Could a dream become reality?

Last month, I had the blessing and privilege to attend a benefit concert in New Philadelphia, Ohio for our Red Sands Christian School, which is in Arizona.  I was blown away by the musical talent of our Red Sands staff and their children!  The music was entertaining, while others were so worshipful that it moved me to tears!  The church was decorated like the streets of Winslow, Arizona and the tables were adorned with festive rocks native to Arizona, which were painted by the school children.  I also had the honor of meeting Bonnie Jones, who serves in her new role as the Arizona Sponsorship Manager.   She has a heart to serve and be an extension of God's grace in the lives of all she encounters.  

What struck me the most was hearing of the vision for Red Sands by Lifeline's Arizona Mission Director, Brian Snyder, and how God is unfolding an amazing plan for the future.  This plan creates growth opportunities for the school, students and their families in Winslow and the surrounding communities.  While we may currently have a small, multicultural school, the impact that it's making on our children's lives is eternal!  Our prayer is to increase the ministry impact and we are trusting that God has literally placed the way to do that in our laps!

A piece of land in Winslow has recently become available to purchase through the city.  This multi-acre property has an old armory that was once used as a school building which has extra classrooms, a gymnasium, commercial kitchen and office space.  It's close to town and many in the community have already heard that this could become a reality.  The feedback in the community has been overwhelmingly positive from local churches and businesses!  Parents share that they would send their children to our school if it all worked out.  Location can be everything!

What truly blew me away at the end of the benefit concert was the announcement that God had exceeded all of our expectations and had done immeasurably more that we could have asked or imagined: over $54,000 was raised in one weekend toward the $189,000 goal to purchase this property!  Tears, joy, worship, praise, and thanksgiving filled the entire room with loud cheers, arms lifted high to the One who is ABLE!  

Now we know we still have a way to go with a November 28 deadline to face, but we are trusting God. If this is His will, the He will continue to raise up the people and the generosity to provide.

In just a few weeks, I have the opportunity to see the school and meet our students at Red Sands Christian School for the very first time!  We have about 30 students and all are loved by the staff and their faithful sponsors.  I can't wait to hug and encourage each child!  My prayer is to see more children come to know who Christ is because of the witness they are seeing in the people who are lovingly surrounding them.  

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  You are making a difference in a child's life...daily!