The Reach of Our Hands

The count is in for the knitted and crocheted scarves and hats for Soar International's Stuff-A-Stocking project for children in Russian orphanages.

The women of Chapel on the Hill made:

186 matched sets of hats and scarves
13 small hats and mittens
6 pairs of slipper socks
60 scarves
17 hats
31 pairs of gloves

More are coming in, and more are being given to Star of Hope Mission in Paterson.

"She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands...She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:13,20

Prayer Alert!

Leanne Cherry, a beloved member of our Chapel family, has received a call from Mount Sinai in New York that a kidney and pancreas are available to her. She is leaving immediately and will have an added blood test (the last one indicated this would be a match, but they have to be sure) - and the surgery could be as early as tonight.

Pray that her blood is a match, that the surgery is a success, that her body accepts the organs, that she is able to tolerate the immunosuppressive drugs, that she has perfect peace, and that she is a testimony in the hospital to the love and grace of God through Christ.

(Leanne has diabetes, which has caused her blindness. She has received kidney transplants in the past from her husband, Cliff, and from her mom, Nancy. She is a vibrant Christian, and has become the standard for victorious Christ-like living in our church community. "When I think of how Leanne handles her trials..." is a common encouraging word to us.)

The picture is from our morning service two weeks ago. Each Sunday during our weekly greeting-and-singing of "Family of God," Pastor Anderson brings up someone from the congregation to sing with him. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

UPDATE: Leanne just called. The donor's family has changed their minds (most likely, this was not on the person's driver's license, a family cannot override that). Leanne is upbeat, and still trusting the Lord, proving yet again to us what the Christian life looks like in the face of adversity. Thank you, Leanne. Know we continue to pray.

A P.S. from Leanne and Cliff:
"It is a huge blessing to know we are a praying church family...Cliff and I are so encouraged and honored to be a part of such a faithful family with a very faithful Father at their head...I know that God has His purposes even in the disappointment of this, and we also need to remember to pray for the family who has lost this loved one...God brought to mind how much we need to pray for their sorrowful time and for their possible need as Christ as their savior. One great thing to know too is that I must be at the top of the transplant list and, hopefully, those organs for me will come very soon. Thanks again."

Coffee, Praise, Gifts, and Our Team

As usual, a lot's been happening around here...

Yesterday, our church had its once-a-month Chapelccino breakfast,



sang our praises as a part of the "Family of God,"



then poured out a desire to show children around the world the love of Jesus Christ in a tangible way,



by meeting and exceeding our goal of 100 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.



Sam and Miriam Armijos headed up our effort,



and when they led the children in with the abundance of gifts, we were overwhelmed.



There were 120 shoeboxes on Sunday, and more keep coming in.



Pastor led us all in prayer, and we rejoice in this opportunity.



We pray God will use these small gifts to bring many to know His love and salvation,



and to encourage our children in the blessing of giving to and praying for others.

AND -

our Mississippi Team is featured on another blog! Sharon is a librarian from Chicago, who after a few trips to help the Gulf, quit her job, sold her house, and headed there to help. She goes to my brother Chuck's church, Reunion, and that's how we connected with her and were able to point her in the direction of Lakeshore Baptist.

Sharon has some kind words about our team and a great picture of them here, standing in front of the steeple that was the only piece left from the church after Hurricane Katrina hit it. Go back and read her other posts and see her other pictures, it's a great chapter in the whole God's-people-and-Katrina story.

On their way again...

After enjoying a beautiful candlelit Italian dinner at church - cooked by Maria and Chickie - the Chapel Men's Mississippi Team packed for their trip. Despite the rain, they got all they needed into the three SUV's heading to the Gulf.



Pastor Anderson prayed for protection and safety for the men as they drive through the night, for their time together to bring them closer to each other and to the Lord, and for them to be a blessing to those in Mississippi they are going to help.



Their send-off included wives, kids, parents, and several other Chapel members, promising their prayers and wishing them the best. The drive to Lakeshore is 1,300 miles.



Pray for our men. The team this time includes (left to right) Marc DiEdwardo, Pastor Bill Breckenridge, Steve Hangge, Mark Schoonfield, Johnny Fabrazzo, Frank Scerbo, Stan Zimmerman, Scott Enchelmaier, and Pat Arthur.

What's Happening

The Chapel men are leaving for Mississippi again this Wednesday.

For some pictures and comments about it, click here.

This week, Chapel on the Hill fills shoeboxes with gifts for Operation Christmas Child, rehearses for our Chapel Christmas Sundays, and sends off our Mississippi missions team.

Stay posted - we'll share more from the men as they head out!