Exciting News from Seven Baskets Ministry

Seven Baskets Ministry Updates

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SUMMER PROGRAM RECAP

51 children registered for Day Camp with an average daily attendance of 34
54 volunteers who poured their lives into the work of serving children
Nearly 200 different children fed through the Free Lunch program
All of this spread out over 8 phenomenal weeks of “loving God through serving others”

The second Seven Baskets’ Summer Program is complete. An eternal investment has been made in the lives of precious children who held a hammer and threaded a needle for the first time, walked the halls of COSI, got introduced to old-time Sunday School songs, learned to work together as a team to win a prize, grew in their academic proficiencies, discovered the Royal Law- “Love your neighbor as yourself,” learned to reverence the moments when prayer is offered, and met caring adults who love Jesus and children. Because our financial sponsors went over the top in their giving, every child went home on the last day with an age-appropriate Bible or Bible story book. And through the generosity of Valley City LifeSpring Wesleyan Church’s “Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive” and Grand Rapids New Life Wesleyan Church’s breakfast food collection, bags of groceries were given to Free Lunch children to help address nutritional needs between the conclusion of our program and start of school when free lunches are available again.
Extreme gratitude is expressed to everyone who volunteered on/ off-site, contributed finances or materials, prayed, or offered words of encouragement. To God be the glory for the great work he has done!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The start of the new school year signals the commencement of Seven Baskets’ tutoring and after-school programs. The addition of Lindbergh Elementary School means our recruitment efforts are doubled. If you live in the Columbus area and have a desire to invest in the moral, emotional, and educational advancement of children please contact Jeff at 614-406-2548 or JeffM@seven-baskets.org You can make an eternal difference in the life of a child!

RECONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN
Following several months of demolition, the work of putting the new property into working order has finally begun. The house now boasts a new roof, windows, doors, and siding. Its appearance is a radical transformation from the property we purchased on Valentines’ Day! Interior work will commence soon and will include all new wiring, plumbing, heating/cooling, and more. Interest in what we are doing continues to grow as more and more neighbors stop by to ask what is happening. It is always exciting to watch their reaction when they learn that a community center is being built to serve them.
Work teams are welcome as we continue the rehab work. Contact Jeff to learn how your group can get involved.

HARVEST FESTIVAL
Plans are underway for the second Harvest Festival to be hosted at Leawood Elementary School. The date is October 7. “104.9 The River” Christian radio station has committed to be onsite again to set a spiritual tone through Christian music. The event will include inflatable games, pumpkin decorating, games, food, and more. Last year’s event welcomed nearly 300 friends from the neighborhood. We are expecting an even larger response this year. Pray that the Festival will allow us another opportunity to connect with our community and enlarge our base of contacts. If you are in the area, plan to stop and say hello.

SAVE THE DATE
Seven Baskets has established numerous partnerships including an affiliation with CityVision. It is a network of faith-based community organizations which have similar passions as our own. CityVision is sponsoring a one-day training event called, ReCon. This event will feature presentations by practitioners who are actively engaged in community based ministries. The event will be held at the Mill Run Lutheran Church in Hilliard, Ohio on November 15. Stayed tune for additional information. For now, circle the date on your calendar and plan to attend.

PRAYER SUPPORT
Appreciation is expressed to the Greater Ohio District Prayer Ministry Team led by Rev. Verl Light for their faithful, prayerful support of Seven Baskets. This group of several hundred dedicated "pray-ers" present the needs of Seven Baskets and a host of other ministries and individuals to our heavenly Father. We acknowledge our dependence upon the help of God in the work of community transformation and give thanks for these individuals who regularly call out to the Father on our behalf.

FINANCIAL UPDATES
   1. Seven Baskets received notification from the Internal Revenue Service that it has been granted 501(c)(3) charitable organization status. This allows us to issue charitable contribution receipts for tax purposes and apply for grants restricted to organizations possessing this designation. Attainment of this tax status completes the legal matters essential to our operations.
   2. A review of Seven Baskets financial books was completed for the 2013-14 fiscal year. The review found the ministry to be fiscally compliant and financially sound. A big thanks is expressed to Tim Wagoner, Seven Baskets’ treasurer, for his diligent work.
   3. The faithful contributions of committed supporters continue to keep Seven Baskets progressing forward. The planned expansion of ministries this year, however, will create the need for additional funding. The addition of the Community Center, Lindbergh Elementary School Partnership, and increased community programming represents an anticipated increase of $700/month in expenses over last year’s budget. Please consider helping us meet this challenge.

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