One of the many things I enjoy about living in Pea Ridge is the privilege of being involved with the Ministerial Alliance sponsored Angel Tree. Each Christmas season we ask people in our community to help some children in our area have a better Christmas.
This has been a record year as we've helped more than 60 families and more than 130 children. Many of these angels were added to our trees at Arvest and Community First banks in the final week before our deadline. It is such a blessing to watch as people step up to help, giving their time and money to make a difference -- going out of their way during a busy time of the year, in spite of the bad weather, to help and bless someone they don't even know. I would like to say a simple "thank you" to several folks involved in this important event.
First of all, thank you to all of you with a generous heart who blessed someone through our Angel Tree this Christmas. Some of you shopped for one or more children. Some of you weren't able to get out and shop, so you donated financially so a child could be blessed. Thank you for sacrificing to make a difference. Thank you!
Thank you to our Pea Ridge School counselors. I know Angel Tree adds to your already busy lives. Your help in connecting us with children and families who need this help at Christmas is vital. Thank you for caring! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our children and families all year long. You and all our wonderful staff and faculty at our Pea Ridge Schools are such a blessing. Thank you!
Thank you to the ladies at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church. You ladies not only shop, but your help getting the gifts in the hands of the families on distribution day is nothing short of amazing. For as long as there has been an Angel Tree in Pea Ridge, you've been an essential part of helping make it happen. Thank you!
Thank you to Jenny Wood and Annette Beard for helping us by shopping with some Alliance funds during the final days to finish up some Angels. Thank you!
Thank you to Bobbye Jo Dye and Lora Bliss. Thank you for your help in the office processing Angel Tree applications and making sure those angels made it to the trees. Thank you!
Thank you to the wonderful people at Arvest Bank and Community First Bank. Thank you for your help connecting our generous shoppers with angels. You take of your important time to help with this important step in the process. On top of that you shop for quite a few of our angels! Thank you!
Thank you to the folks at City Hall for being a drop off place for returning Angel Tree gifts. You have helped us with this community effort every year. Thank you!
Thank you to The Pea Ridge Times for helping us get the word out. You helped us keep people updated when angels were added to the trees and reminded people of our deadlines. Thank you!
Thank you to the families of our angels for allowing your community to help. Thank you!
Thank you to pastors Edwin Brewer and John Gibson. Your help behind the scenes makes all this possible.
I've no doubt overlooked someone in this community endeavor. Thank you to everyone who helps make Angel Tree possible. You're a part of why Pea Ridge is a great place to live!
I pray that you've experienced a blessed Christmas and are looking forward to walking with Jesus Christ throughout 2014. Keep your eyes and heart open to how He wants to use you to make a difference each and every day!
•••
Editor's note: Al Fowler is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Pea Ridge. He can be contacted at 451-8192, or by e-mail at [email protected].
Religion on 01/01/2014