December Newsletter - Lufkin

​“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”   Ephesians 5:20

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• December 25, 2018
• CHRISTMAS DAY
• Lufkin
• Bible Study & Breakfast-10:00 am
• Volunteers & Guests welcome
• Preparations begin 8:00 am

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​​EMPLOYMENT REPORT:
New jobs-4
Still working-8
The Mosaic Center-1 graduate
The Fieldhouse– 1 graduate
Praise the Lord!

Thanksgiving report-GODTEL Lufkin had 58 people present. That is 30 residents,16 guests and 12 volunteers. Volunteers arrived with aprons on and willing hands ready to work.

But first...Wednesday evening, right on time, the Alpha Beta Chi ladies came and spun their magic. It amazes me how different the big room is after they “beautify” it. Tablecloths are put on the clean tables. Then comes the transformation.

Pumpkins and turkeys of all sizes show up. They run down the center of the tables. Pine cones and pine tree needles add to the fall atmosphere. The window sills and piano are not left out of the fall foliage. The laminated Thanksgiving placemats are laid out on both sides of  the tables. The transformation is complete.

That brings us to Thursday...Ready. Set. Go. The kitchen door opened and in walked our first volunteers. Aprons were on. Hands were washed. And the work began. Serving tables were washed and set up. Warming racks with canned Sterno were set up on the clean tablecloths. The beverage table and the dessert table were set up. You get the picture. As the morning progressed the event of the day was getting closer.

In the kitchen a fruit salad was being put together. The tops of the brown and serve rolls were buttered. The ham and turkeys were sliced, ready to heat up. Green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing and sweet potato casserole rounded out the side dishes. Dessert was six pumpkin pies and a pumpkin crunch cake topped off with Redi- Whip, which was optional, of course. Yummy!

During a slow time a tour was given. I really enjoy showing our visitors what God has done and what He is doing today at the Lufkin GODTEL. There was another break in the preparations. I was talking with someone in the kitchen when I heard singing coming from the dining room. We have some hymnals. One of the volunteers took one and found a song and the singing began with 4 of the volunteers. Any other voices were welcomed to join this choir. I loved this-God’s children praising the Lord any time, any place. It was great! 

At 2:00 pm sharp, Bro. June presented a short Bible study. A prayer was said thanking God for the food. One row at a time got up and went down the serving line. There was plenty for seconds and thirds-as if anyone would have room for it all. I believe  I can safely declare that nobody walked away hungry on this day.

Thank you to the Hudson High School Health Science Club and the Chi Eta Phi Sorority for the packs of personal hygiene items which were gathered and delivered to GODTEL. These small bags have a big part in our ministry of helping the homeless. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you.

Thank you Timber Creek for putting together more personal hygiene packets. We have quite a few people come through our doors every month and we go through these items quickly. We supply these items as long as we have them. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you.

Thank you to Calvary Baptist Church Crochet Ministry for hats. A day or two after receiving these colorful and lovingly made hats the weather turned cold. I handed the hats out. The women’s hats had a flower on them. The men’s hats were bigger and fit well on the men’s heads. It surprised and pleased me how several of the men came into my office and said they appreciated the hat and that  it fit just right over their heads and ears. Thank you , ladies, and Merry Christmas, too.

Lest you think Thanksgiving was the only meal for the month-our guest cooks came with more mouth watering meals. Not only did we eat the bounty of Thanksgiving we enjoyed taco soup, pizza, chicken/beef fajitas, chicken and dumplings. Delicious!

November 15th was graduation day. Christina graduated from The Mosaic Center. Even though she was not “living” here at that time, we claim her as our graduate. We are pleased that she stayed strong and committed herself to reach her goal. Remember to pray for Steven and Christina as newlyweds.

November 27th was graduation for The Fieldhouse. We are pleased to announce the commitment and completion of Cody from the Christian Men’s Job Corps. He was the only student in this session. There were a few stumbles along the way, but the Lord and a bit of maturity prevailed.  We are, also, pleased to inform you that Cody is working at the hospital under contract with Sudexo. Praise the Lord!

Martin and I are most thankful and blessed to have partnered with you this past year at GODTEL Ministries. Serving with us this year is our staff: Dolores-cook, Christi-office, Warren-office & all round helper for Martin, Crystal-laundry.

Merry CHRISTmas from
Martin, Mary , Dolores, Christi, Warren and Crystal
Until next year...