2008 Report
Loads of Love Information Centre
The last year at the
information centre has been a memorable one.
We have really begun to see
the fruits of just being there when people need us. The relationships that have been established are growing day
by day. It is becoming more and
more obvious that the community is embracing the ministry of Loads of Love.
Downtown Centre employees
often drop in just for encouragement
Almost daily people in need
phone or drop by.
The number of those wanting
to donate has risen tremendously
Last year we held an ALPHA
course that blossomed into a weekly Bible Study for several ladies. This was truly a blessing. Karen Aerssen and Arlene Wilson led
these ladies in a very special time of devotion each week. Only eternity will show the true
rewards of those months.
For two years Loads of Love
has facilitated a Prom Dress exchange in cooperation with the Downtown
Centre. What a tremendous ministry
this was! Margie Martin and her
crew made those young ladies feel like the true princesses that they are meant
to be.
Last year, Loads of Love partnered with Samaritan's Purse to assist with the distribution and collection of the Christmas shoeboxes. How amazing it was to share in the excitement as people eagerly picked up boxes.
BUT it was even more amazing to be there when boxes were returned
stuffed so full they could hardly be closed.
In the spring the Cultural
Coalition in Chatham approached us to do a special news release and short
documentary featuring Tuan and Mai Lai and their ministry to Vietnam. What a privilege it was to be a part of this recognition of two of God's precious servants.
As a result of this a
celebration of the Vietnamese culture was held at Evangel Community Church in
February of this year.
Recently, I have had the
privilege of meeting and working with Stephanie Pottier the Director of ACFO,
an organization that assist with the integration of immigrants and refugees
into the community. This is
relationship that will have far-reaching implications for the kingdom.
The Christmas Gift wrap has
become an annual event for Loads of Love.
This too has become an outreach into the community. It becomes very real when an elderly
lady with severe arthritis blesses you for wrapping her gifts oh so beautifully.
Or when a small child goes away, beaming from ear-to-ear because his gift for
Daddy is wrapped and ready for under the tree. All this and it's a successful fundraiser to boot!
As with all organizations the
information centre has dreams for this next season:
·
Quilting group meeting
weekly
·
Knitting and crocheting
for missions
·
Scrapbooking with
Scripture
·
Adding some focus groups
such as budgeting, learning to shop.
Volunteers are always needed
to keep a presence in the Mall. If
you would like to be a part of this very important ministry call
519-352- LOVE (5683) or see
Carol Anne Mackness.
Be blessed as you express God's love to those around you.
Expressing His love
Carol Anne Mackness