December Newsletter - Lufkin

CHRISTMAS DAY

• Bible Study at 10:00 am
• Breakfast served afterwards
• Visitors welcome.
• Volunteers, too!
• Work begins at 8:00 am

EMPLOYMENT REPORT:

• New jobs-1
• Still working-5
• Part time-1
• The Fieldhouse Graduates-4
• Praise the Lord!

​Thanksgiving Report:

• Residents-27
• Volunteers-17
• Guests-10
• Total-54

Serving hands…We had serving hands in all sizes and ages. Five-year-old Levi had the job of serving the brown and serve rolls. As each person passed by, with their already full plates, he asked them “one or two rolls?” Levi was quite focused on his job. He would get the tongs in his hand and pick one roll at a time and reeeeach across the serving table to place it on the plate. He got the job done with a smile on his face.

Thomas and his brothers and mother came to help. Thomas set himself at the dessert table. He had the sweet job of cutting and serving pie-pecan or pumpkin or both-and cake. To seal the deal he put a  swirl of whipped cream on top of the sliced pie or cake. Many smiles came away from Thomas’ table of desserts.

Simon, one of Thomas’ brothers, reached in his pocket and pulled out a dollar bill. He gave it to GODTEL as a donation. My heart was touched and I was reminded of the story of the widow and her two mites. She gave all she had. Now I don’t know if that is all Simon had, but I do know that a dollar in a child’s hand is mighty big when given back to the Lord.

Two o’clock, on the dot, the bell was rung and all gathered in the big room. A short Bible study was presented by Bro. June Gentry, our boss and President of GODTEL Ministries. The food was brought out onto the serving tables and the plate filling began. One row at a time, our guests had decisions to make. Ham, turkey, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, vegetable salad,  fruit salad, rolls-what’ll it be? Or all of the above! And dessert, of course.

We had plenty and even sent some “to go” plates home. The few residents who could still move did clean up duty. Dishes and pots were washed. Tables were wiped clean. The floor was swept and the trash was taken out. Nap time was next on the schedule.

Believe it or not, a few residents were ready to eat again that evening. At 6:00 pm we set out the finger food. Ham and turkey with sliced bread and dessert were set out with paper plates and a trash can nearby for self service clean up.

ABC did it again! For many years the ladies of Alpha Beta Chi have come the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving and decorated the big room. This year was no different. Arriving at 6:00 pm, the ladies got started right away. First came the tablecloths. Then pumpkins, turkeys, pine cones, candles, leaf branches and placemats decorated the tables and window sills. It was a sight to behold. And just the right setting to remind our hearts and minds on the many blessings and gifts God has generously bestowed on us. Thank you God. And thank you ladies of Alpha Beta Chi.

Thanksgiving was not the only marvelous meal this past month. Our guest cooks lined up and served us meals that more than satisfied our appetites. Spaghetti, lasagna times two, barbeque chicken and burgers were the perfect meals in between the  traditional Thanksgiving turkey fare.

As fun and tasty it is to have guest cooks, GODTEL Lufkin has an on site cook. Dolores has been here cooking for 10 years. She gets to “plan” a meal from time to time, but there are a lot of days that “the plan” is set aside to serve a donated left over meal that needs to be eaten quickly. We appreciate her faithfulness in the kitchen year round.

A generous load of canned goods, personal hygiene items, umbrellas and other goodies came from the United Care Nursing Facility Service Coordinators. They had previously called and talked with Christi. She gave them some suggestions of what we use on a regular basis. I believe they responded with everything on that list. Thank you!

Graduations of The Mosaic Center and The Fieldhouse took place. Christi attended the women’s graduation. This year it was hosted at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church. The Fieldhouse graduation took place at the First United Methodist Church. We praise God for the students at both locations who committed and followed through and finished the 12 week sessions of the Christian Men’s/Women’s Job Corps. Congratulations one and ALL!

Three of our residents “graduated” to homes of their own. Joel, Shelia, and DeMarkus worked and saved their money thus securing the goal of a  place to call their own. Sadly, more than usual, a few residents had to move out because they broke the rules.

We had a short visit from our daughter and her two girls. There is nothing better than grandchildren-no matter their ages-from 17 years to 3 years. They are precious gifts of life from our Heavenly Father.

Our son was just 2 miles from the explosions in Port Neches. He is safe and reassures his mother that he is fine. God was there and I know He kept the 2 explosions and fire from being a bigger disaster than it was. Pray for the people who were effected by this three part disaster.

Once again, GODTEL Lufkin thanks you for your partnership in God’s ministry of helping the homeless and poor of Angelina County. We are here 365 days a year serving three meals a day and providing beds for those willing to abide by the rules. And most importantly-hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He IS Lord. He is why we serve.

Merry Christmas

From
Martin, Mary,
Dolores, Christi,
Warren, Scott and
Crystal

See you next year!