Mountain Echoes

Give Me Your Tears

2010-11-09T13:07:00.001-05:00

I wish I could wave a magic wand and her pain and sorrow be gone.

So many “strikes” against her.

Her age. In her teens.

Her home. Living away from her family.

Her condition. Pregnant.

Her baby. A precious 24 weeks in the womb baby girl.

Their future together. 16 weeks (max) and then they will be separated.

Tears flow. Softening the heart of this young mom.

Tears flow. Softening the ground that will be dug this winter.

“Baby Girl” has only 1 shriveled, nonfunctioning kidney.

Mom and “Baby Girl” will be separated by death within minutes to just an hour or two after birth.

Life lessons were the textbook of the day with “T” today.

16 weeks to carry “Baby Girl” and live life with her.

16 weeks to celebrate each milestone on the baby in utero calendar.

16 pages more to create for “Baby Girl’s” baby book.

16 weeks to talk out loud to “Baby Girl” and to feel her respond with a kick.

16 weeks to prepare a 16 year old girl in giving birth and preparing a celebration of life service.

Lord, I know your ways are perfect. You knew the plans for these 2 lives even before they were born. I’m clinging to Your promises and I have a young girl clinging to me as I share the promises with her. Help me to show her how to cling to You through all this. Her clothes are drenched with tears today. So are mine as she cried on my chest. Lord, she gave me her tears, but I can’t do anything with them. Only you can. Be with her, Lord. Hold her close. Carry her as she carries the weight of life and death within her.

Shall I gather all your tears together in one place and make an ocean of them?

Shall I give a name to this great, sad body of salty waters?

We’ll call it simply yours, and it will remain as your ocean of tears.

If you gather these tears, keeping them to yourself, they become a bitter sea.

If you give them to Me, I’ll make them a heavenly blessing, a splash of lasting joy.

All earthly memorials cannot hold your ocean of tears.

Give your tears to Me.

They are precious to Me.

I will store them in a bottle marked with your name.

Yes My child. Give your tears to Me.

I love You.

Sharing Hope for Financial Freedom

2010-09-17T10:41:00.001-04:00

I recently wrote about dealing with money and debt in marriage over at Internet Cafe Devotions. Mike and I are both passionate about desiring families to be able to walk in financial freedom, especially in these trying economic times.

Now we have a SPECIAL OFFER FOR ANYONE - MARRIED OR SINGLE. When you click this link it will take you over to Dave Ramsey's 'My Total Money Makeover' site. You will be given the opportunity to sign up for a 7 day free trial.

My Total Money Makeover is a subscription site helping people discover financial peace by walking them through Dave Ramsey's Baby Step process for dumping debt and building wealth. Use the Baby Steps tracking system, the budgeting tools, ask Dave a question, listen to the Dave Ramsey Show commercial free and you'll have access to the helpful Community Forums.

Head over and give it a try – free for 7 days. You have nothings to lose (except debt!) and everything to gain (financial peace and a life of stewardship).

Coming Soon for Women Only ~ Praise and Coffee Nights

2010-09-01T21:43:00.000-04:00


Coming soon! Check back after Labor Day Weekend for more information.

Are you a woman in need of counseling?

2010-09-01T21:19:00.000-04:00

Marsha is a Biblical counselor and can help you through your problem using proven, Biblical solutions. All counseling is free. Marriage counseling is also available if both of you are willing to come together.

Looking for Christian Books and Bible Studies?

2010-09-01T21:17:00.000-04:00

Be sure to call the Learning Center (479-4539) and set up a time to come by and see our resource room. We have books on marriage, raising children, money, aging issues, women's issues, men's issues, and Bible study helps. We also have some DVD Bible studies we'll loan to your small group or church Bible study.

Home School Help

2010-09-01T21:14:00.000-04:00

Do you home school or know someone that does? We have resources and curriculum that you may borrow.

All materials are from a Biblical worldview. For science I have curriculum from Answers In Genesis and Apologia as well as Common Sense Press. I have a wide variety of history materials as well. For math, I have several grade levels of Saxon Math and manipulatives to sign out for 2 weeks at a time. Language Arts is covered by Learning Language Arts Through Literature and vocabulary with Wordly Wise. We also have a limited number of licenses available for online curriculum.

Be sure to call for an appointment to check out our resources available to you.

Fall Programs for Youth

2010-09-01T21:07:00.000-04:00

We have 3 major classes being offered this fall, Financial Peace University, Your Child - Essentials of Discipline (Parenting Class), and Setting Boundaries With Your Adult Children. You can read more about these classes on our website.

Right now I'm in the process of interviewing a couple of families that are desiring me having their daughters in my high school program for at risk girls. If you know a girl that would benefit from our program or have questions about it, please contact Marsha at 479-4539.

Later in the fall I'll be holding a 2 day seminar for teens on Love, Sex, and Dating from an abstinence viewpoint. Please pray that local organizations will partner with us on this by sending clients or youth from their churches to this much needed DVD based seminar. If you're interested in sending your middle school or high school child, please contact us via our website or call the Learning Center at 479-4539.

During these challenging economic times, even the youth need to know how to handle money. I will be offering a money management course for youth from Dave Ramsey. Please contact me at the Learning Center if you're interested.

Summer Update

2010-09-01T20:52:00.001-04:00

I've been rather silent on the blog and website (click on Home in the Nav Bar) the past few months. I'd like to share some highlights with y'all by way of bullet points.

Our Seeds of Hope Concert Fundraiser at Fellowship Bible Church raised several thousand dollars that were applied to the mortgage on the Learning Center - our ministry hub. There is a video of the Learning Center on our website if you'd like a tour.
A big thank you to Wren Haney of Robbinsville for all his help in producing our videos. We made 3, the other 2 we'll add later.
Thank you to Verna Law and her fantastic band, "Rivers of Praise Ministries" for putting on such a God honoring evening. Just love y'all so very much!
We graduated 2 teen girls from our education program. They completed their entire courses of study needed to graduate from high school through our program, not to mention the additional mentoring process. I'm so thrilled for them as they both start college this fall.
I (Marsha) lead a Financial Peace University course at the Women's Enrichment and Family Center in Andrews, NC. 5 women attended and retired over $21,500 during the course and they've recently told me they're still plugging away!
Mike's FPU classes have retired at least $50,000! We're doing our part to help families during these economically challenging times.
Mike continues to be involved with an organization called G.R.E.A.T. (Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team) to help spur on economic development for our county. We are consistently one of the poorest in the state of NC.
Marsha teamed with the Snowbird Library and Snowbird Youth Center this summer in leading a summer reading program for the children of Snowbird.
Our ministry provided back packs for many needy children this summer. Thank you to Cherokee Family Services for thinking of us and allowing us to help.
On a personal note, Marsha had to limit her activities this summer due to Lyme Disease from a tick bite. I'm finally off the medication and seem to be doing much better. I'm ready to kick off the fall classes soon.
On another personal note, Mike and I welcomed back to the States our daughter Laura, son in law Travis and our 4 beautiful granddaughters. They've been in Kenya for 4 years, came home the end of March for a one year furlough. We're enjoying renewing our ties with Sarah and Summer and having a wonderful time getting to know our 2 youngest granddaughters, Summer and Skylar, that were born over there. We had never met Skylar. She turned one in July. Below is a family picture taken on Mother's Day at Fontana Village Resort here in Graham County. Our daughter Missy, son in law Stacy and our two grandchildren Logan and Lana came up from Alabama and Adam surprised us and came in from Colorado.

Thank you for coming by and reading this brief synopsis of our ministry. We're gearing up for fall classes which are detailed on the website.

A Blog Makeover

2010-02-26T19:06:00.000-05:00

Over the next few hours this blog is under transition. Edie is doing a makeover for us to match the new ministry website.

Over the weekend, I'll be putting the new information on the new website and then I'll invite you all to take a look.

I'm so excited about what the Lord is doing in His ministry.

Blessings.
Marsha

Gratitude and Upcoming Events

2010-02-19T11:49:00.001-05:00

Things are moving at rapid speed around here these days.

We are going through a promotional transformation for one thing. Starting the first week of March, the main source of information on our ministry will be found at our new website that is currently under construction. It's address will be http://www.snowbirdteamministries.org. Should you try to get there over the weekend, there will be error messages. Next week you will see just me playing around learning how to navigate, but the design you see next week will not be the design that our great graphics web designer is doing for us.
This past week, I sent out an email with a pdf attached that contains our Winter newsletter. If you would like a copy of it, please be sure to send me an email and I'll forward it to you. Use this for an email address: snowbirdteamministries@gmail.com.
I'm not sure what will happen to this blog. I may be linking it to the new website. We'll see.
We're also in the process of having a promotional video done. Filming begins this afternoon. I'm really excited about it.
We have a major fundraising event coming up in GA on Friday, March 5. Please follow this link to learn more about it. There's also a button above this post that will take you to it. We are trying to retire our ministry house mortgage of $49,000. We know these are challenging times for everyone. We want to make sure we are free of this so all funds can go to helping in our community.

Thank you for your continued prayer and financial support of this ministry.

Newsletter and Fall Schedule of Classes Coming Soon!

2009-08-27T22:21:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone. Mike and I are so excited at what the Lord is doing here in Graham County. He has involved us in some exciting things and we're anxious to share it with you.

Our newsletter and fall schedule will be out by Monday, August 31st. Be sure to check back!

Thank you for your continued prayers for the ministry here in Snowbird and all of Graham County.

The Wisdom of Planning

2009-06-17T10:31:00.003-04:00

On a recent walk I happened upon some very busy ants. They were on a mission…build their under-ground colony and store food for the winter. They were carrying all sorts of items into their under ground world. All were busy and had a specific job to do. This one was larger than the others and stood guard over the entrance to their colony while the others carried items in. I’m assuming he was keeping watch and not about to allow any strangers to pass.

Proverbs 30:24,25 says this about the ant: “Four things are small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: The ants are not a strong folk, but they prepare their food in the summer;”

Imagine that! Ants are consider among the wise in God’s creation because they are prepared.

Living and ministering in rural Appalachia, I see many who could learn from watching the ant and reading what the Word of God has to say about them.

Most live for the moment, live in small quarters with multiple extended family members. Many don’t work, they just work the system. They fish for pleasure, but don’t freeze any of their catch for later. Most don’t grow garden’s either, or the gardens are too small to be able to can any items for the winter.

Come next winter, while this colony of ants is warm, cozy and well stocked, many of the poor of Appalachia will come knocking asking for food, electrical and heating assistance because they did not work or plan for their future.

That can change. God can change hearts. We’ve seen Him do it, and so we pray.

My husband Mike’s roll in our ministry is financial counseling. He’s also on the board for a foundation that local people have set up to help those in need in our community.

Tuesday evening marked a first. The foundation is offering a 13 week financial course by Dave Ramsey called Financial Peace University. Mike has been leading this program for some time now, but leading it for some of the poor in our community that were willing to come out is a first! He just completed a week long financial counselor training course last week, so he’s really looking forward to being able to assist folks even better.

Please pray with us that the Lord will change hearts and this group of 32 people will see that even though they live meagerly they can be financially free and like the ant, be prepared for the future.

A Prayer Request and The Promise of Spring

2009-03-07T12:13:00.002-05:00

I have two new posts over on my personal blog that I'd like to point you all to regarding a prayer request for one of the girls and also a praise report.

Prayer Request: http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2009/03/thankful-thursday-because-he-lives.html

Praise Report: http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2009/03/promise-of-spring.html

Hope That Sets You Free

2009-02-23T23:07:00.005-05:00

January, 2008 “H” decided to extend Christmas vacation. It was just a joke she said, but the school, local law enforcement, the State Bureau of Investigation and Home Land Security didn’t think so. They don’t take bomb threats lightly. She was expelled from school for 1 year and her parents were given a choice, send her to a juvenile detention center or have a parent or a court approved adult with her 24/7.

And that’s how I met “H”. Her parents did not want here just sitting around the house or at work with them, they wanted her to still go to school and receive help Since I’m a court approved advocate/mentor it was recommended they call me. For 9 months we worked at fever pitch. During that time, many folks were skeptical that it would pay off. But, by the grace of God she received Christ as her Savior and began to transform into a different person. The judge cut 2 months off her sentence and told her she could go back to public school. The school reluctantly agreed. When her national standardized tests revealed she was now 2 years ahead of her grade level and her psychological examine came back there had been a change as well, she was admitted back into the school system in mid October. Today, “H” is active in her church, mischief and drug free. In her own words,

“I’m living a life of true freedom. I thought I was free before, but really, I was chained to my addictions and wild, uncontrolled behavior. I now have hopes and dreams for a successful future. Thank you, Ms. Marsha! Thank You, Jesus!"

Today, there are 4 other “H’s” in our program. Girls whose lives have been touched by drugs, alcohol, home violence, rape, promiscuity, abortion, and even cancer walk through the doors of Snowbird Family Learning Center. Some are cocky, some manipulative, some boisterous, some quiet, but they all have the same look of despair written across their faces. Eyes that say, “I just want someone to love me. I just want to be free from the pain that permeates my very being. I want answers to the ‘why’ questions in my life. Are you listening to my heart’s cry? Can you tell me how to be set free from my private hell?” I give them each a warm, reassuring smile and let them know I don’t have all the answers, but I know the One who does.

Their first day in the program I share my testimony, of how God redeemed my life from the pit. How He crowned my head with lovingkindness and compassion. I tell them that God is good, that He loves each of us unconditionally and that He can be trusted. I tell them my past doesn’t haunt me anymore. That all those past lies I believed and failures have been replaced by the Truth and I am forever free and they can be also.
●●●
Won’t you help point these girls to Christ and the hope that sets them free?
●●●

I’d like to invite you to come alongside us in several ways.
~ First, please pray for us…daily if possible. The kinds of problems the girls bring with them bring lots of oppression and tears at times. Ask the Lord to protect our marriage. Stress tends to show where the cracks are in relationships. Pray we will continue to stand strong and united in the face of stress and adversity.
~ Would you please consider us when you are thinking about how to distribute your gifts above and beyond your tithe to the church? Textbooks for the girls runs anywhere from $250 to $400 a year. We’re needing to hire some help. Presently, we can’t afford to do that. (I don’t take a salary.) We’re also looking to pay off the mortgage of $53,000 over the next year. Please don’t forget about matching funds. We are a 501c3 non-profit that is qualified to receive matching fund gifts. What a GREAT way to double the size of your gift! Please prayerfully consider these needs.
~ Do you know someone else who has a heart for the poor, oppressed, the economically challenged and at risk teen girls? Would you share our ministry with them or arrange for me to meet with them?

“Bless the Lord, O my soul…who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1a,4,5

Blessed Because of Him,

(For the both of us…Mike and Marsha Harwood.)

Home Meeting in GA

2009-02-23T10:55:00.003-05:00

I wanted to take a minute and invite you all to a Home Meeting at the home of Lou and Karen Trahant on Wednesday, February 25th at 7 pm, that will focus on Snowbird TEAM Ministries. Karen has some scrumptious desserts for us to enjoy and I'll to be able to share with you all what the Lord has done for us in 2008. I think it has been our most exciting years yet, thanks in part to friends like you that have shared in the work in one way or the other.

Snowbird TEAM Ministries is a ministry in North Carolina's poorest county that is focused on building a future of hope for families by teaching, equipping, and being advocates and mentors. We firmly believe in the importance of one on one relationships that will point people to Christ and the Hope that will set them free. Marsha does this by working with at risk women, teen girls and children. Mike shares his passion by offering financial guidance to families via Financial Peace University.

I pray many of you will be able to attend the Home Meeting. I look forward to seeing many of you this week. If you are planning on coming to the home meeting, please RSVP to Karen so she can plan the desserts.

When: Wednesday, February 25 @ 7 pm Where: The home of Lou and Karen Trahant 4525 Reva Ct. Marietta, GA 30066 770 - 924-6251

FPU Week 2

2009-02-04T22:22:00.004-05:00

Tonight's class was awesome! We had 35 people out for week 2 plus 2 visitors. Mike is just astounded by the turn out and interaction. The people are being so transparent with where they are in life with their finances. Because the group is so large, Mike has decided to break it up into 2 groups for the discussion time and one of the other elders of the church is leading the other group.

One of the highlights for us is knowing that our son Adam and his fiance, Jessie are taking the class as well. We want them to get started out on the right foot. They are really enjoying interacting in the group discussion.

We're praising God for what He is wanting to do with this group of folks. As I said before, it's an outreach since more than half are coming from our community.

At Risk Education Classes

2009-02-02T11:41:00.003-05:00

Two new girls are entering the program on Wednesday. Please pray for their adjustment (and mine!) as we get started. Being disciplined is always an issue with the new girls. They think now that they aren't in the public school system anymore they can just chill out and slack off.

I design a curriculum for them that fits there future goals. That means we start off with them taking the Career Direct Assessment through Crown Financial. This gives us all a direction to follow. They will have basic education classes like in public school, but I tweek it and make it easier for them because most of the girls are way below grade level. So for the first several months we are going through the basics at whatever level they are at. This means a lot of one on one time with each of the girls.

On top of their basic skills, they also take a Bible class, a life skills course over 2 years (home economics to us older folks), Financial Peace - Foundations, a 13 week course for youth, and their favorite - Sex and Young America. It's their favorite until they see we're talking abstinence - then it makes for interesting conversations! After 1 year in the program we begin a Biblical Worldview course developed by Summit Ministries out of Colorado Springs, CO.

New Classes Being Offered - Updated

2009-02-02T11:29:00.002-05:00

Due to being out of town unexpectedly most of the month, classes at the Learning Center had to be put on hold. I'm just returning back to work today and starting education classes for the at-risk girls on Wednesday. Today, Monday, February 2, is a catch up day for me.

Tuesday, February 10 is now the new start up date for the Lunch Time Losers weight loss group.

The 4 week series called Footprints On Our Heart also has a new start date of Thursday, March 4 due to my absence and an upcoming missions conference the last week of February. This group is for women who need help in coping after a miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death. There are several young women I know that could benefit from this study and support group. The agony that is felt is complex and intense, and it mixes with misplaced guilt hurt, helplessness, and deep sorrow. Footprints On Our Hearts offers ways to cope with these feelings in days and weeks of grieving that follow as it speaks words of understanding, encouragement, and hope for the future.

Financial Peace Update

2009-02-02T11:22:00.002-05:00

What a GREAT first week Mike had with FPU!! There were 32 people. 4 of them were walk ins that just appeared because they saw the ad in the paper. Most of the people attending are from outside our church, folks that responded to the newspaper ads Mike ran for 2 weeks. What a tremendous outreach this is turning out to be.

The next class is Wednesday, February 4. There will be 3 others present that weren't there the first week. One of those is me. I've been out of town most of the month of January taking care of my elderly parents and a health situation going on there. The other 2 are our son, Adam and his fiance.

In these unstable financial times, everyone is searching for financial peace. But true peace comes from knowing the Prince of Peace.

Please pray for this outreach and the lives being touched over the next 12 weeks.

New Classes Being Offered

2009-01-12T11:20:00.006-05:00

The start of a new year brings new class offerings for the community through the Learning Center and Snowbird T.E.A.M. Ministries.
During these challenging economic times, it's more important than ever to be offering this course. Mike leads the adult class and I lead the teen class. Mike's group has 12 couples!!! We are thrilled by this turn out. Truly amazing for this area. My class is actually the FPU school curriculum and I'm doing this with 5 girls 3 days a week.

Starting Tuesday, January 20 we will be offering a special program for fellow sojourners desiring to be healthier. It will be held during the noon hour during the lunch time of some friends of mine. Our group: Lunch Time Losers. Between us, we have enough weight to lose a person or two! We will be using some of the First Place 4 Health curriculum.

Thursdays are various weekly studies. Up this month, starting January 22 will be a 4 week series called Footprints On Our Heart. This is for women who need help in coping after a miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death. There are several young women I know that could benefit from this study and support group. The agony that is felt is complex and intense, and it mixes with misplaced guilt hurt, helplessness, and deep sorrow. Footprints On Our Hearts offers ways to cope with these feelings in days and weeks of grieving that follow as it speaks words of understanding, encouragement, and hope for the future.

2009-01-10T09:20:00.002-05:00

December 23rd I posted a prayer request for "J' and her 17 week unborn baby on my personal blog. Please read the last update here:http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2009/01/legacy-moment-life-is-sacred.html

This is just one of the young women I'm ministering to right now. She really needs our prayers.

Sanctity of Human Life Week January 18-25

2009-01-10T09:13:00.003-05:00

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you..." Jeremiah 1:5

Each little Masterpiece is a magnificent reflection of His glory. That means, I was created to be a reflection of His glory. Do I live my life in such a way that I am a clear reflection of His glory to others? I pray I am. Though sometimes I falter, it is my desire to be like a full moon, one who has no light of my own, but merely serves to reflect the light of the Son.

Sunday, January 18-Sunday, January 25 is Sanctity of Human Life Week, a week set aside to raise awareness to the world about the beauty of all human life, from the unborn in their mother's womb, to the aged and infirmed. All life is sacred.

One of the areas of focus for Snowbird T.E.A.M. Ministries is working with pregnant teens. For me, like so many others, the message of sanctity of human life is a daily walk. There's not a day that goes by that I am not touched by the choices young girls and women are making today.

I've been ordering materials from a supplier called Heritage House out of Snowflake, AZ for years. I find they have excellent prices and a nice variety of products. They have started offering a program called the Heritage Partner Share Program.

For every order that is placed through my personal blog (click here), our ministry will receive 7% of the order total in a cash gift to our ministry. If you are interested in items for yourself personally or for your church regarding Sanctity of Life anytime during the year, would you please consider purchasing them through my blog link as a way to help my ministry. Thank you for help in support Snowbird TEAM Ministries and the cause of Sanctity of Human Life.

Highlights from 2008

2008-11-14T09:28:00.007-05:00

Most of my posts about the ministry have been written on my personal blog the past few months. I'm going to write the links here with a little note about the topic.

Please check back later. I hope to have more pictures up.

When we return from our trip to Kenya to see our daughter Laura and her family, I'll be updating this site again.

Thanks for coming by!

Parenting Class for children with an incarcerated parent:
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/03/thankful-thursday_27.html

Mistaken Identity
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/03/whole-new-take-on-pot-of-tea.html

The Second Mile Devotional
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/05/second-mile.html

The Gift of Blessing - Reflecting with gratitude regarding those who have given to our ministry. http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/06/gift-of-blessing.html

Transformation - Watching one of the girls transformation process unfold before my eyes.
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/06/thankful-thursday-transformation.html

Sometimes a mission week doesn't go as planned!
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/06/its-not-about-me.html
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/06/thankful-thursday-gentle-breezes.html

Vacation Bible School - Unleashing the Power of God
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/06/power-of-god.html
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/06/missions-soccer-balls-and-strange-phone.html

The Summer Reading Program
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/07/spiders-webs-of-deception-and-judging.html

Fellowship Bible Church and the Back to School Back Pack Ministry
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/07/back-to-school.html
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/07/amazing-day.html

Jesus, Our Tutor - A cute story about a young girl who saw Jesus
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/08/jesus-inside.html

Teaching the girls about true beauty
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/10/true-beauty.html

Surrendering the Secrets - Dealing with the issue of abortion and post abortion syndrome
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/10/more-on-surrendering-secrets.html
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/10/please-pray-for-j.html
http://marshahmusings.blogspot.com/2008/11/waiting-expectantly-prayer-request.html

As a side note, my daughter Missy won the DVD series that I mentioned in the first Surrendering the Secrets post. She has donated them to our ministry. I look forward to adding this Bible study to our course selection. Lord knows I can use it right now!

Also, "J's" conversation went well with her parents. They are of course grieved she went through 2 abortions without talking with them, but they are working on rebuilding trust in their relationship. They have vowed to support her through her pregnancy and the adoption process.

Please pray for all those involved in the adoptive parent search (including me).

Our New Ministry Facility

2008-10-17T00:27:00.005-04:00

We are so very thankful to the Lord for providing our new ministry facility!

After 3 months of intense fundraising, we were able to close on May 14th. We're thankful for all of you that gave financially, prayed and/or came and worked. The summer months were busy with mission groups here to help us with some renovations to make it a little more functional for our needs.

Here are a few pictures. The outside picture above is old, before we bought the house. I'll try to get a new one taken this weekend after it stops raining.

The Gathering Room

A favorite place for all who come.

Everyone can't wait until we start having a fire in the fireplace this winter for our meetings!

The Resource Center and Office

Here we have a lend loan library with parenting resources, Cherokee culture, and older children's and youth books. The office is on the wall on the right and not visible in this picture. Again, I need to get a picture of this area.

Parenting Center

In this room, Marsha meets with Mom's and their babies and also pregnant teens. The room is full of parenting resources from prenatal to preschool. There are toys and games and lots of children's books up to about age 8. Some of the babies are now entering toddler and preschool age so we are looking to start at Teen Mops program.

The Enrichment Center

This area is used for our school classes. Presently, we have 5 at risk teen girls enrolled in our program. They are here at the learning center up to 3 days a week all day to keep them on track with their school work and to go through our other special classes. Presently we are offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace High School curriculum, Crown Financial's Career Direct curriculum, and the National Coalition of Families sex education curriculum, and we're also teaching various life skills. In January we begin our Summit Ministries curriculum on developing a Biblical worldview.

Pictures still to come:

The Creativity Center and

The Home Economics Center

Please check back next week for these pictures along with updated outdoor pictures including the view from our deck and porches.

You Are Invited To An Open House!

2008-10-10T17:06:00.003-04:00

Snowbird T.E.A.M. Ministries

cordially invites you to join us in celebrating

the Dedication and Open House of

Snowbird Family Learning Center’s new location

at 6601 Snowbird Road Robbinsville, NC

on Saturday, November 1, 2008.
The open house is from 1:00 —3:00

with a brief dedication service at 2:00 p.m.
Light refreshments will be served.

Snowbird Family Learning Center

has served the Snowbird Community and others in Graham County

since 1998.

Years ago, Leslie and Annie Hedrick opened their home to those in need.

What a privilege it is for us to carry on the tradition of serving others in this same house,

for the glory of God.
If you are coming from out of town:

We have a block of rooms reserved at a local hotel.

Contact Mike and Marsha Harwood @ 828-735-0731

or email us: MtnMarmi@aol.com

Please R.S.V.P. by October 24th.

Updates

2008-02-26T02:35:00.002-05:00

I'm working on updating this blog this week. I feel certain there will be new info up by Thursday morning so please check back.

Classes Are Thriving @ The Learning Center

2007-12-12T21:02:00.000-05:00

We're seeing the Lord work in the lives of several women and young teens this year. We continue to be amazed at the opportunities that come our way.

There are 3 classes being held at the Learning Center that are just thrilling my heart right now. One is the Mommy and Me class. Watching my 5 pregnant teen girls group from last spring grow spiritually and emotionally. Watching them give birth and blossom into these young mothers who are really trying to raise their babies right. Watching 4 of them rally around the fifth when she lost her little boy at 3 months old to SIDS…THIS has been a tough road for all of us, but they are all keeping their focus on the Lord and continue to mourn with N and support her. And then watching them interact with their little ones once a week during Mommy and Me, it's confirmation that cultural change IS occurring, PTL!

The other class is the Teen Girls At Risk class which presently has 2- 8th graders in it. They are no longer in public school and I am responsible for assigning their home school work and meeting with them one day a week. After the first of the year we are increasing to 2 days a week. They are learning all kinds of life skills, plus art classes starting in January (Lord willing). It's all a new experience for them, but they are loving it - and so am I!

The pregnant teen class (2 girls) is going well. The first one is due mid February. We cover many topics such as exercise, health and nutrition for them now and later while they are nursing (both say they are going to). We also cover how to care for their newborn and how to interact with your baby. We talk about learning the different cries of your baby so they know how to meet their need. The role of the baby's parents and grandparents is also discussed thoroughly.

All the girls I'm working with want to learn to sew, mostly baby blankets and baby related items. Also decorative pillows and curtains. I sent a note out to 2 supporting churches that are nearby asking for a sewing machine. The Lord provided 2 machines! Plus, 2 ladies at our church gave me boxes and boxes of fabric and notions for which I am truly thankful.

Housing Concerns

2007-12-12T20:52:00.000-05:00

We've been blessed to have the little house we're presently in for about 12 years. We love this little place. But we are sensing it may be time to look for another place. The owner is in poor health and when it officially goes into the hands of his two children, we don't know what they will want to do with the house. We've also outgrown the space, especially now with the sewing machines and fabrics that need storing. I'm just not sure were to go with it all anymore.

Housing is really tight right now. There are literally no places to rent out here in Snowbird. There is one place for sale that is on deeded land that Mike and I pass everyday and wonder what it costs. We haven't looked into it yet. For me, it scares me to even think about trying to raise the money to buy a place. Plus people have gone greedy with anything that could be considered a second home for an out of towner.

Please pray with us about this need. We feel certain we will probably need to do something different this year. If you want to know more about this, please call Mike and speak with him, or email him. All our information is on the sidebar on the right.

Personal and Ministry Prayer Updates

2007-12-12T20:17:00.000-05:00

~ We are so thankful for the safe arrival of our newest granddaughter, Savannah Breeze. She was born on November 1st and weighed in at 7 lb. 9 ozs. and 20 1/2 inches long. She's completely healthy and our daughter Laura is making a remarkable recovery. They live in the Maasai Mara (out in the bush) of Kenya, Africa. To the right is a picture just taken on December 7 with Summer (3) holding Savannah and Sarah (5 almost 6) is on the right holding her Christmas bear. Please pray for Marmi and Pappy. We want to see our newest little granddaughter so badly, but it will probably be a year from now until we can go.

~ Mike's outpatient surgery went well. He will need to check back in 6 months to make sure nothing else is growing. They took out the area around the pre-cancerous growth on his face in hopes it won't come back there again.

~ Marsha is struggling with some health issues and would appreciate your prayers. She had pneumonia in October and she had a slow recovery. Her cough is probably asthma related now, but it just won't clear up.

~ Please pray for C. She was sexually abused as a child for 8 years by a relative. We're meeting weekly for Bible study and prayer. She's yet to be able to forgive the person.

~ J was abandoned by her husband and left with a 6 year old daughter (now 7) to raise by herself. You can read about how we met here. Initially, she was homeless. In the past 4 months we've been able to help her find a place to live with a minimal rent payment, encouraged her in her job search (she is now working), helped her study for her GED (which she passed 2 weeks ago!), and served as a mediator to bring about reconciliation between her and her mother - they had been estranged for 7 years. During her daughter's Christmas break she will be moving from here to live with her mother who will help her with child care while she pursues her CNA license.

~ C was forced to have an abortion by her husband. He was out of work at the time and they have 3 children in school and one at home. When I met her this summer she was suffering from post-abortion syndrome. We just finished a 10 week Bible study especially written for post abortion women. During this Bible study she received Christ as her Savior. Just recently she started going to church as well. She's well on her way to recovery. At her request we're continuing to meet every week for discipleship.

~ N, one of my pregnant teens from last spring, lost her 3 month old son to SIDS recently. To be 16 and have a baby is tough enough, but then to experience such a great loss has been extremely difficult. My journey continues with N, but it's now grief counseling. She recently moved to Charlotte to live with her Father and step mother so she could have a fresh start in life. We continue to talk weekly. Please remember her in prayer.

~ The other 4 pregnant teens have all had their babies and we meet once a week for a Mommy and Me class.

~ There are presently 2 teens in the pregnancy/parenting class. One of them just got married 2 weeks ago. I was blessed to be able to "do" her wedding for her.

~ The Teen Girls At Risk class presently has 2- 8th graders in it. They are no longer in public school and I am responsible for assigning their home school work and meeting with them one day a week.

~ Please pray for our Dream It! Achieve It! financial education and micro business program. We've yet to have business launch. We're hoping to go through the program with the Teen Girls class starting in January. I'll also offer it to the girls in the parenting class as a way to start a small business to help with their expenses. We're praying about launching a craft co-op with the Snowbird Youth at the Youth Center. Tourism is big here and there's a big market for "trinket size" souvenirs like jewelry.

Please lift each of these women/girls in prayer. He is working in each of their lives right now in amazing ways. But for some of them, there is still much pain to work through.

I sometimes hesitate to post what's going on and what is in need of prayer because I in no way want to receive any glory - it's all about Him and the wonderful women and girls He was brought my way. I did not seek them out or have a program that they came to. It's all about God caring for and loving His creation so much that He would entrust these precious souls to me for a time. I truly stand amazed at what He is doing. I am not a professional counselor, but I do love His Word and know that in it is found everything we need pertaining to life and godliness. I'm merely the hands the Lord uses to touch these hurting women, to bring good news, to bind up their brokenhearts, and to proclaim liberty so they can be set free. (Isaiah 61:1). How blessed I am to be able to do what I do!

Looking for a Short Term Mission Trip Opportunity?

2007-12-12T20:15:00.000-05:00

We have several different opportunities available ranging from 2 days to 2 months. Please take a look at the various opportunities we are offering for 2008 and let us know if you think you are interested. If you attend Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, GA please contact our Global Representative Lou Trahant at 770-924-6251. If you attend Grace Bible Church in Charlotte, NC please contact Jonathan Preslar.

Ministry Partner: Snowbird TEAM Ministries
Location: Robbinsville, NC
Team Leader: Mike and Marsha Harwood
Approximate Trip Dates: Early June to 1st week of August
Type of Trip: Summer Youth Internships (1 male, 1 female - college age)

Ministry Partner: Snowbird TEAM Ministries
Location: Robbinsville, NC
Team Leader: TBA
Approximate Trip Dates: 3 days, 2 nights mid-July
Type of Trip: 20 year Snowbird Mission Trip Veteran Reunion Weekend

Ministry Partner: Snowbird TEAM Ministries
Location: Robbinsville, NC
Team Leader: Lou Trahant
Approximate Trip Dates: 3 days, 2 nights last week of July
Type of Trip: Back to School Back Pack Event (Families)

Ministry Partner: Snowbird TEAM Ministries
Location: Robbinsville, NC
Team Leader: TBA
Approximate Trip Dates: Spring, Summer, or Fall
Type of Trip: Dragon Slayer Biker Outreach
(This is for the motorcycle enthusiasts who want to come here and have a ministry outreach event for the thousands that come here every month just to "Slay the Dragon" - A famous road here. They could also do a small project for us or the community.)

Ministry Partner: Snowbird TEAM Ministries
Location: Robbinsville, NC
Team Leader: TBA
Approximate Date: Late Winter, Early Spring
Type of Trip: Spa Day for pregnant teens we're ministering to

Ministry Partner: Snowbird TEAM Ministries
Location: Robbinsville, NC
Team Leader: TBA
Approximate Date: Late Spring, Early Summer
Type of Trip: New Mother's Tea

Ministry Partner: Snowbird TEAM Ministries
Location: Robbinsville, NC
Team Leader: TBA
Approximate Date: Spring, Summer, Fall
Type of Trip: Father & Son Outreach

Ministry Partner: Snowbird TEAM Ministries
Location: Robbinsville, NC
Team Leader: TBA
Aproximate Date: Anytime
Type of Trip: Prayer Walks/Drives

And the Bride Wore....

2007-11-20T08:46:00.000-05:00

Saturday, November 17 a friend of mine and I were privileged to be able to help with a wedding for one of my pregnant teens. It was quite the cultural experience. Click here to read about it.

The Heart Of A Child

2007-10-31T09:40:00.001-04:00

I get mail all the time, it's usually a typed note, an email or blog post, or an occasional hand written note from a friend. But of late, nothing has touched me as much as this precious letter I received on Saturday from a little girl. It was in a pink envelope with Hello Kitty on the back.

I met her at a missions conference Mike and I were attending at Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, GA the end of February. Our booth is always a hit with the kids because of the Native American things we have set out. So to be truthful, I'm not even certain which little 5 year old girl she was! But she remembered me and the children I work with here in Snowbird. She remembered so much that she chose to write a letter 8 months later to tell me she is going to pray for me this school year. Talk about feeling humbled by a child! What a blessing this simple little hand written note (in cursive, no less!) has been to me over the past several days.

But even bigger blessings are about to follow, because the heart of a little child is being trained up by the grace of God to increase in faith. How will God use this year of praying for this missionary in her life? Only He knows. How will God use this year of being prayed for by this little child in my life? I know already one thing it has done for me. It has encouraged me beyond measure to press on, to be an example to the children here in Snowbird. I feel even more accountable because I don't want to cause this little one to stumble in any way. Come next February when we're back at FBC for missions conference, I want to be able to give her an account of how God is using her heart felt prayers.

"And a little child shall lead them."

A New Look for A New Age

2007-10-12T16:26:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! We're trying something new with our newsletter...the blogosphere. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's like a website only it's FREE. Some of our board members are presently working on a website for us, but until it becomes a reality, I thought I'd try this.

Try as I might, I am just a woman of MANY words. So, I thought that MAYBE this would make the newsletter more palatable. Simply look at the right hand sidebar and select the article you wish to read. Another day, you can pick another one.

You also have the opportunity to comment on any of the posts by registering (if you don't already have an account with Google) and giving yourself a password. No one else will know your password. You can give yourself a pseudo name if you'd rather keep your identity private as well. You are not signing up for an email account or to start your own blog. You are merely signing up to be able to post a comment on a blog. Or, you can contact us via our email addresses, also found on the right hand sidebar. We'd love to hear from you!

Please be sure to vote in the poll on the right also. You don't need to sign in for that and is totally anonymous. We'd like your feedback on the question.

Seeking Him,

Marsha

How Can I Pray?

2007-10-12T15:38:00.001-04:00

In the following blog posts you will read in more detail about these women.

1. Pray for "J" as she continues to get on her feet financially. Pray for her relationship with her mother to be healed and fully restored. (Her story is found in "Mommy, is this Christmas?")
2. Pray for "C" as she continues to grow in her freedom in Christ. (Her story is found in "Mommy, is this Christmas?")
3. Pray for the grandmother who received Christ through the back pack outreach. Pray they will connect with a church. (Her story is found in "Mommy, is this Christmas?")
4. Pray for "N". She was one of my unwed teen mothers from last spring. Her little boy died suddenly a couple of weeks ago, just days before turning 3 months old. There is MUCH heartache here that I will detail in a blog post later.
5. Pray for the reorganization of our "Dream It! Achieve It!" program. This program features career and financial education and the starting up of microbusinesses. We've yet to launch a business.
6. Please pray for our daughter Laura and the safe delivery of our 5th grandchild, Savannah. As most of you know, they are in the bush of Kenya. They are heading closer to the hospital (3 1/2 hours away) on Saturday, October 13. She is due on November 2, but has gone 2 weeks early with the other two girls.
7. Mike is schedule for a minor surgery on Thursday, October 18. He's had a "place" removed off his temple twice in 18 months. The doctor is now cutting deeper to get the root and make sure there's no problem. We'd appreciate your praying for a clean bill of health.

Up Close and Personal by STM Board Member, Bo Gray

2007-10-12T14:08:00.000-04:00

The winners of our summer reading program proudly display the cash prizes they received for being in the top 3 in their age brackets. Behind them stand our summer volunteers. From left to right: "Grandpa" Wesley, Bo and Debbie Gray and two of their daughters, Priscilla and Sarah.

I write the following words with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek: Like all spiritually-minded men, my first action was to send my wife and children.
Ooops.
Okay, now I will explain.
Summer was approaching and Marsha Harwood needed help with the Snowbird TEAM Summer Reading Program. As the full time pastor of a young church, I had no lack of opportunities to serve and minister the flock God had given me. So that weekly summertime drive over the mountains and through the woods to the Snowbird community was better left to my sweet wife and two daughters.
You see, Debbie is the epitome of a servant and we thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for Priscilla and Sarah to serve others instead of sleeping late and eating often in the lazy days of summer.
Week one went well for my three girls and Marsha was happy for the assistance, but something happened after that.
As a Board member, I thought it would be good for me to observe firsthand what the program was all about, so I planned to help during the second week.
After introductions were made on that second Tuesday, I plunged in with the assignment Marsha had given me, yet I was not prepared for the response.
I had an instant fan club among the children.
Was it because I smiled? Was it because I was friendly? Was it because I had facial hair? Was it because I was a man?
Whatever the reason, after that first day, I was hooked on helping.
Whether it was helping with the Reader’s Theater scripts, or the fingerprint lab, or the great bubblegum experiment, I spent the next six weeks of my summer Tuesdays at the Snowbird Library as part of Miss Marsha’s Summer Reading Program.
Along the way our 79-year-old neighbor, Wesley, joined in the fun, too!
The Grand Finale was a family night on Friday July 27 when the children performed their respective “Reader’s Theaters” and we all participated in a great crime solving caper after a hearty meal of spaghetti and meatballs.
So in the end, instead of “sending” my wife and daughters, I “accompanied” them into an unplanned opportunity of service and ministry.
Along the way, I even turned into a big, bad wolf .. but that is another story for another day.

Yes, this is the Big, Bad Bo, I mean Wolf trying to convince the older kids of his innocence. It was a split decision, but after weighing all the evidence, he was found guilty of killing the pigs.

A New Vision Statement

2007-10-12T13:51:00.000-04:00

When we moved to Snowbird 9 years ago, we thought we were coming solely to the Cherokee Indian community. That had been our focus since 1990 when we first started coming here. But over the past few years, the ministry with the Cherokees is "evolving".

In the early years, their needs were great. Today, their needs are still great, but different. Gone are the days of deep poverty. They receive a per capita check twice a year which is adding to their income. Their needs today are education, money management skills and most importantly, discipleship of believers. Some still live like they are in poverty, but it's because they spend their per capita like it's a windfall so they have lots of toys and then don't have money at times for essential needs. That's due to poor money management.

The needs in our county are sometimes overwhelming. We're blessed with some of the most spectacular mountains anywhere. But nestled down in the hollows are people who are struggling to survive. Unemployment is high. In a county of only 8,000 people, it's tough when the local plant cuts it's work force down by 1/2 and lays off 255 people with no other plants for them to go to. Drugs are an ever increasing problem. Domestic violence is extremely high. That alone has lead to something that was unthinkable just a few years ago...murder. We've had 5 since November and they are all domestic violence related. One of the women murdered was going to teach the bookkeeping segment of our Dream It! Achieve It! program.

All that to say, the ministry is at a crossroads. Mike and I find ourselves on a weekly basis looking poverty in the face and trying to discern who genuinely is looking for a hand up and not just looking for a hand out. We'd covet your prayers for wisdom. It's easy for me, the bleeding heart, to want to help everyone. Mike on the other hand is more skeptical and researches "the need" first. It's a good balance. He's on the board of a foundation here in the county that gets lots of requests from people in need. He's able to see who the chronic users of the system are, thus enabling us to better maximize our funds.

Our board met face to face on October 6. (You can see who they are 2 blog posts down.) They not only came together seeing each other face to face, but they heard and saw face to face the changes taking place in the ministry here. So we have slightly modified our vision statement to reflect the ministries broadening focus. You will find our new vision statement in the right hand sidebar. Our purpose is also stated below it. That has not changed because it's who we are, it's in the name of the ministry...TEAM. Yes, we team with other organizations and agencies, but it is also an acronym for Teach, Equip, Advocates, Mentors.

"Mommy, is this Christmas?"

2007-10-11T23:54:00.000-04:00

Our little learning center was overrun with school supplies and people the morning of July 28, 2007. There was not an inch of floor space (or front porch space) anywhere. So many gave to make this outreach to some of the poorest of the poor in Graham County happen.

Special thanks to Crawford Hitt with New Directions Intl. for supplying many of the EduPaks (back packs) and materials. Also a big thanks to the young couples class at Fellowship Bible Church for having a very successful fundraiser to pay New Directions for the materials given. I know that as young married couples, some with little ones, this was a stretch for you to give above and beyond what you already give to the Lord. Thank you for walking in obedience to Him. There were many others who also gave when the numbers of back packs needed grew so rapidly. Great is your reward in heaven!

This outreach turned into a totally amazing window of opportunity. We had an SUV full of men and back packs go one direction and another vehicle full of women and back packs go another. We delivered 40 that day, besides packing the other 10 scheduled for either delivery by DSS or some families that made arrangements to come to the Learning Center for pick up. All the packs that were put together and waiting for DSS or folks not home were all delivered by the following Tuesday. The people with PO Box addresses that did not respond by phone started calling on Monday. The next thing I knew the list grew from 52, to 60, to 68, with a final total of 75! I had to go and buy more back packs, more notebooks and kindergarten supplies and folders.

Delivering these back packs was an eye opening experience for all of us in one way or another. At times we literally needed to use 4 wheel drive to reach some of the homes. Upon arriving at one of the locations, the men were greeted by a man carrying a shot gun. It turns out he was shooting bees nests out of a tree in the front yard. Some houses had steps in such disrepair we wondered how they even get in and out. At yet another house, Bekah Hamrick (Missions Director at FBC) and I were greeted by goats who didn't care about us, but really wanted the back packs we were delivering. They kept trying to grab them out of our hands. Each stop had it's own story to tell. Most shared freely with us, especially after we asked if we could pray with them and their children.

There was a grandmother who called my cell phone while we were out, wondering when we'd be there. Her grandchild was anxiously awaiting her back pack full of supplies. The guys delivered hers. A very rough mountain woman with lots of what we call "Appalachian Art" around. She called back on Monday. She had read the "Am I Going to Heaven?" gospel tract and the Bible Promises booklet cover to cover and had questions. I went out to her place to give her a Bible and shared the Gospel with her. I've followed up with her 3 times now. During the second visit she received Christ as her Savior. Please pray I can plug this family into a church.

Another woman came by the learning center the Monday after the deliveries to get her daughter's back pack (1st grade). When I handed the little girl her back pack she just grinned from ear to ear and hugging the pack, looked up at her Mommy and asked, "Mommy, is this Christmas?". Her story is so heart breaking. "J.'s" husband went back to Mexico in April and left her destitute. She got pregnant in high school and dropped out of school. Her mother and step father disowned her and hasn't had contact with them in several years. She and her daughter have been living basically homeless since April, just bouncing around from friend to friend. A few days later I met with her and her caseworker and I've been put in the loop to help with her GED studies and some one on one mentoring. Life is showing signs of improvement for "J" and her daughter. She now has a job, and her cousin is allowing her to stay there for awhile longer since she can now contribute to the rent and utilities. Before school started, she and I went thrift store shopping for back to school clothes for her daughter. What it privilege it is to be able to mentor this young woman. We've had some amazing answers to prayer that have really encouraged her in her faith. One of those was actually meeting her mother for lunch one day about 2 weeks ago. I drove "J" to Asheville to meet with her mom at a Cracker Barrel (she's living 2 hours the east of Asheville now and Robbinsville is 2 hours west). I sat at a different table to give them their space, but close enough to make "J" comfortable. The meeting went well. "J" is guardedly optimistic about their next visit. Saturday, October 13 her mother is coming to Robbinsville to meet her granddaughter for the very first time! It will be "D's" 7th birthday party. Please pray for the healing of this relationship.

Here is yet another story that has touched my heart and life deeply.

Another woman came by to pick up 3 back packs. I thought it was just going to be a quick encounter, but the Lord had another plan. I had my boxed set of Touch of Life Fetal Models sitting on the table so I would remember to take them to show the children at the summer reading program. When "C" noticed the box on the table she became very uncomfortable and started shaking. She asked me what they were and I told her. "C" broke into tears and asked her children to go to the car to wait for her. It turns out she had an abortion in March, after much pressure from her husband and her family. She was 14 weeks. I prayed with her and she kept staring at the box so I asked her if she wanted to see the babies. As soon as she saw how real and life like they looked, she asked if she could hold on. The models were lying on a pink blanket. She gently lifted one of the "babies" and wrapped it up in the blanket, sat down in a chair and just rocked the baby, crying and talking to the baby through deep sobs and sharing her regrets. She told the baby what she had named her, and that she was so sorry and going crazy over murdering her and not knowing where her little body is now. This went on for almost 35 minutes. She was trying to have closure over what had happened. In the meantime, I just sat quietly, went outside occasionally and reassured the children that their mommy was just looking at some things inside and gave them juice and a snack. Finally, she laid the baby down, covered it with the blanket and closed the box. We got together again that evening from 5:30 to 7:00, just the two of us. I gave her a Bible and shared the Gospel with her, but forgiveness was a real obstacle in her life. She agreed to read the Gospel of John over the next week. I encouraged her to go to the crisis pregnancy center in a neighboring county (the closest one). "C" and I have been meeting weekly now for 10 weeks. She never did go to the crisis pregnancy center, but I was able to give her post abortion syndrome materials that I have at the learning center. After 7 weeks of counseling with "C", she saw the amazing grace of God that was offered to her through Christ's sacrificial death on the cross and His bodily resurrection. Hope has filled her life where there was once only darkness and despair. She has finally come to the place where she can forgive herself and the others involved in the abortion. We're presently working through an 8 week Bible study specifically written for women who have had abortions. Please continue to pray for "C" as she grows in Christ.

For those of you who prayed, who gave financially and/or came to be a part of this outreach, thank you! We will never know this side of eternity how something as simple as pencils and paper can impact the lives of people when they are given in Jesus name.

Meet The Board

2007-10-11T22:00:00.001-04:00

Front Row:
Jonathan Preslar - Grace Bible Church , Charlotte, NC Mike & Marsha Harwood
Missy Lowery - Centercrest Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL Dale Orcurto - Cornerstone Chapel, Leesburg, VA
Back Row:
Lou Trahant - Fellowship Bible Church, Roswell, GA Bo Gray -Christ Community Church, Andrews, NC

Saturday, October 6, 2007 we had our first face to face meeting with this board, with all members present. We had a very LONG day, but it was very productive. We're looking forward to moving forward with this outstanding group of men and women who love the Lord, are active in their churches, and have a heart and passion for the ministry here in Snowbird.