May Widows & Orphans Network
This month, we are adding testimonies to our updates!
It is incredible to see how the Lord is working in our Ministry Partners!
TESTIMONY
Our volunteer has given us permission to share this testimony internally but we haven't requested permission to share outside the ministry so, we will use the name "Esther" for anonymity.
At a recent Ranch Day one of our frequent volunteers was struggling a bit with being able to make it, but very decisively told us that she would be there rain or shine. She's been a big part of what we do on Ranch Day so it was encouraging to see her determination. Esther recently lost her oldest daughter and provides full-time care for her twin grandsons. Despite the recent loss she said she feels the Holy Spirit urging her to continue to help others and stated that her grandsons "need this as much as I do".
Esther not only obeys the urging of the Holy Spirit but takes her role to teach the children how to selflessly serve with love and cheerfulness, no matter the circumstance. Esther's heart to serve and obey when she hears the Lord speak helps to inspire others to do the same. Her dedication to show up month after month in obedience and love demonstrates how we can all do something that may seem small, but could mean everything to someone looking for Christ's compassion and love in action.
Here is what you need to KNOW | PRAY | GIVE | GO for this month:
KNOW
March attendance was 412 and an unfortunate rainstorm led to an April Ranch Day of only about 250. Despite the weather and an hour delay in start time we still placed 2000 eggs for the Easter Egg hunt and everyone had a fantastic time.
In contrast, the weather for May 3rd was nearly perfect and attendance surged to 401. There is no shortage of prayer and help needed in the single-parent community and we continue to show our Father's love every month.
My Father's Work is very thankful to have received a donation of a new small refrigerator for equine medications. Preventative medicine helps the horses perform and be available for riding on Ranch Day and is a tremendous blessing!
PRAY
Please continue to pray for Chuck and his family for comfort after the loss of his mother. Even when we celebrate the end of suffering that can come when a parent goes to be with Jesus, the loss of a parent is always significant.
The ministry also experienced a shift in some key positions, so please pray that God connects the right people in the right places to do more of His work and serve His people well.
GIVE
The ministry still needs repairs to golf carts and some of the equipment necessary to make Ranch Day happen. Chuck and the board have a full list of needs but every donation, whether financial or with necessary items, is very welcome.
Each and every month the items for the Ranch Day garage sale are also donated from the community. We don't carry over items from one month to the next. This means that any clothing, household items, appliances, tools, toys, or just about anything else you can imagine seeing at a garage sale are welcome.
Contact Chuck or Marty to coordinate donations throughout the month if you have anything you can spare!
If you want to give financially to Widows & Orphans Network, go to our GIVE page and select “Widows & Orphans Network”.
GO
The next Ranch Day is on Saturday, June 7th; as always we need as many volunteers as possible. The warmer months when school is out tend to have much higher attendance which means a greater need for supervision and assistance to kids and their parents.
We also could use volunteers who can help setup the garage sale on Thursday and Friday, June 5th and 6th. Sorting through donations, organizing, and setting up everything for Saturday morning usually takes both full days. Please contact Marty Griffith if you can volunteer to help with the setup!
Additionally, we are always in need of people with large vans that can help pickup single-parents and kids on Ranch Day mornings and transport them from shelters to the ranch and back again. We currently have four shelters we try to support but only one dedicated vehicle and driver.
If you would like to volunteer with Widows & Orphans Network, shoot us an email - office@wellspringdfw.org .