The Old Care-A-Van
Next came the Rescue van, then the bus
Happy New Year to all! It is time to get back in the writing business for the Lord. I had a great Christmas holiday, as I hope all of you did.
It is a new year, a new year for new beginnings. 2009 was an awesome year for Care-A-Van Ministries! Do you know that all of you helped feed groceries to 1,648 families with a total of family members of... are you ready……. drum roll please…………………
4,327 people! Now, I don’t know about you but that blows my socks off!
You are all so awesome! In this past year, we also were blessed to have the Care-A-Van band formed. It is hard to believe that in 2010, Care-A-Van will be celebrating its 10th year anniversary of serving the Lord!
This past Saturday, we were at Batavia Gardens. It was just like the olden days, as the bus would not start, so the Rescue van had to be used for grocery distribution.
I was running a bit late and well, I did not quite dress the for occasion thinking we would have the bus... wrong... it was a bit windy and chilly. I think like the temperature was 10 degrees out! It just blows my mind, to think for years that Paul and Bridget and the volunteers stood out in the cold winters with the van! The Lord fed 21 families with 33 family members on that brisk morning.
There were many miracles and blessings in 2009. We hope you have enjoyed reading about them through the newsletter. Oh yes, that was another start for the ministry was the blessing of the newsletter and that we are starting to get a little more technically blessed. We have joined face book as well. If you have not become a fan yet please do so at http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/#/pages/Care-A-Van-Ministries/127777628998?ref=mf
The Lord has 96 fans so far! We share a lot of photos and stories there as well.
We continue to pray and seek the Lord as to what he shall have the ministry do in 2010. Our mission from day one has been to take the good news of the gospel to the streets.
We are very thankful for all of you, the churches, pastors, families, friends and volunteers that have helped do the Lord’s work in seeking the lost and serving those in need.
Batavia is a big city. Now mind you, remember I have shared that I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, amongst the mountains. There are many people here that do not know who the Lord is. There are many that are still struggling to do life on their own and continuing to live in the muck and mire of life.
I will leave you with this thought. Have you thought about and prayed about how the Lord may want to use you in this New Year? Why not have 2010 be the year that you step out and come to the streets with Care-A-Van Ministries. There is place here waiting for you, no matter what talent or special gift God has blessed you with. I have found when we step out in faith, take the focus off of ourselves, God will open doors and blessings for us that one could never imagine!
Ok, with being the PR director, I think it will be ok for me to write this thought.
May the Lord bless Paul and Bridget Ohlson during this coming year. May the Lord continue to bless Care-A-Van Ministries in 2010. May the Lord expand and show his 2010 vision to all.
May we all celebrate in the 10th year anniversary of the ministry. (The official month is May... but hey, I don’t know about you, but I like to get an early start on celebrations! hmm does that include cake each month. I sure hope not! Instead of the Care-A-Van, a few of us call it the Calorie van! There is always good treats and snacks to be found on the bus. But most importantly, our Lord and Savior Jesus is there waiting for each and every soul.
God Bless and Keep the Light On!
