Thank you for your support of Mission Outreach!

Please feel free to forward this report to others who might be interested in our ministry.

 Current Statistics

• Emergency Shelter Residents today: 42    5 children, 12 females, 25 males     To Date:  34
• Soup Kitchen Meals served to date:   624   Served since last Wednesday Report:   624
• Food Boxes distributed to date:     67
• Medical Clinic patients this month:  0     To date:  0
• Prescriptions filled this month: 0      To date:  0
• Individuals receiving financial assistance for utility, rent, transportation and prescription assistance: 0

Cathy is in Israel for two weeks, so I (Jamie) am covering the Wednesday report in her absence.

      One of the many highlights of my job is when past residents stop by to share their progress. Last week I was privileged with a couple visits.  Larry had just celebrated five years of sobriety and he wanted to share it.  He was sharply dressed with a keen sparkle in his eye.  He also wanted to boast of a recent promotion.  “This is the longest I’ve ever held a job,” he shared; the same job he obtained while living at the Mission several years ago.  He also shared of his desire to become a counselor and was looking at going back to school.

     Jerry was sporting pictures of his son and grandson, humbly bragging on the close relationship they now share.  He had started his own excavation business and was in the area visiting relatives.  My, my…how different he looked.  I almost didn’t recognize him.  

     It was so good to see them.  Each expressed their deep gratitude for a fresh start, often referring to the Mission as “my turning point.”  WOW!  God is so good!

 Prayer requests:  

1. Cathy Hughes was a bit nervous going to Israel in lieu of current events taking place there.  Lift her up, please.

2. Tom (a resident) is 48 years old male with multiple cardiovascular problems.  Thanks to the Charitable Medical Clinic, he is now being treated through UAMS however, his case is a complicated one.  Doctors plan to try one more procedure this Thursday in Little Rock .  If this is unsuccessful, he will be placed on a heart transplant waiting list. 

3. Shane (a resident) talked with me about the Lord.   Admittedly, he does not have a personal relationship with Christ.  I copied some material from the Message bible to make study a little easier.  When we last spoke, he had several questions.  Pray God will remove all barriers and draw him to His Son, Jesus. 

 Praises:

             I hope you caught the Saturday paper.  The Daily Press was gracious to permit me space to extend thanks to all who helped make 2008 a success, give a year end report of progress and outline a few activities for the coming year.  The best news was that the foundation we’re working with approved us to move into Phase II of our planning stage for a new facility.  Praise God!  Thanks for the part you played.  Your help is so much appreciated.

 In His Service,

Jamie Collins

Executive Director

 

What’s happening next?

 

SOS (Soup or Salad) Luncheon

First United Methodist Church

Friday, January 16^th.    

11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

$5 - choice of soup or salad

$7 – both soup and salad

Price includes beverage and dessert

Join us for lunch and support a great cause!

 

 

On February 1^st, Super Bowl Sunday, our local churches, youth groups, schools and service organizations are invited to be part of Souper Bowl of Caring. This national movement was begun in 1988 by a simple prayer spoken by a pastor: "Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat." 

Visit www.souperbowl.org  to see many of the resources available to mobilize and inspire our youth to fight hunger and poverty in our local community. There are easy ways to be involved! Contact Cathy at 236.8080 or chughes@missionoutreachnea.com to discuss ways you and your group can participate.

 It’s not just another chili cook-off…

It’s a Chili Rodeo!

Dust off that old cowboy hat and hitch up your wranglers for some chili cooking and tasting, mechanical bull riding, line dancing, and karaoke singing to help raise funds for the homeless and hungry in Greene County and Northeast Arkansas .

On Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the B.C. Loyd Building at the Greene County Fairgrounds, the entire family will enjoy good food, music, fun and fellowship and help raise funds for Mission Outreach of Northeast Arkansas.

The competition will be fierce but fun. For information on how you can participate as a contestant, sponsor or contact Heather at hparson@missionoutreachnea.com or 236.8080

 Thank you again for your support of Mission Outreach!

 

Cathy Hall Hughes

Director of Development

Mission Outreach of Northeast Arkansas, Inc.

www.missionoutreachnea.com

870.236.8080 ext.302