These days many people will tell you that we live in uncertain times. In the last few months we have seen many of our donors and volunteers deeply affected by the current recession. Our prayer for them has been divine protection, encouragement, and that God would return to them even more than what seems to have been lost. But have their efforts to assist Gracious Promise Foundation build the Kingdom of God been lost? Pondering that thought, I was reminded that every detail, every minute, every penny that has been given has been invested in results that are “Eternal.” We see many whose lives have been forever changed by their decision to follow Christ. I wish you could see firsthand the changes that we see every day. Everyday the words of Paul are outwardly visible: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Many don’t believe those we work with can change – - we are sure they can! Take a few minutes to look through our “Investment Earnings Report.” We hope that what you read brings true glory to God as you praise Him for the work He has done through the obedience of the donors, volunteers and staff.
Your Prayers and Networking Connections Needed
Like many other ministries throughout the nation, our funding during the past year has been desperately low. We have reduced staff, utilities, expenses to the minimum amount possible. We do not receive any governmental funding, so our funding streams consist of donations and grants through businesses, individuals and churches. After months of prayer, we have made the decision to sell our Grandma’s House property, and restructure the program to work outside of a residential program. The continuation of Gracious Promise Foundation depends on the quick sale of Grandma’s House. Please pass the word on for us to those who might be interested in purchasing the home.
We know you are receiving many requests for financial assistance this year in view of the economic recession. We are no exception and ask for your prayerful consideration of a generous gift at this time to support us until we complete the sale of Grandma’s House. The results of your investments cited within this letter indicate rich returns on such investments.
“And he that received the five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: lo, I have gained other five talents. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. And he also that received the two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: lo, I have gained other two talents. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:20-23
The Faces Behind the Numbers
Mr. Jeff Travis*, a client who performed community service while on parole for DUI offenses has successfully completed his parole obligations and is currently employed as a Property Maintenance person for a local apartment complex. While at GPF, Mr. Travis proved himself to be a hard worker and was often looked upon as a “Site Supervisor” by showing other clients how to perform their assigned tasks. Good Luck Mr. Travis.
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Sherry Pascal*, was able to move into her new apartment during the month of July. Ms. Pascal had been evicted from public housing previously and her criminal history appeared to be a barrier, however with the assistance of Case Manager Anita Mackrel and Housing Representative Mark Marcano, Ms. Pascal and her children are now residing in their new home.
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Chris Eynick* is a prime example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. He has been assisted by our Case Management, Court Advocacy and Employment Department. Since this past March – Chris has fully complied with all court and supervision requirements, with GPF’s intercession in helping him obtain partial credit for Trustee hours earned while incarcerated combined with his community service work at GPF Mr. Eynick has reduced his CS hours down from 350+ to less than 40. Chris has also secured two jobs – one full time at Tyson and one part time at Aramark. Mr. Eynick is now caring and providing for his two young daughters. He is a spiritual person and he and his case managers have had several heartwarming conversations regarding the importance of Jesus and the Word in his life. He speaks of how he has changed… how he now has patience and the willpower to hold his tongue or walk away when he feels he’s been slighted. Chris has been a terrific individual to work with and I feel he’s also been a role model for others who have worked beside him performing Community Service.
* Client names have been changed to maintain their confidentiality
Here’s a copy of the print version of our newsletter, for those who would like to view it: newsAug2009
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