During this past holiday season my heart was very burdened by those who were either suffering, didn’t have much or were going without all together. I prayed and asked God, I’m only one person what could I possibly do? It really isn't all that hard to make a difference in the life of someone else nor does it have to be a huge undertaking like giving someone lots of money. Sometimes it's the little things that really help make a person's day. What seems trivial to you may really help out a person in need. God’s Word says to “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 (NIV)
The church I attend was helping about 1200 school children this year with gift bags so we gave, the local Fire Station was asking for toys for needy children in the area so we bought a bag full of toys. The School where my children currently attend was sponsoring a needy child (5th grader) in the hospital--so we blessed her. We explained to our children that God had truly been a blessing to us all year and it was our time to give back. I told them that they were going to donate a gift that they themselves received to a needy family, but at that time, I didn’t know who it would be. God began to show me that the need was truly a stone’s throw from my back door. One of my daughter’s friends whose family was going through a separation, having to move and there would be No Christmas. The mother had explained to her children that it was more important for them to have a roof over their head and a warm place to sleep than presents under a tree so their move was on. I knew this was our opportunity to show the Love of Jesus. We were able to purchase gifts for the Mom and her children with the help of my home church. My children were given money for the holidays and they gave half to the kid’s gifts. We were able to bless them with holiday food and gifts. We were so excited to be able to help and gave all the credit to the Lord and wanted no praise for ourselves we were simply vessels God chose to use during this time. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
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| "God Sent Helping Hands" |
My heart was full of joy and I finally felt at peace. I had given to other charity’s but I felt like it still wasn’t enough, I hadn’t gotten to where God wanted me to be. But now I knew I was doing as God had instructed me to do. This precious Mother and her children were so touched and also rejoiced in the Lord that her desire for her children to have something to open on Christmas day had been met by the Lord. But I wasn’t done yet--they still needed help moving into their home. They needed wallpaper removed, paint and supplies. The day after Christmas we went and helped them for about 10 hours. We scraped wallpaper painted bathrooms and moved furniture in the pouring down of rain, we were glad we could give from our means to help others. “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” Luke 6:31 (ESV) It was our pleasure to give but when we give with a willing heart God will also bless our efforts of faithfulness.
Although I was not expecting anything, just after the holidays I was also blessed, I knew of someone who was getting new furniture and they had offered me their old set at no charge and we were excited to have it, but in the end the Lord had a different plan and I was blessed with 2 brand new pieces of furniture. I wept and thanked God for allowing me to hear His small still voice during such a busy time of year. I will always and forever thank God for his mercy and graciousness to His people. I’m sure there are many testimonies of God meeting the needs during this past holiday season but this testimony is how God used me and my family to bless others and we give Him all the Glory because Jesus, is Truly "The Reason for the Season” and a “Light” to all those in need. By: nichol arredondo fortenberry
Thank you so much for reading this message. If you would like to make a copy or copies of this testimony, you are welcome to do so. Make sure your copy is in its entirety and the message should not be changed. Hilda Arredondo's name and her website http://NDCPrayer.com/ and e-mail address uipwc@bellsouth.net should accompany this message as you print it. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail us. At this point we have no representatives outside this ministry and all business for the ministry is handled by hilda arredondo, 195 El Shaddai Rd, Opelousas, La. 70570
