We Give...

 Responding to God’s gift of grace in Jesus Christ and energized by the Holy Spirit…we give.  As our mission statement points out, giving is an integral part of Abiding Presence, and God is changing the lives of others because we give.

Through your gifts, a young girl in Ethiopia was able to meet Lane Hoggard, a high school student of Abiding Presence.  Lane traveled with other missionaries to Ethiopia with Water to Thrive and they were able to complete Abiding Presence’s second water well.  Lane took her water jug off of her back and walked with her to her home.  He met her family and drank clean water with them.  With the time and energy saved by this well, this young girl can now go to school, and always have clean water to drink.  Not only was her life changed, but Lane’s as well.  Your giving made this happen.

The quilters of Abiding Presence give of their time and talents to craft beautiful quilts for Lutheran World Relief. In a recent meeting with a LWR representative, I found out that Abiding Presence is one of the top givers of quilts and health kits in Texas.

When I worked at New Like Children’s Treatment Center in Canyon Lake, TX, I witnessed firsthand what these quilts can do for those in need.  At this treatment center for at-risk teenage girls, young ladies would enter with only clothing, but were given a quilt from a neighboring Lutheran church.  For so many, this was the first quilt they received, and for others, it was the first gift given to a life that had so much taken from it.  Their lives are forever changed.

The Stephen Ministers of Abiding Presence take communion to the homes of parishioners who are not able to make it to worship.  Stephen Ministers are trained lay leaders who also give one-to-one care in times of crisis, which means they travel to homes of the sick, visit hospital rooms, and pray for and visit families who have lost loved ones.  Your gifts help to train and equip these saints and lives are changed. 

The Abiding Presence food pantry gives assistance for those who have found themselves without.  So many people come through and receive an HEB bag packed to the brim with food.  Recently, I sat and talked with a young man who was struggling so much.  With that bag of groceries, he was able to eat for a few more days and his tears said it all.  Because you give, Abiding Presence is able to meet the needs of the hungry, living out the Gospel message!  Lives are changed!

Abiding Presence seeks to use the gifts received wisely, much like your family does.  We prayerfully consider where the resources of the church be will spent and given.  Because you give, lives are changed. 

On October 7^th, during the Sunday school hour at breakfast, you have the opportunity to listen and be involved in a discussion about how we are changing lives.  The Stewardship Ministry Action Team is hosting an Abiding Presence Stewardship Awareness Presentation.  You are invited to be involved and witness firsthand how Abiding Presence prayerfully considers the missions and ministries chosen to support with the gifts received.  All are welcome!

Pastor Steve