not a church and are not trying to start a church.
Cafe 41:11 is the Church in action. It's a vehicle for the Church to have a more visible presence in the community and we consider the volunteers as bridges to their local church.
One volunteer sent me an e-mail last week. Below are her words as contained in the e-mail.
"Thought I'd give you an update on something we've talked about. As of now, there are 5 Cafe patrons attending the Gathering Service with us. As far as I know, they have all prayed and received Christ. Kim is getting very involved and helping with lots of different things (she and I serve communion together sometimes. God has taught me many lessons).
Kim's mother comes to church now too - very nice, attractive woman. You had mentioned wanting to include this info in an e-mail or the newsletter? Do you know others who now attend church or have accepted Christ because of the cafe? I know Zac did - miss seeing him around. Donald also comes to our service faithfully. Everyone there loves him!"
Your support and prayers are making a difference. Please continue praying and sending in your monthly support of Cafe 41:11 and its missionaries. And don't be afraid to share with your friends, family, and neighbors all that Jesus is doing at Cafe 41:11. We need your continued support in 2009 to fulfill our vision of "Transforming the culture with the Gospel of Jesus Christ."