http://thesharingorg.podomatic.com/entry/2011-11-01T03_05_06-07_00
Ministry Moment:
Audible encouragement (I think) from other people is sort of like the pull of the oars in a row boat that propels you along your way. Just as my boat seemed to be slowing and floating guided by nothing but the current, Suzie joined me and Sela at one of the Shoebox filling parties this past month. Suzie is with Operation Christmas Child – South-East Michigan and she shared with the residents a little bit about the great blessing it was to have them join in the shoebox-fun. She rode with me and Sela and we were able to talk. She is a very passionate woman for the Operation Christmas Child program and its ability to not only send real physical blessings to impoverished children around the world – but mostly with its ability to share the gospel with whole communities in impoverished regions of the world.
She and I talked some of the normal “size you up” denominational stuff that we Christians do but mostly we talked about God’s goodness in the OCC project. She asked me many questions about the ministry that I do and I (being the talker that I am) did not disappoint and hopefully did not bore. When we had arrived back to my home Suzie came in and visited a while with the family and she even tasted some of my fresh roasted coffee (that’s another story). During the visit she had commented to Megan that she saw that I was perfectly suited for this ministry that God had called me to and that she really enjoyed experiencing the work of God we provided to the residents of the care facilities. Let’s just say that my hat-size increased a few notches that afternoon when she paid me such a great compliment – And she said it to my wife. I had received another such compliment from my pastor who had taken time from his busy schedule to join me at a few of the services as well. Both of these compliments are great encouragements to me because as each one was given I could feel my boat of faith being propelled forward.
I wondered if sharing these compliments with you is not just me “tooting-my-own” horn, but as I considered it I did not think so. As I am the front man, I do tend to get all the glory, but without you and your continued support and blessings I could not be in a position to get this praise. Yes, Suzie and my pastor recognized me because I was there, but the reality is that Megan and I know that there are some 45 of you who make it possible for us to minister to the residents each week.
Thank you…
~John
Prayer Letter:
Dear Prayer Partner,
Shoeboxes are complete! 93 residents helped us to pack 30 shoeboxes. We were able to pack all of the items on our packing-list except for the wrist watches. Between not being able to get the watches at an agreeable price and me not meeting budget in the fund-raising efforts, the wrist watches were the item that needed to be forgone this year. However, despite that, 93 residents were able to help in a significant way, 30 children will have a significant impact made on their lives, and many staff members were encouraged to be a part of this gospel-spreading program in the future. Not a bad little impact our little hodge-podge of residents has effected this year. Now, please pray with us as the shoeboxes begin their journey overseas. I am tracking the boxes with a barcode that OCC has supplied so I will be able to report to you when we learn where they have gone.
Praise God for what appears to be an answer to prayer. Megan has had a weird neck pain that was making her arms and shoulders ache and burn, even at rest. She was so uncomfortable that she could not sleep. This has lasted some 3 weeks, but with a chiropractic adjustment, prayer, and a focused deep muscle massage, Megan seems to be feeling better. We were fearful that this was a disk problem, and so we are very happy if God has dealt with it once and for all.
This month is going to be a very busy month for us. Here is the schedule, so please keep this prayer letter handy and pray for us (me) during the month.
Nov. 1 – 6: Worship Service as usual
Nov. 7 – 12: Megan and I are out of town for a spiritual retreat without kids (1st ever in over 7 years). Please pray for us as we will be seeking God’s direction for this ministry and just as importantly we will be concentrating on reconnecting spiritually and emotionally as a couple. There is no worries for us, but we are both aware that 7 years and 3 kids has taken its toll on our marital relationship as we recognize that our spiritual lives have been slowly moved aside for other pressing family matters. Also, please pray for my mom-in-law who will be taking care of all 3 kids for that week. God bless her!!!
Nov. 13-15: I am out of town for my annual Taxation conference in preparation for 2012 taxes. Please pray for Megan as she will be tending to the kids alone.
Nov. 16: Dropping off shoeboxes to the pick-up location in St. Clair AND hosting a coffee roasting demonstration with the residents at one of the homes in Armada AND attending a training seminar in Southfield. Please pray that I don’t fall out. 
Nov. 24-27: Thanksgiving Weekend – I’ll pray for travelling mercies for you.
Nov. 30th: Another coffee roasting demonstration for a group of residents. Please pray that the residents experience the greatness of God in the fresh roasted single origin coffee that I serve.
Well, that about does it. Thank you so much for praying with and for us as we take the hope of Christ to the residents in the care facilities.
God Blessings,
John
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Tags: Adult Foster Care, AFC Home, Group Home, John Rock, Michigan, Ministry, Nursing Care, Nursing Home, Operation Christmas Child, Pastor Matt Woodburn, Samaritan's Purse, The Sharing Org, VOX Church
