A Holiday Full of Hope

The woman had come in response to the consistent prodding of a friend.  She was there to wrap newly acquired toys.  That's it.  A cozy seat in the shade....a simple 3 hour shift.  Ten minutes into her task.... the scotch tape was blurry through her tears.  Her concerned friend asked if she needed a break.  No, no.  She wanted to stay exactly where she was.  She sheepishly explained that she had lived in the area for years and  had never been exposed to such need!

Bay Life, in partnership with Metropolitan Ministries and 12 local churches, worked faithfully in serving over 1,000 families in our community.  The Brandon Holidays of Hope initiative took place at First Baptist Brandon.  What a wonderful picture of the Body of Christ working in harmony!
Needy families received prayer, encouragement, food and toys.
Lifers were there to help every step of the way.
The highlight of the week long project?  
One-Hundred individuals prayed to receive Christ.  Hallelujah!
Mark your calendars and make plans now to help during the 2012 holiday season.

The Bay Life Community Garden harvest continues!   This week, Chef Alfred of Trinity Cafe, was overjoyed to see mountains of collard greens, freshly picked basil, sugar snap peas, tomatoes, broccoli and eggplant being delivered to his kitchen.  The cafe serves homeless diners daily from their facility on Florida Avenue.  They welcome volunteers! Check them out at: trinitycafe.org

On the Move

The Holidays of Hope tent is in full swing.  Bay Lifers are volunteering daily as hundreds from our very own backyard are served. 

The community garden was the recent recipient of 1,000 donated plants.  Enough to stock our own plots and share with two other area gardens!

What do you get when a quick announcement is made on a Sunday morning?  $700.00 dollars raised for the Women's Resource Center via prepackaged shopping bags at Publix.

Several new outreach opportunities just around the corner....stay tuned!

Together you DID more!

All of the homeless children needing gifts have been taken care of.   The need was posted and in less than 24 hours, it was met!  What an amazing church to be a part of!

Together we CAN do more!

This past Sunday, December 11, over 80 children took home seedlings to babysit on behalf of the garden.  Planting should begin within 4-6 weeks. 
Speaking of children...did you know there are currently over 3600 homeless children in Hillsborough County?  A few of them will be attending the annual Christmas party at I Am Hope Cafe on December 20th.  Presents are needed to make their season a bit brighter.  Contact Connie Farrington: cfarrington05@yahoo.com and arrange a drop off or better yet....attend the party!