When I stood up I had no idea what I was volunteering for... now I know why they told me in the Army to never volunteer.    

At first I had the idea that I would enlist my wife, and we would raise money to replace the doors on Bigham Hall. I had been toying with this idea anyway, and this is how it started. Becky loves to sew so I asked her to make some handbags we could market and use the income to fulfill the project.

I started to market the handbags and had a very modest success. The public, it seems, is more concerned with the name on the handbag than with the quality. Nevertheless, this remains our primary source of return. We hope that as I develop a better business plan that things will pick up.

Our view of the project did undergo a change. After much prayer and discussion we decided it would be better to look for something beyond the door repair to something that would benefit the community.

Chuck mentioned we had a couple in the congregation that was working on an outreach program to abused children through the Salvation Army Center of Hope called "Birthday Blessings." After getting additional information, we have committed to assist this outreach by donating all of the proceeds in excess of actual cost for this year. "Birthday Blessings" was started by Amy & John Cervantes and seeks to bring some cheer and joy into the lives of children who are at a very difficult period in their lives by sponsoring a Birthday Party each month.

We are happy to have become a part of this Outreach.

Ladies, if you were to empty out your handbag on a table right now, what would you find?  Make-up, keys, maybe a date planner and your wallet with credit cards, drivers license and a whole lot more from sewing kits to spare nylons, but would you find hope, faith, a sense of self worth, love and a little normalcy in a time of chaos?  You could.  When you buy one of Becky's handbags all the profit will be donated to "Birthday Blessings".  This is a program started by Amy and John Cervantes, members of our congregation, to benefit the children of the homeless at the Salvation Army Center of Hope.  Each month they sponsor a birthday party for the children at the Center, a party that helps them with just a small period when they can be free from the daily struggle.  This is our Kingdom project.  Each quality handbag is handmade with care and love by Becky.  We will have samples on display near the church office. 

     If you would like to purchase one of Becky's bags and pass a blessing along to a child in need, just pick up one of the cards at the display and call.

     We think it will be you who is blessed; we know we are for being given this opportunity.

                                     Yours in Christ,

                                     Dan and Becky Oke