With the goal of “increasing the influence of the $100, this group purchased bi-lingual children’s Bibles, Bible story books and collected bilingual discontinued school books, bags and bags of both new and gently used clothing and shoes. They gave all these items to Foundation for His Ministry in Vicente Guerrero (4 ½ hours south of Tijuana). It is a medical clinic, Bible school, orphanage, daycare for disabled children, paramedic and fire rescue teams and outreach to neighboring communities. They knew of this clinic because Ellie Goolkasian, a member of our church, was called to minister there in October of 2007 and they have been encouraging her since she left.
Small Group Leader(s): Pat Wood and Wilma Marr
Small Group Members: Jodi Bianchi, Jane Branum, Nancy Brown, Jennifer Gilbert, Jeanette Kaufhold, Adelaide Kooker, Doreen May, Carol McAllister, Cherie Ryan, Betty Scalice, Emily Tucker, Dawn Wilson
Description of your project: With the goal of increasing the influence of their $100, our group, by keeping in touch with Ellie Goolkasian, ascertained that the Foundation for His Ministry www.ffhm.org needed Bibles, story books, and clothing. Through our contacts, we collected and purchased until we were able to send all we could from the list. We continue to support the ministry by keeping in contact and trying to collect those items needed.
How did you come to your idea? Ellie visited our small group before she left for Vicente Guerrero in October 2007. We were all moved by her commitment in leaving her life her and her job as a hospice nurse, her home and to go there as a nurse, clown and a servant to Christ. We had decided before the $100 challenge to support her in every possible way.
How did you “invest” the $100? We purchased bi lingual Bibles and Spanish Bible story books.
Beneficiary(s): Ellie Goolkasian and Foundation for His Ministry in Vicente Guerrero.
Process or procedure: We were already in contact with Ellie so we had her tell us what she needs to help the Foundation. After we got the list we spent the $100 on Bi-lingual Bibles and story books and then brainstormed how to help with other items on the list. One member contacted her daughter’s school principal who promised bilingual textbooks which are discontinued here but could be used in Mexico. Our members enthusiastically gathered, from many sources, bags and bags of both new and gently used clothing and shoes, which were turned over to Ellie when she visited over Easer weekend. Our Loaves and Fishes have multiplied!
We continue to keep in touch by e-mail and will continue support. We gather funds and turn them over to our church treasurer monthly. We have a wish list of needed supplies of diapers, formula, baby and junior food, toothpaste, peanut butter and other items. We keep in touch with Foundation for His Ministry in San Clemente for up-to-date information on when their truck may be going to Mexico to deliver to the mission.
Outcomes to date: Bags and bags of clothing were sent along with textbooks and Bibles and Bible stories.
Stewardship Lessons learned: Go with your heart and find a way to do God’s work in that.
Would you invest your money in this way again? Yes, we still are!