NEWSLETTER ANGEL TREE December 27,2008

FOR THE LEAST OF US

Challenging Churches and Restoring Families

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27"

We've multiplied! Last Christmas we were one; this year 28 small groups from Carmel Pres picked up the Cross and followed Him.

"Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." (Matt 18:5)

TESTIMONIALS

Today, December 24^th, finally our family of 5 made it out to Salinas to deliver our gifts to McKenzie age 2 (An Elmo doll, tub toys, and gift certificates to Toy R Us, Target, Safeway + a Holiday floral for the family). As most of us have discovered, the household is comprised of more than the incarcerated and the child. Maria, the grandma, not yet 40, resides in the women's facility at Chowchilla. Mariah, 19, her granddaughter (working on her GED) is McKenzie's mom. Maria's mom took the youngsters in a few months ago. She was aided and abetted by her own mom, who is the matriarch of the house that is now home for the 5 generations. On our approach, we had no difficulty recognizing the residence; the front yard was strewn with dozens of McKenzie's toys and playthings, (no doubt all her worldly treasures) there likely being no room at the inn for anything but Homo sapiens. There was time for laughter, prayer, stories, easy conversation, hugs, and promises to return. We exchanged gifts. Maria, and great grandma presented us with a touching card, signed by McKenzie in secret scribble. On "reentry" at home we were greeted with the following email:

Hello to you and your family. I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for having consideration for others. You guys are very kind hearted, caring people. We appreciated the gifts more then words can say. But, most of all I loved seeing my daughters smile when she saw her presents. That smile is priceless. Once again thank you so much. I hope you and your loved ones have a very safe and happy Christmas and New Years. From the bottom of my heart ,Mariah &Family

Hi ,. Just a note to let you know that we dropped off our Angel tree presents this evening. We also gave the family a grocery card. We went to the grandma's house and she seemed truly grateful. She spoke very little English but the kids were there and very excited. We couldn't talk with her but we gave her a witness Christmas card. I took some pictures and will send them to Raquel. Please tell me how to address the envelope: there seems to be a specific format. Thank you for all your work on this project: it must be exhausting. Our best wishes to you and Pam for a very blessed and merry Christmas

Bill  and Pam Ziering              Ziering@pacbell.net
                                                                       831-250-7921

Angel Tree

December 2, 2008



It Starts with a Gift… It Leads to Lives Transformed by Christ

Welcome to another year of Angel Tree Christmas! If you're a first-time volunteer, you'll soon understand our excitement and enthusiasm as we reach out to families of prisoners.

There is so much joy that comes with sharing Christ's love with kids who have a mom or dad in prison. Angel Tree is a powerful way for Carmel Presbyterian Church to lovingly answer the biblical call to minister to the least of these. 

"Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." (Matt 18:5)

In our Savior's name,

Bill Ziering

Ziering@pacbell.net

831-655-4768

Right now, 1.5 million children know their biggest Christmas wish can't come true. They know mom or dad can't spend the holidays at home with them because he or she is in prison. These young and vulnerable boys and girls struggle with loneliness, isolation, upheaval and shame. But with your help, we can deliver a Christmas present, a smile, and hope for a better future.

You can let these precious children know they are not forgotten.

Angel Tree, a program of Prison Fellowship, seeks the reconciliation of prisoners and their families to God through the transforming love and grace of Jesus Christ.  While reconciliation and transformation can start with something as simple as a gift, it takes ongoing relationships and support to continue the journey. Angel Tree encourages and equips churches to go beyond their Christmas involvement to provide year-round support for prisoners' families.

CARMEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH is running to reach out to these children left behind. 19 of the 31 families mostly living with their grandma, aunties,

in Seaside, Pacific Grove, and Carmel, have been "adopted" by our membership, , mostly by one of our many "small groups".

Pastor Rick Family Matters Dr Bill and Duncan Lewis Sue Clayton Charlie Hayes Joan Orchard Terry Budden Sharon Stoner Eric Holk Dick Nystom Frank Rabb Chuck Hawkins Karen Keenan Ric Masten Bonnie Alfriend Tom Tuttle Mary Waters Mae Merrill Pam Ziering

What Others Are Saying  about Angel Tree

"I grew up watching my mother, Ruth Bell Graham, reach out to families split by incarceration. I commend Chuck Colson for reaching out through Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree and providing a channel for us to impact young lives - some of our nation's most-at-risk children. Please consider supporting this great ministry with your gifts and prayers and demonstrate the abundance of Christ's love through your generosity."

Franklin Graham

Can you help too? 12 more volunteers and our promise is fulfilled. Jesus will do the rest.

Pam and Bill Ziering

250-7921

ziering@pacbell.net