What's New?

Temple, our program director, will be volunteering, under the Vision of Hope Ministries name, to tutor and be an advocate in IEP meetings for children. She has finished her PhD program and moved to the Pittsburgh, PA area. She has purchased a home for ministry. As she gets settled and familiar with the area, we will work together to open the house for further ministry. Please keep her in your prayers.

We had our second "Free-In-Deed" of the year, Saturday, August 16th at Elijah House, 105 W. 10th St. in Holland from 9am-1pm. Many people came to get what they needed and a few even stopped to give. We know many were blessed. We have been so blessed to have help moving the donations, clothes racks, and tables from other locations. Members of Central Wesleyan Church have been so faithful to help us with these projects. We pray God's special blessings on them for their service.

We had our first "Free-In-Deed" of the year, Saturday, May 31st at the Elijah House on 10th St. in Holland. We were able to give clothing to many people. One person's house had burned down, and she needed everything. There were two large, homeless families that needed almost everything as well. We were able to share God's love in action and word. The people say they were so blessed, but we were blessed to be able to share with them. We desire to fulfill the Scripture in Matthew 25.....feed, clothe, care for and shelter those in need. As we do it unto them, we are doing it as unto the Lord.

We have another two residents in our Ebenezer House. God is doing wonderful things. Our hope is that they will be transforming into the image of Christ with God's mercy and love. We are so grateful to be able to open our doors to those in need. Please pray that God will provide what we need to minister appropriately to our residents.

We were able to help a missions group bring clothing to Haiti. They have twelve (12) empty suitcases to fill and leave in Haiti and we are able to help them out. That's exciting to think we are a part of missions in Haiti just by giving what we have. God uses us in many unexpected ways, and we are excited to be able to be a part of this ministry. We encourage you to let God use what you have. It will bless Him, others, and you.

We are hoping to be able to start taking in pregnant teenagers by the Summer of 2009. We are working on grant writing to foundations for funding. We are believing God for financial miracles to provide the proper housing. God has already supplied us with willing workers. Pray with us that all the right doors will open.

In November (07) we were given a donation of 5 store clothes racks to hang our "Free In Deed" clothes on for future events. What a blessing! We needed them to display the Lord's blessings. We're looking forward to using them this Spring.

We had a giveaway again Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 called "Free In Deed" at Lakeshore International Family Training Center on Hastings Ave. in Holland. The turnout was great and a lot of people were blessed. We were able to share God's Word with some and plant many seeds for the Kingdom of God. One person e-mailed us their gratitude for the ministry.

"Thank you to LAKESHORE INTERNATIONAL FAMILY TRAINING CENTER AND VISION OF HOPE for the free garage sale on November 3. Your double garage full of free clothes and household items was a blessing to all who attended."

We were all so blessed that God used our ministry to bless another ministry. We want to be a funnel for God's goodness to pour out into the community. God is raising this ministry up to help others in every way - physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We are excited about His blessing upon us. Isn't serving Jesus exciting?!!!!!!

There is one story I would like to share with you that touched everyone's hearts at our free giveaway "Free In Deed" in May 2007. A Spanish gentleman, probably in his 60's, walked over to the wheelchair that someone had donated. He checked it over very carefully and asked how much it was. We told him it was free. He was so surprised and couldn't believe it. We told him he could have it if he needed it. He was so happy because he wanted it for a friend of his in Mexico that had no legs......and had four children. Now he would be able to go places with his children. I believe I saw a tear in his eye. We were all so blessed......probably more than he was. When we told the woman who donated her wheelchair, she was blessed to know that by her donation, she was helping a man in Mexico and blessing his family in return. The blessings keep rolling on and on and on with giving. You cannot outgive God!

We are looking forward to increasing our ministry of "Free In Deed" giveaways. God has used them to bless so many. He said in His Word........"If you give a cup of water in My name, you will not lose your reward" (Mark 9:41). Whatever we do, no matter how small, if we do it in His name, with His heart, we have blessed Him, our Father. Let's continue to give as unto our Father. Giving is "active" worship unto Him, not just lip-service.

Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

If you would like to donate used household items, furniture, and clothing please give us a call at 616-355-9903.