Special thanks to ~

Joe Oberg – Who shows up and makes these things happen with his skill as a contractor, and direction to the team from start to finish.  Joe’s been leading the charge on these builds now for at least 3 years, and watching him take the time to connect and bless the recipient is just about the greatest example of God’s love that I could hope to see.

There is a reality that underlies ACTION.  When God touches our lives with His love, we were meant to pass it along.

Each spring ACTION volunteers reach out to people who need a touch from God.  When Joy, an ACTION volunteer and passionate Christian learned about a neighbor, Sandra, who was alone and in need of assistance, she called and they talked for an hour.  Later she learned that Sandra was in the hospital having fallen in her home and laid there unconscious for days.  Pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, by God’s grace the emergency team was able to revive Sandra.  When Joy went to visit the hospital staff was relieved; finally someone knew this woman and was coming to visit.

How does Sandra’s story end? The good news is that her story hasn’t ended; it has become a story where love is growing again. Sandra’s family has always loved and cared for her, but did not realize her situation.  They soon traveled to town and were joined by a caring team of ACTION volunteers who spent days helping Sandra throughout her home.  “I can’t thank you enough,” Sandra’s father said to the ACTION team. “Just being able to talk to you eases me greatly!”

Sandra is surrounded by a circle of love again. She has reconnected with family and has a new family of ACTION volunteers to call her own.  Her smile has returned and hope is reborn.  And Joy, she too is smiling for in being used by God to bless Sandra, Joy has been doubly blessed herself.

There is another reality that underlies ACTION.  When we pass along God’s love, it grows.

Sandra and Joy are just one example of God’s love in action.  Imagine if every Christian acted like that, how we could blanket our community with the love of God that keeps on growing. The recession, job losses, family conflicts, even poverty wouldn’t stand a chance. Our community would tell a story of how God’s love prevailed.

How has God’s love touched your life? Please join us in blanketing our community with His love?  That’s our mission and passion at ACTION, to help one another in any way we can.

2/21/2011 UPDATE: Sandi is now going to church regularly and will soon be connecting with a small group.  She has also been volunteering her time as an ACTION Angel.  Praise you Lord for all of your blessings!

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/dec/21/churches-host-events-for-parents-to-get-gifts/

Have a very Merry Christmas!!!

• Ventura — 275 shoppers
• Port Hueneme — 288 shoppers, 1200 toys
• Camarillo — 125 shoppers, 1000 toys
• Conejo Valley — over 500 shoppers
• Simi Valley — 197 shoppers, almost 2000 toys

A multitude of thanks go out to all the volunteers, churches, businesses, friends, families, agencies, etc., who played a part in making Christmas Shoppe a huge success.  From the above numbers, you can see that there is an enormous need in our community.  Unfortunately, some families had to be turned away but we will continue to pray for God’s provision. 

Below are a couple of links to view photos from the Ventura and Conejo Valley Christmas Shoppes.  If you are unable to view them from here, please visit us on Facebook, ACTION Foundation:

Ventura

http://picasaweb.google.com/jsolsarg/XmasStore2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOvraqt9faaxwE&feat=email#

Conejo Valley

http://www.photodex.com/share/BobGlatt/x4m79mg4

Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!  Families were not only blessed with presents but most importantly, HIS PRESENCE! 

Merry Christmas ~

ACTION

We had an amazing time. There were people there who were part of ACTION or Calvary CC and was great to work along side of the homeowner, Rosa.  Thanks to all those who served!

I am a parent of a senior at Ventura County Christian School (VCCS).  My husband and I wanted to thank you and the group from Calvary Westlake for all of the work they did at VCCS.  What a wonderful blessing.  We know that your church has its own school and yet all of you were willing to come and help our school. As you know VCCS is a small, struggling school but we so believe that God wants this school to stay open.

For our daughter it has been a tremendous blessing.  Michelle had spinal meningitis at 15 months so learning is difficult for her.  She works very hard for her grades.  VCCS has worked with her to help her achieve her greatest potential.  Michelle would not have survived in public school.  The school is also there for the students that are able to take AP classes.  The school focuses on working with the students both academically and spiritually.

Your groups willingness to help is so greatly appreciated.  As Christians we tend to focus on missions in other countries but there is work to be done here also.  You have done missions work right in your own backyard.  I hope in heaven you get to meet students whose lives you touched by your work as you hear Christ say, “well done good and faithful servant.”

Again thank you.

Blessings,

Charles and Deborah Clark

We look forward to helping them troughout the “Summer of Service” and beyond…

Becky Warren