Several years ago, after my youngest started preschool, I had a little extra time on my hands and began exploring the small suburban town we had recently moved to in Wisconsin. I stumbled upon a quaint little coffee shop. It was a lovely fall day. The air was crisp and cool so I decided to enjoy my latte on a wooden bench outside. As I sat on the bench alone taking in the beautiful morning, I noticed a section of a newspaper was sitting beside me. I picked it up, began reading, and was surprised that it was the obituary section. Not in the habit of reading that particular section and at first thinking it a bit odd, I began to read the most amazing story. It was about a local elderly woman who had just passed away. Her family, one by one, was bestowing accolades and honor upon her long life. The article went on to say how this woman was an accomplished violinist and so gifted she could have traveled the world as one of the greatest of her time; however, she made a choice early on, that her gift was meant for her family. Instead of playing on stages in front of the masses, she chose to use her gift at holidays and family events. The memories her family and friends held on to were these precious moments shared.
This story was so meaningful to me because it came at a crucial moment in my life. I was immersed in motherhood, a single mother at that, and it seemed I was not fully utilizing my gifts and talents. The Lord reminded me how pleased He was even though to me my audience seemed small.
You may have children or grandchildren of your own and are investing your gifts and talents in them. Some of you may not have children; however, you spend your time investing in your nieces and nephews, and others of you may not be able to invest at this time. Where we place our time and attention is of great importance and carries a high value. Personally, as a mom in this season of life, my time is limited on where I can make investments; however, we want to encourage others who have more time on their hands to reach out and give what they are able. For you, this particular season of your life may be full so we invite you to pray, and for those who are willing and able we encourage you to use your gifts to invest in Orange County’s Foster Youth through mentorship. Whether your gift is big or small we know these youth can greatly benefit from your investment. If you feel as though you have nothing left to give- please know your very presences is a gift worth giving.
Today I am reminded of the story of Ruth and Naomi. In the book of Ruth: Naomi lost her husband and her two sons. She sought to go back to her home town of Bethlehem, so she bid her grieving daughter-in-laws Orpah and Ruth good bye. Naomi thought she had no more to give due to the tragic circumstances in her life. Her daughter in-law Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-laws side.
Ruth 1:16,17 (KJV) 16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
Ruth saw value in Naomi.
God is on the move,
Ana Martinez
FALL EVENT SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2018
Every year the Orangewood Children and Family Center (OCFC) partners with Foster Care Auxiliary to host the Annual Foster Family Picnic hosted in Garden Grove. This year, Mariners Church has been asked again by Staff at OCFC to provide up to 25 volunteers to run carnival style booths during this fun event benefiting foster kids and families! There are a few different assignments, including staffing an inflatable raceway, bounce house, cotton candy machine, food service, game booths, etc. Would you consider coming out and spending a fun Sunday afternoon with foster kids?!?
To help with this event please email OCFCMENTORING@gmail.com
(1st shift: 10am - 1pm, 2nd shift: 1pm - 4pm).
You will receive a reply with confirmation and the event location details.
For all other mentoring opportunities please email:
tracey.guhin@gmail.com
Thank you for your heart to serve and pray for our kids!!!
Orangewood Children and Family Center is a 24 hour emergency shelter care facility, operated and owned by the County of Orange Social Services Agency for children who have been abused, abandoned, and/or neglected. Mariners Church volunteers spend time with the children housed at OCFC on every First Tuesday and Third Saturday of each month.
This month our needs: Mentors
Thank you in advance for the needs you are meeting in our community!
For more info please contact Tracey: tracey.guhin@gmail.com
