The Least of These Benefit

When we was first approached about doing a benefit for my dad and mom, I was hesitant as were they. It wasn't that the need wasn't great and the burden they carried wasn't heavy, it was just humbling, and knowing so many other people are having things rough in today's economy. But we met as a family (without my parents of course) and discussed it and things just went from there. Every obstacle or hesitation we had was resolved pretty quickly. In just 8 weeks it all went from one person's desire to help to an actually event!

I would like to say thank-you and I am sure my Parents, Holly and Seth and their families would add theirs as well....

 I have to say it would have never been possible without Jennifer Johnson Thompson and Dana Childress Paredes, they volunteered to undertake the donation part of the benefit, which meant they were the ones who got the donations for the dinner, the items auctioned, the gift cards, all the area churches who donated baskets to be auctioned off, let me tell you, all that takes a good 8 weeks and you are constantly working to get each and every item from businesses! And to their families for the sacrifice of their time and helping as well!

Crossroads Community Church who was so good to let us use their facility for the Benefit, I think in part due to knowing Heather Wagoner Terry and her reputation. It was so appreciated! We thank you so much for your compassion and hospitality to our family.

I think it was amazing how churches from different denominations came together to support my parents, all the Shady Springs fellowship churches, First Assembly, and Cornerstone. I know some of the members was once a part of the Oak Grove church when my dad was pastor there many years ago. All the family and friends....

A heartfelt Thank-You to Hiltop Pentecostal Church for sponsoring the benefit, it was greatly appreciated!

Also a heartfelt Thank-You to Sis Sharon Brock who sang for us....amazing as always! We appreciate the time it took you to get there, the gas, the drive....and of course we were honored to have you!

To the Cornerstone Worship group we appreciate your time and effort in singing for us as well! I know it takes a lot of time and sacrifice to get a group together to practice and sing for an event, we really appreciated it and from what I heard it was great! Thank- You all so much!

To Hoofin It Photography- Thanks so much for your time & sacrifice, we are excited to see all the pics you w ere able to take and appreciate the donation as well!

Stevie & Co.- Thanks for setting up the sound system! Without you there would have been no music!

To our Professional Auctioneer, Kyle and his pretty wife, Thank- You! I must say I have never been to an auction in all my life and I think it takes a special person to be able to do what you did! And it couldn't have been done without your "helpmate".

And to each and every one of you who donated,be it money, time, prayers or helping us work the event, we humbly and gratefully thank-you.

In watching my parents  I have learned that sometimes, Life doesn't turn out as you planned.Just because you have dreams for retiring and growing old together with the love of your life and your family, doesn't mean they will come true, and just because you dedicate your life to the Ministry doesn't mean you will always be used by God in the way you once were. I have also learned that Life can be disappointing and heartbreaking but no matter what it brings God is faithful and He is there with you through it all. My dad is a person with an extremely high pain tolerance, you never know he is in pain most times yet he lives and will continue to live in pain for as long as he is on this earth, I  have seen him close to death more times than I care to remember, but God has blessed him with 14 years (this Aug) of Life beyond what the Dr. ever thought possible.

I have seen my mom try to become the Breadwinner of the family, when all she ever wanted to be was a stay-at-home grandma to spoil her grandkids. I know at times that burden has almost crushed her, it has changed her life. I have seen her try to take her desire and a lot of time the need to stay at home with my dad and take care of him when he has bad spells, and use the talent she has for sewing to provide an income for them.
I can't thank each of you enough for helping to lighten their load and showing the love of Christ to them in such an overwhelming way.

Matthew 25:40
Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;