|
|
FROM THE DIRECTOR
“The 2015 holiday season had me going in a million different directions. Most of you can relate. Work, family, holiday parties, houseguests, shopping, wrapping, church activities. I thought I was doing an amazing job keeping all of the balls in the air until a simple white envelope brought me to my knees. I was running from one meeting to the next when Penny handed me that simple white envelope. What was inside put all the hustle of the holidays back into perspective. I would like to share the contents of that simple white envelope because they are meant for anyone who has been a part of allowing God to work through them to make GIFTS the amazing ministry He created. “We don’t really talk much, but we don’t have to for me to know you are a great person. Thank you for helping me. I don’t know why I am here. But I’m happy I found good people like you. You do great things everyday and help so many people. Please let me know if I can ever do anything to repay you for your help. I mean anything. I don’t know where I’d be right now if you weren’t here. You saved my life. I will forever be in debt to you. Merry Christmas! ”This man in need was so humble, so grateful. God has placed GIFTS in this community to be the hands and feet of Jesus so men in need can get the hand up they so desperately long for. That simple white envelope was the best gift I received this season. May your New Year be BLESSED!”
Stephanie |
|
|
|
BUILDING UPDATE
The GIFTS Board of Directors has been diligently negotiating terms of use for a building to call our own. Although we found a building and rezoning was successful, we have found that our original proposal to lease with an option to purchase is no longer possible. Our remaining option is for the outright purchase of the building. To do this we have redirected our efforts toward a capital campaign to focus on raising the funds needed for the building purchase. While the final price of the building has not been proposed, nor has an offer been placed, the price is likely $450,000 – $500,000. We continue to have conversations with potential donors in hopes that this property can be purchased as soon as possible. Please keep the prayers coming as God leads us through the next chapter of this life-transforming ministry. We are deeply grateful for the support we have received and continue to receive in this wonderful community. |
|
|
|
|
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Les and Janice work together to coordinate GIFTS for Cargill UMC. Cargill UMC joined the GIFTS ministry in 2009.In 2013, when GIFTS opened its resource center, Les and Janice joined the A-Team where they act as mentors to assist clients on their life improvement plans. When asked why we volunteer for GIFTS, so many reasons came to mind.
- Working with the men has been a truly fulfilling experience. The stereotypes melt away as we get to know each as a worthwhile individual, dearly loved by God and precious to Him.
- Because of our involvement in the GIFTS ministry, we have realized just how blessed we are. We have had the opportunity to meet so many caring, giving, and quality people in our own church. Our faith has been deepened because we are more aware and don’t take our blessings for granted. These new friends step forward to share our workload, sacrificing time, money, sleep, comfort and a multitude of other things, all because they don’t want the men of GIFTS to walk this path alone.
- GIFTS connects churches of all denominations. Christians working together. What a concept! What a tribute to Jesus!
- GIFTS has been very good since its inception and it continues to improve because of its hardworking, high quality, and dedicated leaders. We have had the honor of working with some of the finest Christians around. Board members, the administrative team, the continuity team, and other members on the A-Team all lead by loving example. Jesus’ presence in this ministry is unmistakable!
- When we are in step with God, He rewards us with a wonderful, warm feeling that can only be described as the Holy Spirit shining through us. We see this in other volunteers and feel it in our souls.
All these things are great fringe benefits to being volunteers for GIFTS. But they are secondary because they only tell the story of what God has done for us through this ministry. The success of this ministry is because God is leading, not because of any individual or group. The only true reason to be part of the program is to glorify God, thereby obeying the command Jesus gave us to put God first in all things.
|
|
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Jan. 21 – Coordinator Meeting.
7pm at the GIFTS Resource Center.
May 15 – Shelter Me
Enjoy an afternoon of musical entertainment at the Janesville Performing Arts Center featuring musicians uniting to perform a wide variety of music to support GIFTS Men’s Shelter.
Fall 2016 – Golf Outing
The third annual Golf Outing will take place the fall of 2016. Say tuned for more details.
Monthly – GIFTS Night Out
Check our Facebook page and website for upcoming fundraising events at local restaurants. |
|
SO MUCH MORE THAN A SLEEPOVER
Last year, GIFTS Men’s Shelter provided more than 7,055 nights of shelter, but this is so much more than a sleepover. Beyond meeting basic needs for food and shelter, we help our guests regain their footing in society and become productive members of the community. At our resource center, we offer materials, technology, and personal assistance to connect our guests with established community resources. Working with a volunteer A-Team mentor, each man prepares an individual life improvement plan that guides his efforts. We offer a hand up, not a hand out, empowering each individual to transform his life.
|
|
|
PRAISE REPORTS
Tim Borowski Resource Center Supervisor
“We have a gentleman that uses a cane for support. One of the other guys noticed that the rubber tip had worn out and it was becoming dangerous and slippery. He took it upon himself to go find the right tip and then helped to repair it.” “One guest is a rather large man and was in need of clothes, but because of his size, there was very little in the clothing room for him. One of the other men noticed his struggles and took it upon himself to find volunteers from his church. They went out and bought him what he needed and left the packages on the guest’s cot with an anonymous note that said simply: “Jesus loves you.” The guest was truly shocked and blessed, and to this day his attitude is positive. There is nothing more profound and powerful than to watch one man with nothing help & serve his brother with a sacrificial love.” |
|
|
|
|
Home | Contact Us | Donate
