Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry

The play by play......

2010-03-15T14:01:00.001-04:00

We were blessed to start today with $750 for client assistance. Knowing that on any given day our normal financial outflow is between $2,000 to $3,000, we asked the Lord to send only those families that really needed us today. Here is our day "post-amen":
We opened at 10:00. It was slow but steady for the first hour. Then totally quiet.... As the day went on, we began to run low on money. A sweet man with a heart condition who was just released from the hospital needed help with prescriptions. Oh no! It's more that we have. But our ever miracle working Marlene says...here is a coupon, let's call and see if he can get the medicine cheaper. About the same time, Mr. Ralph visited and handed me $40. And guess what???? Yes, it was enough to cover the medicine. Oh that's good! About that time a sweet little lady came in that needed helped with her heating bill. Following in her footsteps was Ms. Shirley from First Baptist Snellville Winsome SS class. And guess what??? Oh yes, it was enough.
To God Be the Glory!!!
Gotta run..Just heard the mail truck!!!

A Day of Blessings

2010-03-12T14:20:00.001-05:00

What an awesome day serving the Lord. The Lord really showed Himself faithful. Oh my!! Here are the highlights:
- Multiplied money for assistance - God allowed us to "find" additional funds for assistance today. We made it all day without running out!
- The gift of thanks - God brought us a sweet angel today that ask...ed if she could sing us a song to show her appreciation. She glorified the Lord as she brought tears to our eyes.
- The kids are out of school!! - What a joy to have our sweet Mary home from college and the additional blessings of Jessie, Sylvia, and Arnelle from Grayson HS, and Christopher from Brookwood HS. And of course awesome Josh. I pray that these young people will continue to have a heart of service.
And all God's peolpe say... AMEN!!!

A tale of cereal...

2010-03-07T20:41:00.002-05:00

It was a busy Thursday afternoon. The shelves were quickly developing several significant bare spots. A volunteer informed me that we had just given out our last box of cereal. What should we do? No worries, let's sit tight. We can substitute oatmeal or grits. My words didn't seem to please the volunteer. But we all knew that the Lord had delivered us time and time again.
About 15 minutes later I was standing on the delivery dock when George and Becky Hill pulled up. Becky has started a wonderful ministry called 5-2 Ministry. This ministry supplies items for the Co-op at substantially reduced prices utilizing coupons and sales. As Becky backed her SUV up to the loading dock I saw it!! Cereal, Cereal, Cereal! We were good to go for the rest of the night.

How good is the God we adore,
Our faithful unchangeable friend,
His love is as great as his power,
And knows neither measure nor end!

A shout out to Willie and other blessings.

2010-02-19T17:25:00.003-05:00

Hello friends.

I must say that I am spoiled by having the best job in the world. It can be so incredibly hard but it is so incredibly wonderful.

What a joy to report to you that the Co-op continues to be blessed daily.

New friends -

Willie - I was struggling to carry "stuff" inside yesterday. Willie saw me and jumped out of his car to help. He is a first time visitor to the Co-op. What a blessing he was to me. Thank you Willie. You are a true gentleman. May God keep you covered with His wings as you walk through these difficult days. The Co-op is here for you. Please come again.

Becky and Heather - Two women on a mission!! Two women who have discovered their true calling. And they rock! Becky started 5-2 Ministry and Heather started Clipping for a Cause. Wow! These coupon clipping warriors have blessed the Co-op in a big way.

Sixteen folks who attended the February volunteer orientation. Yes!! Thank you Lord.

Old (or shall I say familiar friends) -

Linda, Director of the Lawrenceville Co-op. A constant source of support and encouragement.

Matt, our awesome landlord/preacher man/ do anything for the Co-op guy. We are blessed.

Tatiyana and Irena - my sweet friends from St. Petersburg, Russia. (most beautiful city in the world) Irena brings Tatiyana each month for food assistance. Irena teaches me Russian words and says that I am a natural talent in speaking Russian. Who knew?!

Marlene, our Assistant Director. All I can say is that everyone needs a Marlene in their life.

What a joy it is to Count Your Many Blessings!

Grace and Peace to you all.

Laura Drake

Just not the same....

2010-02-01T13:13:00.002-05:00

Ms. Dorothy is not here today. Friday was her last day. She has been a longtime volunteer at the Co-op. When I first started in this position, Ms. Dorothy worked with our clothing mission. A huge job. When we decided to eliminate the clothing due to a lack of space, Ms. Dorothy reinvented herself. She became our greeter. Ms. Dorothy always welcomed folks with a smile and helped them to log in at the front desk. We will miss her terribly, but we all know that the Lord has plans for her in her new home.

"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26

It's been a while......

2010-01-27T18:16:00.002-05:00

Hello to all.

It's been a while since I have blogged. Evidenced by me having to reset the password as I had forgotten what it was. Shame on me.

Since I last blogged here, so much has happened. We have been so incredibly busy and so incredibly blessed.

It was an honor to serve 1,820 different families in 2009. Of that number, over 2/3 were first timers. Now 2009 has come to a close and we have hit 2010 with our feet running.

Our current needs are food, food, food. At the present time it is taking 32,000 + pantry items to serve all who come for food assistance.

Please remember our neighbors in need and pick up a few extra items at the store this week. Some suggestions would be dried beans, rice, cereal, spaghetti sauce, canned fruit, and canned milk.

Blessings,
Laura Drake

This week...

2009-11-20T23:33:00.002-05:00

Once again, I stand and cast my eyes back over a very busy week. Each day that we were open brought many seeking assistance. It was a hard week for sure.

But there were also many blessings:

A wonderful Co-op luncheon on Wednesday. Forty eight in attendance to praise God and fellowship together.
Four, yes four, different pastors graced the door of the Co-op this week.
Pastor Matt brought in a small tv and Disney videos for the kids to watch during their LONG waits in the office trailer.
Sponsored about 70 families for Christmas. Still need more sponsors.
Someone "showing up" today and offering to haul away some rubbish behind the pantry trailer. Oh thank you so much!
John, the Census Guy taking applications for seasonal help. He will return on Dec. 18th. Great pay. Fun job.
Several food drives were delivered including Pharr and Starling Elementary schools and Gwinnett County Transit. Love those bus guys. They are good people.
Warm hugs from loving clients who always bring joy to my day.

Grace and Peace to you all.

Laura Drake

God is a constant.

2009-11-13T17:40:00.002-05:00

Hello friends.

Well it is Friday. The end of another very busy week at the Southeast Gwinnett Coop.
We have served so many over the past few weeks. As you know, in addition to our regular operations, we have been taking Christmas applications as well. Recently we processed 90 total in a four hour period.
I am so thankful for our wonderful volunteers. They are amazing and so faithful.

Lately, we have had much and we have had little. I speak of money and food of course.

However, we know, without a doubt, that we always have the Lord. God is a constant. It is He that allows us to minister in His name. It is He that decides how we will do that each day. With funds or without. It is a indescribable comfort to rest in His care.

All Who Help are a Blessing.

2009-11-09T17:31:00.002-05:00

It occurred to me over the weekend that we are so blessed. Yes, I have always known it. But it is such a wonderful feeling when it washes over you anew.

SO many, do SO much to keep this ministry going. It is an amazing thing to ponder. And the best part is that they enjoy it so much.

On Saturday, I was reminded again and again how the Lord has surrounded the Co-op with joyful, willing volunteers.

A beautiful new fence went up around the Victory Garden. Ileen was so excited to get this wood from a neighbor and reconstruct a split rail fence around the garden. What a blessing.
I received a call from Meri. She is looking forward to assisting with finding 100 sponsors for our Christmas families. What a blessing.
Chris asked if he could work a few hours at the Co-op sorting food that was stacked up high and really needed to be processed asap. What a blessing.
Mary Jo was happy to come and research and solve a computer issue that popped up on Friday. What a blessing.

God is sooooo God !!!!!!!

Serving many

2009-11-06T09:29:00.002-05:00

Thursday evening was incredible. Seventy (70) came seeking food and utility assistance and we also took Christmas applications from an additional twenty (20). Exhausted, but full of heart satisfaction to be working for our Lord Jesus.

Thanks!!!

2009-11-04T12:24:00.001-05:00

Amazing group of "can slingers" showed up yesterday and helped count, sort, and date food. Wow! Thanks to the 36 folks who gave of their time and energy to help others. You are a blessing to this ministry. It is amazing what can be accomplished when we all work together!!!!!!

Whew!! Here we go....

2009-11-01T18:28:00.001-05:00

Hello all. Tomorrow on Monday, November 2nd, we will begin taking applications for Christmas Assistance. Due to the overwhelming need, we have limited the applicants to our current clients only. We hope to find sponsors for 150 - 200 families this year. Know someone who would be interested in coming alongside of a family? Please let us know.

What an awesome privilege and responsibility we have.....

2009-09-28T14:52:00.000-04:00

We are praising God this afternoon. He has shown Himself faithful yet again. What a wonderful testimony to shout from the hills that His people have heard the cry and are responding. The food started coming in around 9:30 and remained constant throughout the day. We had enough and then some left for Thursday!! Not sure, but could be 12 baskets full of leftovers!!!! There is NOTHING like the BODY OF CHRIST.... What an awesome privilege and responsibility we have.

Our Neighbors Are Asking...They Are Scared...We Need You More Than Ever...

2009-09-25T20:47:00.000-04:00

Dear friends,

I am at a loss for the words to sufficiently convey to you what we have been witnessing day after day at the Southeast Gwinnett Coop. People are hurting. People are struggling. Families are being stretched and many are breaking apart. Losing jobs. Losing homes. Losing hope.
We are so very thankful to be able to offer love and encouragement to the many who are seeking assistance through the Coop. And we praise God that He continues to make a way for this ministry to persist in serving our community. A little love goes a long way in the work of the Kingdom.
This increased need has been a challenge for us. We are choosing to actively trust that we are in the tight grip of God’s grace. We are trusting daily for the manna that is needed to feed to masses.
As of the close of business today, September 25, 2009, we have spent all monies available for client assistance and the pantry shelves are bare of over half of the items needed to prepare food boxes. Over the past 24 hours, 120 families have come to the Coop seeking assistance. But let me tell you what happened today......
We announced that we were low on food and that we would do our best to provide with what we had on hand. We made this announcement to a room full of people. And then it started... our precious clients coming forward and saying...”I can make it until next week. I will come back. Please help those who are in the most need today.” These trusting souls are returning next week. Would you consider blessing their trust and bringing an offering of food? And then tell a friend to do the same. I know that the Body of Christ is more than capable of creating a miracle. What a testimony it will be to welcome these families back with the Good News that the Church (capital C) has heard their cry and in a posture of selfless giving, has provided above and beyond!

Our Neighbors Are Hurting...Their problems are big...Our GOD is BIGGER!!!!!

Grace and Peace to you all.

God is our Builder

2009-09-12T18:24:00.002-04:00

For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

Hebrews 3:4-6

Dear friends,

What a week at the Southeast Gwinnett Coop. I last updated you on Thursday evening, letting you know that we had a record night and had run out of funds for financial assistance.

When we opened on Friday, we were able to provide another $750 in financial assistance. God had provided again. We did, however, run out of funds again on Friday. I was thankful that the first people in line were returning from the night before. They received assistance. Others, who came later in the day were told to come back Monday. And as always to please come alongside of us in prayer.

WELL.......I will say it again, "This ministry belongs to the Lord. And we are certain that He will give us what we need to do what He has called us to do." We are indeed HIS HOUSE.

I am overwhelmed to report that we have received enough financial donations to not only last through Monday, but most likely through ALL of next week!!!

But that's not the only exciting news this weekend......The Co-op has been blessed with food, food, food! Today was Great Days of Service at Snellville United Methodist. About 50 "servers" combed several neighborhoods this morning collecting food. Then delivered it, counted and dated it, sorted it, and shelved it!! Oh happy day...... You guys rock!

Record day at the Co-op - 72 families seeking assistance

2009-09-10T19:34:00.002-04:00

Dear friends,

I write this to you at the end of a very long afternoon at the Co-op. A new record for families seeking assistance in one day - 72. All who came seeking assistance for food were served. Praise God!
We were able to provide $1,000 in financial assistance. This is a blessing. We did run out and 17 left with no assistance. At this point, we have no funds to distribute tomorrow. Many of the people that were in tonight are returning tomorrow morning in the hopes that we will have financial assistance available.
I write this to you in expectant prayer. I know that the Lord is near. His presence is felt in this place. And I know that He has a plan for this ministry. We are trusting Him to provide what He knows is truly needed.
Will you come alongside in prayer as we wait on our Lord and trust fully and totally in His name?
Grace and Peace to you all.
Laura Drake

Faithful!!

2009-09-03T12:13:00.002-04:00

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;

your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Psalm 57:10

Dear friends,

I hope that you are well. And in the grip of God's grace.

I want to testify today!! I want you to know it all! Hear me, not just listen.... but hear me when I say that we serve an awesome God. There is none like Him. He is the One and the Only. I stand amazed at what He has done, is doing, and most certainly WILL do...

August was an incredible month for the Southeast Gwinnett Coop. Never before have we seen anything like it. Here is what I mean:

591 client visits seeking assistance

28,600 pantry items distributed

$25,700 in financial assistance provided

All who qualified were served. None turned away due to lack of resources. Oh, don't get me wrong, we most assuredly lived on DAILY MANNA. But God, who can most assuredly be trusted, provided our DAILY MANNA.

In this day and time when so many thing are uncertain, I ask you to hear me when I say,

The Lord is good

The Lord is steadfast

The Lord will never abandon

The Lord is strong

The Lord is capable

The Lord is right on time

The Lord is to be praised!!!!!!

Won't you join me? (And can I get an AMEN?!)

Thanks! I needed that....

2009-08-26T21:00:00.002-04:00

I received an awesome phone call today. The voice sounded familiar, yet I could not place it. It's Mike, the voice announced.

I have known Mike for several years. Back from my days at the Lawrenceville Co-op. He is one of those people who just "get stuck" in your heart. He loves the Lord, but has struggled for years with temptations that always seemed to drag him down just as he seemed to be headed in a healthy direction. I have prayed over him, grieved over him, been frustrated over him, yet always loved him. I had even given him one of my most prized possessions, a Bible that my children had given to me on Mothers Day several years ago. Needless to say, that gift held him to a higher standard in my eyes. I had not spoken to him for over a year.

He sounded different today. He said that he was out "working for his Father." He went on to explain that he had not taken a drink since June 2008, he was a regular and active member of a local church, and he was out delivering pamphlets regarding a recovery program that he was involved in. He gave God the Glory knowing that apart from His Father's grace, he would still be dwelling in that dark pit that had overshadowed him for so many days.

What else is there to say?!

Even to your old age, I am He,

And even to gray hairs I will carry you!

I have made, and I will bear;

Even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Isaiah 46:4

Wow! Wow! Wow! Thank you Lord, I needed that.......

Thank you Cannon UMC!

2009-08-23T18:39:00.002-04:00

Dear friends,

What a joy to worship at Cannon United Methodist Church this morning. The Co-op was invited to present a ministry moment at all three services. I love God's people. I love this church. On every occasion that I have spoken or just dropped by, I am blessed to know that this church is serious about the Lord's work.
As I have already mentioned, the Co-op has been slammed over the past week, serving more and more people. All resources had been depleted for financial assistance as of Friday.
Well......let me just praise God for His timing. After I spoke at each service this morning, many were moved to offer words of encouragement, fresh vegetables from their own gardens, and financial contributions. Praise God!!! When the doors open on Monday morning, funds are now available to assist families with utilities and medicine.
Someone is coming to the Co-op tomorrow who has been praying for relief. And the Lord has used Cannon UMC to answer that prayer. And ALL God's people say AMEN!!

Very busy week...

2009-08-22T16:57:00.002-04:00

Dear friends,

It has been a very busy week at the Coop. On Thursday evening, we set a new record for the number of families assisted in four hours. We served 64 families. Friday remained extremely busy as we served 38 more families. In recent months we have served between 400 - 500. It is amazing to consider that in the last two days that we were open, we served 102!! Wow!

Praise God!

2009-08-17T10:39:00.002-04:00

Hello friends,

Well, on Friday we ran out of funds for client assistance. We have not turned anyone seeking financial assistance away since mid-April.

Over the weekend I could not erase the vision in my mind of turning people away. But God knew what would come. We opened the doors this morning with enough to assist those who qualify!!

Thanks be to God!

Come and See What God Has Done!!

2009-08-12T14:39:00.002-04:00

Have you visited the Co-op lately? If not, you really need to drop by. It is amazing to see all that the Lord has accomplished in our midst.

We are especially grateful to The Home Depot in Loganville and Vulcan Materials Company in Grayson for donating the materials to build our new loading deck. And to the awesome United Methodist Men of Snellville United Methodist Church for supplying to labor. These are some good people!!

We now can take deliveries more efficiently and distribute food more safely by utilizing the back door of the pantry.

As many of you know, the Co-op has struggled all summer to maintain an adequate supply of food. It has been very difficult. But once again, God has proven Himself faithful.

Please consider dropping off a few items at the Co-op. We need everything. Yes, INCLUDING GREEN BEANS.... Never thought I would say that...

Grace and Peace to you,
Laura Drake

Timmmbbbeeerrrr!!!!

2009-04-29T17:34:00.002-04:00

Hello friends. We hope that this finds you well and blessed.

God has been extremely gracious in blessing the Southeast Coop over and over again. We are so thankful.

In the small things and in the BIG things, He has provided.

Great news! The BIG, LOOMING pine tree that was in between the two trailers is gone!!

A wonderfully generous family from one of our supporting churches arranged to have the tree removed.

Whew! We can exhale. This tree was a threat that needed to be removed. The windy days of March and April have made for some nervous moments.

We praise God that He continues to show Himself in every detail of this ministry.

We are so thankful for The Body of Christ.

Laura

Then Samuel got a big stone. He set it ... He named it Ebenezer. He said, "The Lord has helped us every step of the way." 1 S

2009-04-22T12:12:00.004-04:00

In the Old Testament, it was custom for the Israelites to place a stone or monument in a place where God had done a great work. These monuments were to help them remember that God is faithful. In the above scripture, Samuel names the spot where God had miraculously delivered the Israelite people, Ebenezer. Ebenezer literally means “stone of help”.

The Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry has experienced many “Ebenezer moments” over the first quarter of 2009. The Lord has revealed Himself time and time again by delivering this ministry in miraculous ways time and time again.

As the pain of a strained economy has put many in our community in a financially vulnerable position, the Co-op has experienced a sharp increase in the number client visits in the first quarter. A client visit is defined as every time someone walks through our door and fills out a request for assistance. A record number of 1,359 client visits were recorded during the first quarter. This is up from 1,111 recorded client visits in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The Co-op had been blessed by the increased giving seen during the holiday season. Praise God that this blessing allowed the ministry to maintain financial provision throughout most of the 1st quarter. Prayer had been lifted and answered to allow all who came and qualified for assistance during the bitter cold to be provided for financially.

Around mid March we began to run short on funds. But God never runs short on miracles. On a cold and rainy day, I found a woman waiting outside as I arrived to open the Co-op. She said “I pray that you have funds today. My son needs medication for his seizures.” My heart raced as I greeted her, knowing that we were out of funds. As the volunteers circled up in prayer, we lifted our needs to the Lord. Literally within moments, I had over $1,000 in my hand. That day, ALL who qualified received assistance and we even had a few dollars left over!!

The next day that we were open, we were out of funds yet again. As I checked the empty mail box, I sighed. What a sinner I am. God had proven Himself faithful and yet I still seemed to be able to find room for doubt. I asked for forgiveness in my heart as I walked past all who were already standing in line waiting for the Co-op to open. To my amazement, there on the office desk sat $700. Well, we had enough for the day again. And again, we even had a few dollars left over.

The same miraculous provision happened with food. Historically, the months after Christmas are slow with respect to donations. And this year has been no exception. However, the need for food is now greater that ever.

Each and every time that the pantry would start to dwindle to scarcity, God’s mighty hand would move. It has been awesome to behold.

We thank God for His continued grace given daily.

"..But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

2009-03-30T14:31:00.002-04:00

Hello friends,

Today, we made a choice. We chose not to look at our bare shelves with fearful hearts. We chose instead to look to the Lord. It is all to easy to become fearful when looking through the eyes of a human. But we chose to look through the eyes of the Lord. And what did we see?

Well, I am glad that you asked.

We saw an opportunity for God to show Himself faithful once again. We saw an opportunity for Him to be glorified. He is good. He is right on time. He is faithful. He is trustworthy. And He is immeasurably kind.

Over the past few weeks, we have been operating on a day to day basis regarding assistance. Times are tough. The needs of the community have increased dramatically, while donations have been slow. We have literally been provided "our daily bread" time and time again.

Today, we opened with no money and very, very little food. Then it happened. A check came in that was specified for the purchase of food!! We sent several volunteers out on a "food run." They returned with enough to allow for this day. A little while later, a kind woman came in and asked, "What can I do for you? My family has been blessed this year and we want to help." She provided the resources that sustained us for this day.

We are so thankful to the Lord. We remain in awe of His working among us. We give Him the glory for ALL these things and more.

Yes indeed, as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD!!!!!

In Christ,
Laura

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

2009-03-15T22:03:00.003-04:00

Hello friends.

I hope that you are well.

They came in on Friday. Two sisters and their husbands. They brought bad news with them. Their father Mr Bernie, was dying at Emory Hospital. I know their father and mother. They have been married for 25 years. They are both on SSI. They come to the Co-op themselves and I have grown to love them both.
Mr Bernie had been waiting on approval for surgery on his heart. The approval came too late and now it is too risky to operate on his weakened and frail body. My own heart broke.
Due to financial hardship, Mr. Bernie's life insurance had lapsed in recent months. There is no money to bury him. I ached for this family.

Praise God for His angels. After several phone calls, we discovered that DFACS will bury Mr. Bernie. A pine box. A local cemetery.

Tears of relief began to flow. The sisters left the Co-op to go see the cemetery and report back to their mama, who has not left Mr. Bernie's side.

I can picture all too well the scene. Emory Hospital. Visits from the Palliative Care team, who are there to help you make those decisions that no one wants to make. I can picture the room where Mr. Bernie lays. Less that 6 months ago, my own sweet father lay in that same hospital. My own daddy lay in the room next door to where Mr. Bernie lays tonight. That same care team was there to help us to make those decisions that we did not want to make. The beeps of the machines that sustain life. The compassion on the faces of the staff. The searing pain.

I gave the sisters my box of tissue, packed a snack bag for the waiting room, and provided much needed gas cards. (Thank you to all who donate Kroger and Walmart gift cards that can be used to purchase gas)

They left and took with them a piece of my heart. As I continue to grieve over my loss, the Lord continues to heal and love. The Lord continues to stretch me and show me His love for others. I am Blessed beyond words. And it is clear that God intends for me to use everything I have to reach out to others in His name. Everything. Even my pain.

Praise God.

..gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 51:11

2009-03-03T12:18:00.002-05:00

Dear friends.
I hope that you are well and strengthened in the Lord today.

The Coop was closed on Monday due to the snow that blanketed the ground on Sunday. What a beautiful sight. As a reminder to all. the Coop follows the Gwinnett County School System with regard to weather related closings. We look forward to serving our neighbors on Thursday.

By now you all are hopefully aware of our outreach event quickly approaching. We are so excited to have Charles Marshall, a wonderful Christian comedian, performing a benefit show on Saturday March 7th at 7:00 pm. The Snellville United Methodist Church has graciously allowed the Coop to use it's facilities for this event. You may purchase tickets through the Coop (770) 985 -5229, or at the door on the night of the event. For more info on the particulars see our website at segwinnettcoop.org.

I met Charles and his wife Laura, when they came to the Coop a few weeks ago. I was so grateful to the Marshall's as they provided encouraging words of support. Isn't that how God works? I thought I would be the one "giving" to them that day. A tour, insight, words, etc. of all that the Lord is accomplishing through this ministry. Instead, the Lord "gave" to me. New friends and partners in ministry. And of course, Charles made me LOL!!! I needed it that day. I am always amazed at the workings of the Lord.
I encourage you to join us this weekend. It will be a wonderful night of praising God, belly laughing, and reaching out to make a true difference in our community for the sake of the Lord.

...the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few...

2009-02-21T10:08:00.003-05:00

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Matthew 9:37-38

It has been another busy week at the Coop. But an amazing thing is happening. Although we have served many families, it has not felt as overwhelming as usual. As I ponder this, it occurs to me to exclaim, "Thank you Lord for sending the workers."

On Thursday and Friday, every available interview station was filled. This enabled our clients to be served in a timely manner. But most importantly, we did not have to cut off early! In past weeks, we have had to stop taking sign ins because we simply would not meet the need with the hands available.

The pantry has been able to take in several large food drives and the food has been counted, sorted, and shelved quickly.

On Tuesday night, we held the February new volunteer meeting. The Lord brought even more "willing hands" into our midst. These meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 at the Coop. If you are interested in joining us at the Coop as a volunteer, please attend one of these meetings.

The Lord is moving mightily in our midst. What a testimony to His faithfulness. I am so thankful for our wonderful volunteers. For those that are being "sent" into the harvest field.

..there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not . Luke 15-7

2009-02-14T16:21:00.002-05:00

I am not what I ought to be...
I am not even what I hope to be...
But by the grace of God
I am certainly not what I was
-John Newton

"Chad" came in Friday. We have come to know him and to love him. He is in his 40's. He has led a life that has not glorified God. And the result of that life is written all over his face. He has raised four children. He has fathered more. He does not work regularly. He is in bondage to addictions and sin. He is a quiet, gentle man in our presence.
Last month after he left, Marlene said "I like that guy, there is something about him." I agreed.
On Friday, he told me that he wanted to talk to me. He seemed agitated and disturbed. When he sat down in the "green" chair, he seemed beat down. His hands were shaking. I learned that he was behind on child support payments to a child that he had fathered 16 years ago. He said that he had made sporadic payments over the past months, but that he had accumulated a balance of "missed" payments that he could not pay. If he does not pay $500 by next week, he will go to jail. We began discussing his situation. He looked at me and said "Please do not think that I told you all that so that you would try to help me get the money. I guess I just needed to talk to someone. I am sorry." Years of harsh living had caught up to Chad and they were staring him straight in the face. Little did he truly know, that I could relate to his story. The years that I had spent apart from God in my younger days, could have easily led me to the grave. I breathed a silent prayer and began to speak...
We talked about the prodigal son, about John Newton, and anything else that the Lord so graciously brought to my mind. I so desperately wanted him to see and love Jesus the way that Jesus sees and loves us. I was relating a story that I had learned when I took the Alpha Class about a man who was a judge and was on the bench when his beloved childhood friend came in front of him on day. He had not seen his friend for many years. This friend had taken a very different path from him. A path that led him to a court of law to face charges that he was indeed guilty of. The judge, of course, had to pronounce him guilty. He had no choice. After the verdict though, a strange thing happen. The judge rose and took off his robes and stepped down from his seat of judgment. He took his old friend by the hand and led him down to the place in the courthouse where the penalty was to be paid.
At this point in the story, Chad's lips began to quiver. His eyes filled with tears. He knew at that very moment what the judge was going to do. He had stepped down and come to his estranged friend to pay the required penalty for him. Out of pure love, pure mercy, pure grace. Chad knew that I was telling him about Jesus.
I said to Chad "Now, what are you going to do? Are you going to accept that Jesus paid the penalty for you and he is offering you new life through His sacrifice? Or are you going to turn and walk away?"
Praise God for our new brother in Christ. I could feel the foundations of heaven shaking over the rejoicing!! Thank you Jesus that you love us all. Thank you that you love Chad! Thank you that you love me! Sinners in need of a Savior. I pray that all who read this can join in with Chad and I as we can sing with a precious understanding, those poignant words of another lost sinner
who was saved by the grace of God.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
-John Newton

Praise God!!!!

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthains 12:27

2009-02-12T20:14:00.002-05:00

Hello friends.
The Coop remains very busy. Praise God for His provision. The "call for food" went out last week as the shelves were emptying fast. Due to extraordinary demand and decreased giving in January, we were in need of food. What a joy to walk in today and see all the food that had been delivered this week. The best part... it was exactly the items that were needed. Many thanks to Kyrie Chewning and Rob Bailey who have taken on the responsibility of coordinating food drives with our churches and community. They have done an outstanding job in communicating our needs.
The Coop has been distributing around 2,000 pantry items every day that we are open. It is true testimony to the goodness of our God that no one has been turned away due to lack of provision. It is a beautiful picture of community when we all pull together for the common good of all. It is awesome to see The Body of Christ spring into action. There is nothing else like it. To know that as we pray for food, God spreads the word of our needs through His servants, and those who have "ears to hear" respond to those needs. And as a result, children are fed, homes are warmed, and hope is given, in the Name of Jesus.

the pill that makes me happy......

2009-02-08T20:32:00.005-05:00

Hello friends.
I hope that you are well.
I want to tell you about Arlene. Last Thursday in the middle of "controlled chaos" :) , a woman and her friend stepped up to the front desk to sign in. The woman was visibly shaken and had tears in her eyes. She was desperate for assistance to keep her power turned on. Her name is Arlene. Her friend is Cody. The softness of her eyes struck me.
As her bill was over the $150 that the Coop could assist with, she needed to show me the difference. This is required so that we know the client can indeed pay the entire bill. Otherwise, the money given by the Coop has served no purpose.
Arlene did not have the balance. She was given a list of other possible sources of assistance and told to return to us when she had gathered her portion of the amount due on the bill. She left us with a heavy heart full of sorrow and worry.
The next day, the front desk person came into the office to tell me that she had returned. Praise God that she was able to make arrangements for the balance due on her bill. The Coop assisted her with the remaining $150.
As you all know, we have had plumbing problems over the last week. As I was speaking to Arlene, the pantry supervisor came over to report that the bathroom in the pantry trailer was still not working properly. I asked Cody if he was handy with plumbing. He was more than happy to assist us with the problem. He came back a few moments later with a big smile on his face reporting that he had already solved the problem. The valve had been shut off. Oops! It brought me joy to see him smiling. It brought Cody joy to "give back" to us as well. God is so good!
As I hugged Arlene goodbye, she looked at me and asked ..."please tell me what pill you are taking that makes you so happy." I spelled it out for her. J-E-S-U-S. No pill. Just joy beyond circumstances. I could tell that she was assuming that I had "no real troubles", so how could I understand. I began to tell her of my precious daddy's recent, unexpected death. Of my mom's fight against breast cancer that required over a year of intense treatment. And just as we breathed out, daddy died. There is NO WAY that I could make it one day without Jesus. He is the gas in my tank, the air under my wings, the twinkle in my eye.
Arlene looked longingly at me. At that moment, I loved her so. I sang a song in her ear. It goes like this:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Thank you God for sending Arlene and Cody to us, not once, but twice. And thank you that you saved the best for last.

So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. Genesis 22:14

2009-02-07T08:42:00.002-05:00

Hello friends!
I often think of Abraham and his faithful obedience. Even as the Lord was walking him down a path that seemed a sorrowful destination for Abraham, the sacrifice of his beloved son Isaac, he stood firm under the direction of God. How pleasing this was to God. Abraham was willing to do for God, what God would later do for us through Christ Jesus. This event confirmed that Abraham was the man that God could use, and would use, to help lay the foundations of our very faith. The ram in the thicket is testimony to the utter provision of God. How this event must have strengthened Abraham's faith to soaring heights!
We are learning at the Coop that God is at His best, when things seem at the worst.
As I have previously mentioned, due to overwhelming demand, the shelves at the Coop have been very bare. But, we have chosen not to fear. We stand on the Word of God that He will indeed provide.
It is with great joy that I report to you that the kids at Pharr Elementary did not just meet their goal of collecting 2,009 cans over this last week. They exceeded it. 3,115 cans and counting!!!!! Kids, you are awesome!
In addition, several local churches are conducting food drives this weekend. What a joy and tremendous encouragement for the Coop.

In the midst of our very busy week, the pipes under the pantry trailer burst. What could have proven a stressful distraction, turned into a testimony again of God's provision. Thanks to Matt, Cliff, Reese, Mike, and Mobile Mini for helping to "dock our boat" and get us back on dry land. The damage was minimal. And we all say....God is good!!!

..for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

2009-02-05T20:42:00.000-05:00

Dear friends. Whew! What a day at the Coop. As many of you know, the Coop has been very busy lately. Many have come for assistance. And there is no sign of any slow down. In January, there were 503 client visits. An increase of 25% over previous months. Over 31,000 pantry items were distributed. In contrast, around 16,000 pantry items were donated. We started this year in the after glow of increased giving at Christmas. Praise God! For we have needed it! Not one has been turned away due to lack of resources! As January came to a close however, the pantry shelves were looking very bare. Our response to this opportunity......PRAYER. We have chosen to trust God as He provides Manna for the Day.

Well let me tell you His response. He called up a miniature army. We have been blessed. Partee Elementary conducted a food drive that was delivered this week. And at Pharr Elementary school, nothing short of a miracle has occurred. The kindergarten and first grade classes of Ms. Karambelas and Ms. Powell are on a crusade to collect 2,009 cans of food in one week. It all started last Friday when students in these two classes conducted an impromptu food drive after hearing of the bare shelves at the coop. This spawned an idea...to challenge the entire school to reach the goal of 2,009 cans in one week. Oh don't under estimate the power of a fired up kindergartner. Or the enthusiasm of a determined first grader. Their story made the front page of the Gwinnett Daily News yesterday. The community was invited to join in. Kids were raiding their parents pantries, donating their ice cream money, and spreading the word all over town. The school is a buzz with the 2,009 challenge! As food has been collected, it has been delivered throughout the week. The kids at these two schools have literally kept their very neighbors from going hungry this week. GO KIDS!!

Kids are awesome, because kids are simple. You tell a kid that you are sad, he gives you a hug. You tell a kid that you are cold, he shares his coat. You tell a kid that you are hungry, he shares his lunch. Take note friends. This is pleasing to God. After all..God loves a cheerful giver.

God Bless.

Here we go....

2009-02-04T21:58:00.000-05:00

Hello friends. Welcome to the brand new, hot off the press blogspot for the SE Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry. For those of you asking........Who????

We are a 501 c 3 ministry serving families in crisis in Snellville, Grayson, and Loganville Georgia. Our main mission is to help feed prople. We can give about one week's worth of food every 30 days. We also help with utility payments and prescription drug assistance. But by far the best we have to offer is the love, hope, and encouragement that can only be found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

We are on the front lines. It is indeed heavy work. But it is also the most wonderfully fulfilling work on the Earth. How many miracles we witness. How many hands we hold. How many smiles we share. I would like to use this forum to give you a glimpse into the heart of the Southeast Gwinnett Coop. You will laugh with us, cry with us, and be in total awe of God's detailed love of His people. This is above all HIS ministry. We have merely been appointed His guardians for this season. And we are honored to act as His hands, feet, and heart to our community that is hungry for some Good News for a change.