August 2023 Newsletter

 

Tree of Life’s summer giveaway events are right around the corner!  These HUGE events reach over 1000 people in our local community, providing things like backpacks, school supplies, clothing, furniture, Bibles, and more.

It takes an enormous effort to make these a success, so we need YOUR SUPPORT!

There are lots of ways you can get involved! Check out the links below and join us in reaching out to the poor and needy in our community with the love of Jesus Christ!

 

DONATE: Click HERE

VOLUNTEERLEESBURG or PURCELLVILLE

PRAY: Please join us in praying that these events bless our community!

 

 

Homebuyers Workshop

Our Sterling Center hosted a Homebuyers Workshop led by local Realtor, Jessyca Rivas. This free seminar was in both Spanish and English and provided valuable information about the steps necessary to get prepared to purchase your own home.

Our Lifeskills Branch is dedicated to helping people develop the skills necessary to improve their situation, whether it be English classes, financial coaching, job coaching, or homebuying preparation.  Go to our website to learn more!

 

Transitional Housing Fundraiser

Our Annual Transitional Housing Fundraiser is currently underway with the goal of raising $40,000 to cover the costs of our 5 transitional housing apartments.  These apartments are more than just shelter for the women who live there – they provide safety and security during what is often a time of intense crisis in their lives.

Christine, pictured, came to us after suffering job loss after job loss during the COVID pandemic which left her with no place to live and little hope for the future. But after completing our program, she has met all her financial goals, improved her employment, and moved into a place of her own, finding independence and self-sufficiency!  If you’d like to hear Christine’s story in her own words, click HERE and scroll down.

You can help provide shelter and build hope – donate today!

 

 

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT!

We wanted to thank our faithful volunteer, Teri, who serves in our Leesburg Region Shelter Branch. Teri has not only been a dedicated volunteer in Leesburg where she started volunteering over a year ago, but she stepped forward to help organize, set-up, and thoughtfully display clothing for our partners in our Sterling regional office – creating a clean, bright, and inviting space for families in need to find clothing.  Teri has worked nearly 200 volunteer hours in her short time with us and each moment has truly been a blessing to our ministries.  We are so grateful for her and the hundreds of other volunteers that serve at Tree of Life.

 

Click WANT TO HELP to get involved!

 

Annual TOPGOLF Fundraiser!!

Our TOPGOLF Fundraiser is just around the corner!  End your summer break with us, enjoying some food and fun all while supporting a great cause.

 

You can sign up as an individual or bring the whole family. We also have some great sponsorship opportunities, so here for more information and to register.

 

IT’S ABOUT TIME!

 

“For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.”  Psalm 90:4

 

Summer is almost over, and autumn is just around the corner.  Children will soon be back in school, and life will return to normal routines for many households.  Where does the time go?

 

Time is fleeting, for sure, so I desire to make the most of it.  For many, that may involve getting many things accomplished that I’ve been putting off.  However, making the most of my time is more about relationships.

 

If I look at time from God’s perspective, the verse says that a thousand years is just like a day to Him, or like a watch in the night (literally, three hours!).  How does God want me to spend the time He has given to me?

 

I desire to spend more time with God.  A few extra hours a week would immensely benefit my prayer life and Bible study, would greatly enhance my relationship with the Lord and also help me clear my mind!

 

I desire to spend more time with the people I love and the people I am close to.  I desire to spend more time getting to know co-workers and people I go to church with.

 

If I invest a day or even three hours pursuing the things God wants me to pursue, the lasting benefits of these relationships will affect my life for a thousand years and beyond!

 

May God bless each one of you,
Chaplain Wayne Ruckman