| Providing For Physical and Spiritual Needs -October 2006 |
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Dear Friends, The Ministry of the Military Christian Center covers a wide range of areas. Bible studies, counseling and fellowship minister to the spiritual needs. Transportation, babysitting provided for activities and the food donation program minister to physical needs. Both are essential, each one opens the door for the other. Twice each week John goes to a toal of seven food establishments to pick up donated food. As an authorized agency we also go at least once a month to the food bank warehouse. These are products that are not only a benefit to the Center meals that are provided, but also allow us to give away food to military families. Some would protest that military families do not have the need to receive such benefits unless they are not managing their money well. While this may be true in some part, there is still a great need for active duty servicemembers with children to find someting to fill the gaps. As the price of gas, housing, insurance, clothes and groceries increase, the amount of "stretch" in military pay decreases. Many of the families we minister to qualify for participation in WIC - Women, Infants & Children - a supplemental program which provides nutritious foods, education and referrals to other social services. We know of one couple who was low on funds. She chose not to pay their car insurance. This seemed to be the best solution to her until she was involved in an accident. Had they saved the cost of food that they could have received free from the Center and put it toward their insurance the resulting large bill would never have been. Many who have come to receive food have thanked us in tears saying that they hadn't known how they were going to make it to the next paycheck. Sandy received a call from one wife who frequents our food donations. She stumbled over her words until she finally got out "I just want you to know that we appreciate you and all you do." This one had her physical needs ministered to and is now involved in the ladies Bible study. She shared that the methods she is learning from the study have helped her in other areas of her life. We appreciate those of you who stand with us in both our spiritual and physical needs. Your financial support and prayers are invaluable to us. We could not be here to minister to others if it were not for you ministering to us. Pray with us that more people and churches would be burdened to share in this ministry. Thank you. We just want you to know that we appreciate you and all you do. Serving the Captain of Our Salvation, John & Sandy Seaton |
