Welcome to Roswell Day of Hope
April 13, 2010
We’re so glad you’ve been a part of Roswell Day of Hope! Please use this blog as a common spot to post the stories of your experience and how God showed Himself to you and the people you know. We would love to share stories about how you were impacted as you served or how the event made a difference for you!
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April 17, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Hopefully this is the spot to leave my story on the events of today. I just wanted to say that it was a privilege to serve on the Guest Service staff and to speak with all the Latino guests we had today. My personal struggle has always been trying to distance myself from my Hispanic heritage mainly because I’ve always been ashamed of who I was and speaking Spanish with people other than my family was out of my comfort zone.
Today God convicted me on a wonderful gift He has blessed me with and I failed to use for His purpose. I have the ability to speak both English and Spanish with no accent that when I speak either language, I fool people into thinking I can’t speak the other.
I never saw that ability become so useful then today. When I spoke to all those people today and just to see the comfort they felt speaking to me and asking me questions, and letting me know their needs, I have never felt so useful serving Christ and showing them the love He has for them.
I know that one day is not enough to meet the needs of the Latino Community in Roswell, but serving in the Roswell Day of Hope has been a rewarding experience and encouragement to seek ways in which I can continue to help my fellow Hispanics for Christ throughout the year. You can count on me serving next year.
God Bless,
Eddie Gonzales
April 21, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Eddie,
You were a life saver! Your kind spirit and warm smile made so many guests feel welcome. I am so thankful that you were there to help. The Lord used you in a powerful way. Thank you for your willingness to serve. Your small group is thankful for your heritage and proud to have you as a friend!
April 18, 2010 at 3:41 pm
I worked with our group leader Katie Freeman in the child recovery booth. There were only 6 children that got separated from their parents. It was funny because we gave one little guy that was lost so much attention that even after he was reunited with his parents he came back by to see us.
April 18, 2010 at 4:13 pm
I really enjoyed working again this year. The people I meet and work with are amazing.
I did want to share some comments I heard from someone that attended. She is a single mother with a bi-racial child. She has no job. She has been feeling very defeated and down on herself. She came to our Day of Hope and said she left feeling lifted up and encouraged. She commented on the fact that every volunteer she passed was smiling and engaging the people around them. She said she has been many places and that never happens. She truly believed everyone was there to help, encourage and enjoy a day of fun, not to judge and make you feel bad. She said it was nice to see all the other people in her same situation and realized she is not alone. She thought it was incredible that she was able to walk away with 4 bags of groceries that she would be able to contribute to the family when she got home. Her last comment was how blessed she was to see her child have such a great time in the kid zone. With no money, she has a hard time finding fun things for them to do for free. I told her I would pass her gratitude on to you all. Isn’t it awesome what God can do in one Saturday afternoon!
God bless,
Christy
April 18, 2010 at 4:59 pm
I brought a group of students from our youth development group. As beneficiaries of community support, it was their chance to give back to their community. They did a great job, had a wonderful experience and asked when they could do it again! It inspired them to ask about other opportunities to help! Thanks to all the volunteers who lead & helped to put on such a wonderful event to be a part of.
April 18, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Friends,
My most touching moment came from watching my husband minister to a gentleman just outside the food services area. The gentleman was older and having trouble maneuvering and my husband asked a simple question, “What happened?” This opened a floodgate of troubles and my husband was able to listen, console and then pray with the gentleman. A friend at the Day of Hope made it clear where my husband’s gifts lie when he told me, “Your husband really can minister one-to-one.” How great is our God that he provided that specific opportunity for both men.
We were honored to serve with children, teens, young married and the older crowd in Food Services. It was fun to be able to ask, “What church do you attend?” and find out that our tent had several churches represented.
Our hearts are in ministry and we look forward to serving beside many of you next year!!
Love and Blessings,
K
April 18, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Yesterday was the 1st mission activity for our family. My wife, son, & I all were in the job fair area serving different capacities. Our son, age 4, found 2 kids, ages 3 & 2, waiting for their mother to go through the interview process. While this was being done, Kenneth picked up a balloon, blew it up & let it air out numerous times. The 3 year old daughter found this hilarious & it helped entertain while Mom finished up. Upon them leaving, Kenny came over to me & asked, “Daddy, was that praising God?” I couldn’t help but smile w/ tears in my eyes of pride & say, “Yes son, it sure was.” We can’t wait for next year.
April 18, 2010 at 6:22 pm
I worked the Exit area with the Safety Team – I rec’d hugs and lots and lots of smiles as people left with their hands full of groceries/balloons and painted faces.
This event truely Glorified God in every sense.
April 18, 2010 at 7:28 pm
I was sent an invite through facebook for this event…it was interesting I received this link and felt it was God telling me I needed to be there. After I submitted to volunteering, everything seem to be thrown at me…I felt it was a test to see where my heart really is. I had invites to things I have been waiting to go to, then a friend really needed my help on a project not to mention I became really sick the night before and morning of the event…among other things were happening but when I got to City Hall that morning I was feeling better, all the invites turned out to be something else, among other things. I brought my children with me who wanted to be a part of this event as well.
When I went to the website and read through I knew I wanted to be a part of this. After going to the rally, I really knew it was a place I needed to be despite anything that came up for that day. Just knowing that many of us are a day or two away from being in the situation where we will/may need help. This was a very well put together event that really provide smiles not only the audlts faces but the little kids faces as well too. From an adult(s) who walked in without a job and may have walked out with a job, to a family not having any food in the pantry to leaving their with now knowing what they can cook for their child(ren) that evening to having lunch and allowing the child(ren) free entertainment for the day is wonderful.
Hearing the story at the rally of the family that was living in their car and to learn so many stepped in to help that families brought tears to my eyes as I know many of us are almost or are there. As I was working on a project, I sat in church and it was that moment that told me that I needed to work on the project I am working on now that is in line with what this event was all about. Although I will be reaching out for help with the funding for the project, my plan was to do the “un-common”, depending on what I raise will benefit from this project while others will benefit from a spiritual level and to give them hope as well.
When I left the event I left with a warm feeling. My children stated they had a wonderful time helping out as well. There were a few people that have remained in my mind and not knowing what there real situation is, just looking at them tells me and makes me want to just walk up to them and give them a hug…(H.O.P.E – Hugging Other People Equally), giving them a little affection to say I care and want you to have faith, the same way you would for your friends. I would do this again next year in a heartbeat.
April 18, 2010 at 8:51 pm
I was in charge of blowing up balloons and passing them out to all the kids. We had one helium tank run out way to early. But God was there and we were able to give the last kid leaving the last balloon before the second tank ran out. Thank You Lord! I will without a doubt be there to serve next year! Glory to God!!!!
April 19, 2010 at 9:52 pm
and SHE was AWESOME at blowing up balloons! =D Thank you so much!
April 19, 2010 at 7:39 am
I was privileged to be a part of the team that prayed for healing for Vincent and to see the miracle of him getting up unassisted and walk without his cane. Halla LU YAH! Praise the name of Jesus now and forever, He truly is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Thanks for the opportunity to serve,
Brother Ray.
April 19, 2010 at 7:14 pm
What a wonderful time we had on Saturday. It is amazing to watch people from all walks of life gather together to serve and be served.
Thank you to all who organized this event!
April 19, 2010 at 9:56 pm
I with the help of others planned and made Kid Zone what it was .. I have recently come to the conclusion I have no clue what I can do until I finish and I look back on the day =D I am looking forward to next year and Kid Zone will rock!!!!!! We had so many volunteers I feel like we were doubling up as the day went on! Joanne and I were at City Hall Late for the Rally because we were setting up and has we were leaving a lady ran up to us and wanted to help said she saw the add in the paper and wanted to serve… she ended up following us to the rally and I hope she ended up in a spot that fit her well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to say a HUGE thank you too all of the other leaders .. Kid ZOne was so much fun to plan and I hope you all had as much fun as I did!
WOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
April 20, 2010 at 4:52 pm
WOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!