Pastor Judy Lee , ARCWP Celebrates
Sacrament of Baptism with newest members
of churchat Joshua House
Ft. Myers, Florida
Dear Friends,
This is a brief update on Good Shepherd Ministries for our supporters. The first paragraph describes the joy of this summer with our young people. The second describes the near disaster that was averted this week. For the blessings of this summer, may God be praised. This was an active summer as we had eight days of working with our young people even as our nucleus of 30-40 worshippers continued to celebrate with us regularly. Six of these days were a part of our formal Vacation Bible School and two were special field trips. Each day was full of blessings. We served twelve children ranging in age from 4 -15. All were from very low income households. We gave small stipends to the two fifteen year olds as "junior leaders". Two parents worked with us and also earned small stipends as my Assistants. Our wonderful regular Sunday School Associate Teacher, Efe Cudjoe,17, who will be attending Brown University in the Fall was able to be with us for a number of the Camp days. (Efe is bottom right in the planting photo).And Hank Tessandori and Harry Gary assisted with activities and transportation. Our kids learned a great deal more about God's love by experiencing it. They are also more competent in reading, understanding and knowing the Bible. And they loved exploring Creation, especially planting the garden and being at the beach with the tiny sea creatures. Most importantly they grew in their relationships with Christ and loving one another. At the end of the Camp three people requested to be baptized. Two were teens 13 1nd 15 and one was a parent. Wow! (I am attaching a few VBS pictures). A few days ago we had a near disaster at the house church. The Air Conditioner ( a reconditioned Unit that we had for only one year) literally blew up and emitted fire and smoke. Fortunately one of the men, Joe, who lives in Joshua House heard the noise, saw the fire and smoke and called us right away. He then turned the breaker off thereby averting more fire. Yesterday we replaced the Unit that was completely burnt out and learned that if Joe had not acted so quickly the house could have burned down. We were told that it completely lacked safety devices that are usually installed. We thank God that this disaster was averted. The cost of the new Air Conditioner was $5000. The labor was donated by the company and they were careful to install all safety devices up to code. Needless to say we are now praying for donations to help with this major cost. We break even on a monthly basis due to our wonderful regular supporters and one time gifts. We are hoping that hearts will open to help us pay this bill and enable our work to continue.
If you know anyone who can help, checks are made out to Good Shepherd Ministries of SWFl and sent to 18520 Eastshore Drive, Fort Myers, Florida. Thank you for your loving support and prayers. love and blessings,
Rev. Dr. Judith Lee, ARCWP
Judith Beaumont, Administrator
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