Dear Family Member:
These are trying times for all of us. This pandemic has changed the world ‘overnight.’ This is why we want to share our challenges and blessings with you.
First, we want to thank you so much for your donation for the bathroom improvement. To date, we have received $9,000, almost half of the cost of this project. Cliff is in the process of hiring a professional to do the work. Next month we will show you pictures of the work in progress.
Last month, we flew to California and drove back a truck and trailer full of lawn equipment and supplies. This was the final move to bring all trucks and lawn equipment to Alabama. Our workload is increasing, and this equipment will make our jobs easier.
Leaving California, we drove to Gallup, NM and spent the night there. The next morning, we got an early start. We stopped for gas 100 miles from Oklahoma City. A trucker rushed to the gas pump to let us know that smoke was coming from the trailer.
When Cliff opened the door of the trailer, the entering oxygen started the fire. There were five men with fire extinguishers’ and within five minutes the fire truck was there. A weed eater fell across the two terminals of the battery of a riding lawn mower. The overheating started the smoke.
The damage would have been far worse had we been on the road. With no help, the fire could have burned up the trailer and damaged the truck. Only one of the three riding mowers, two blowers and miscellaneous items were damaged. Our insurance will cover the trailer and the equipment. I was so engrossed by the smoke, fire and firemen that I failed to take pictures while the fire was burning.
Family member, you can see that God was with us and His hand protected us. Satan is mighty but God is Almighty! Words are inadequate to express our gratitude for His love and protection.
God has shown us His love through acts of kindness from our DAP family members. While we were traveling to California, our friends, Pastor Jackie Lawrence and her husband, Latham, surprised the clients that Friday by bringing them an entire Sabbath meal. They prepared: Jamaican rice & peas, Jamaican style cornbread, vegetable pie patties, curried cabbage and carrots, banana walnut bread, dessert and juice. The men were so thankful for their kindness and the blessing of not having to cook their Sabbath meal.
The Lawrence’s love these men and do all they can to encourage their hearts. They brought joy to DAP and this gave them joy too. Thanks to them both for showing the men God’s love ‘with skin on it.’
We did irrigation work and painted a fence for our neighbor, Inga Davis. She sent this one red rose to me as a gift having no idea that it was the trademark of our marriage. That was God’s personal touch just for me, His Sonshine Princess.
We trimmed several bushes for our neighbor across the street, Bob Sharp. Although we did not charge him, he gave us a generous donation for the ministry. And if that wasn’t enough, Bob baked these delicious brownies for the crew. He expressed to us how much he appreciated the guys and the excellent work they do.
Thank you, good neighbors, for your love and kindness.
It is our prayer that as you read this letter, the one thing that comes through is the way God has His hand on DAP. Through it all God has been with us. And we believe God has sent you as our family members to help DAP at just the right moments in time.
Right now, we need to raise the additional $13,000 to finish the renovations in the Recovery Home. Not only do we need your gifts, but we also ask for your continued prayers for the ministry of DAP. Thank you for what you have done in the past.
Your family friends,
