STORIES
We’re happy to share the following stories and experiences, as written by individuals and ecclesias who have participated in outreach initiatives.
Our hope is that by sharing these stories, others will be encouraged and inspired to do the same whenever the opportunity arises (Galatians 6:10).
Bags of Love
December 2020
Simi Hills Sisters’ Class
Interface Children & Family ServicesSouthern California
The Sisters of the Simi Hills Ecclesia (Southern California) were able to deliver 40 Bags of Love/Care Packages to Interface Children and Family Services a few days before Christmas. Interface supports six different shelters in our county; some of the shelters are for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, and some are for youth …
Bags of Love
December 2020
Oregon Coast Ecclesia
Grace Wins HavenNewport, Oregon
We delivered our sleeping bags to the local Homeless Shelter yesterday, Grace Wins Haven in Newport, Or. It was starting to rain and there were lines of people needing help, standing outside. This was best photo we could get as people are only allowed inside one at a time. It is called shelter, but really …
Bags of Love
December 2020
Boston Ecclesia
Women's Lunch PlaceBoston, Massachusetts
Greetings in The Lord, The Boston Ecclesia donated the sleeping bags to a Boston area day community called Women’s Lunch Place. They serve women who have experienced trauma, abuse and loss. We felt that perhaps these women may be open to hearing the Good News. The postcards with the Bible verse were filled out with …
Bags of Love
December 2020
Southern New Hampshire Ecclesia
Greater Nashua Mental HealthNashua, New Hampshire
Because I work with elderly/disabled in subsidized housing, I’m in continual contact with our local service agencies and their case managers. I knew right away who could and would distribute the sleeping bags most effectively to the people who needed them the most. The Greater Nashua Mental Health Center works with clients both staying in …
Bags of Love
December 2020
Comox Valley Ecclesia
Care-a-VanComox Bay, British Columbia
Bags of love was a perfect initiative for our family. We had seen a “Care-a-van” out and about supporting people affected by homelessness and those at risk of homeless in our area. They have medical staff and are all volunteers. They rely heavily on donations and were thrilled to be offered these ‘bags of love’. …
Bags of Love
December 2020
Lancaster Ecclesia
Water Street Rescue MissionLancaster, Pennsylvania
Our tiny (10 member) ecclesia decided to participate in the sleeping bag project last year. I contacted the Water Street Mission, which has been in Lancaster forever—used to be called the Water Street Rescue Mission—, and they were delighted to accept the bags. My husband and I delivered the bags in the middle of December, …
Bags of Love
December 2020
Ontario Christadelphians
Ray of HopeKitchener, Ontario
Our donation was very low key and uneventful. We didn’t get pictures as it was literally dropping them at the back door of the Ray of Hope centre- covid restriction meant we couldn’t go in or interact with anyone. I chose this organization as their mission is to demonstrate the love of Christ by: investing …
Bags of Love
December 2020
Bedford Ecclesia
Shelter Nova ScotiaHalifax, Nova Scotia
The following is a summary of our experience with the Bags of Love project. When we dropped the sleeping bags off it was very early in the morning, and with Covid there was no contact with the Staff. Therefore, we were not able to take any photos of the facility or the recipients. The charity …
Bags of Love
December 2020
Denver Ecclesia
Christ's Body MinistriesDenver, Colorado
We chose Christ’s Body Ministries (christsbody.org) as our charity to donate our sleeping bags to. We were drawn to this particular charity for the homeless because not only do they provide physical needs to the homeless but also spiritual needs and lifelong tools to help them get back on their feet. They are a day …
Bags of Love
December 2020
North Bay Ecclesia
H.O.P.E.'s HeroesNorth Bay, Ontario
Our brothers and sisters, We thank you for sending those sleeping bags to us for the homeless in North Bay. We included the cards you sent too, with a personal note on each as well as a Bible and suggestions for Bible readings. Your provision for those in need is a real blessing and demonstrates …