People wonder why we would choose to spend a Saturday afternoon once
a month at Shining Stars. Seeing these precious faces, wouldn't you also fall in love?
Shining Stars is a ministry through Water Angels that ministers to homeless and underprivileged children. We met Omar and Lamar at this ministry last year, and they are now a huge part of our lives.
Knowing some of the children, it's easy to recognize that this is one place where they feel cared for and loved. Volunteers take the time to get to know them and to pour love into them! Every month there is something different. A meal, music, a craft, and a biblical lesson are always on the agenda. Today, face painting and an incredible Easter egg hunt gave everyone something to talk about.There are many needs at Water Angels, and all of the volunteers are needed. Kristie has organized the Shining Star meetings for 2010. Our Life Group has been involved, and others from our church are trickling down more often. (Right, Matt?) From our involvement with Water Angels, it's been amazing to witness the transformation within our own family and others around us. After some time with these children, you quickly realize that many of them have never known or felt true, authentic love. I'm grateful this is a safe haven for one Saturday a month.
Here's a few pictures from today. Fellowship over a meal first...
Yum, yum, Weston!
Grab a seat - if you can find one - for the lesson!
(Weston is always the technician manning the sound board. Can you believe that at age 10?)
If you are a man at Water Angels, it's guaranteed that you will always be holding a child. The dire need for Christian male role models is growing. Righ give a piece of his heart to this child he's holding.
Reid is also covered up - loving these boys!
Raymond, John and Omar flaunt their new air-brushed tattoos.
Mason displays his as well. The kids are KIDS at Shining Star!
Lamar is taking Franklin down!
Franklin and Papa. It's astonishing to see all of the older children with the younger ones. They love well as they help and hold these little ones!
Sydney capturing the eyes of a little one.
Lamar is on cloud nine. Ooops! Actually, he's on Reid's shoulders!
Stephanie and her girls singing the songs. J- E- S- U- S!
Lamar, Braden, Sarah Grace! Friends forever!
"To do more for the world than the world does for you - that is success." --Henry Ford
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" --Acts 20:35
1 comment:
So needed to see this! Had someone make a negative comment about Shining Star today and how it could be "better". Very hurtful, but this is my reminder that it is AWESOME! Those faces and hugs are worth it all! Love you and your heart! So glad we have the same beat as your family! Looking forward to tomorrow!
Post a Comment