True to Life A N E VA N G E L I C A L C H I L D & FA M I LY A G E N C Y P U B L I C AT I O N WINTER 2014 Amazing Grace J ust two weeks before Christmas, a call was received at the agency from a past client. She left a message with the secretary that she would try to call again when she could. For seven years, this young woman has been incarcerated at Taycheedah, the only maximum women’s state prison in Wisconsin, housing over 700 females. Communication over the years had been limited to the mail system. “Charity” had sent some letters to Linda along with birthday cards, handmade drawings and bracelets, and other mementos to be shared with her daughter, “Carlie,” whom she had placed for adoption almost 15 years ago. The past years of rebellion and struggles resulted in poor choices, a harmful lifestyle, and eventually being sentenced to seven years at Taycheedah. It was there that Charity’s life began to change. As a five-year-old child, Charity was placed for adoption through another agency along with her newborn sibling. Her adoptive parents brought the children to church where Charity began to learn and enjoy singing the songs about Jesus that she was taught. It became apparent that God had blessed her with a vocal ability, so she was welcomed to sing with the choir. As a teen she began to experience a wild lifestyle and went her own way in search of love. Years later behind prison walls, Charity explained in a handwritten letter how she “met Jesus in August 2010.” For the first time, she knew she was set free. She confessed her sins and accepted the forgiveness offered through Christ alone. What a newfound joy was hers which is why she joined the prison choir, attended the women’s Bible studies that were offered and was also discipled by the prison Chaplain. She set goals and achieved them. On February 7, 2014, we reunited to celebrate what Jesus has done in her life, making all things new. After sharing a memorable lunch, we returned to the car for a special card she wanted to complete for Carlie. She had purchased a recordable birthday card that she wanted her daughter to hear. In the middle of the full Olive Garden parking lot in subzero temps, Charity closed her eyes and sang “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found was blind, but now I’m free.” Charity has been set free and desires to continue trusting in GOD for each next step of her life. Please keep her in your prayers during this re-adjustment period. What a privilege it is to personally witness GOD’s Amazing Grace! 2013 ANNUAL REPORT INSIDE TIME TO CHANGE THAT TUNE & ‘TUDE Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. And since we’ve no place to go. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! T hese are words of a wintery song that continue to be a reality for everyone living in a majority of the United States this year. The attitude towards winter seems similar - Enough! According to the calendar, the hopeful promise of Spring’s return on March 20, 2014, is just a few weeks away, (There is even a countdown widget you can place on your computer to provide you with a positive perspective http://mycountdown.org/Other/Spring/ Only 58 days later, get ready for the 29th Annual Bike & Hike on May 17, 2014, beginning at Bethesda Park 2014 in Waukesha. That’s THE day to bike, hike, skate, or use whatever transportation you desire, on the scenic paved Glacial Drumlin Trail to raise vital funds for the ministry. In mid-January, we had already received inquiries for the Bike and Hike date from two very organized individuals who were setting up their calendars for the year. This year, our goal is to register at least 100 more new participants for this special event! All 100 (or more) first time participants, regardless of age, will be entered into a special drawing for a $200 cash prize. As of this publication date, other major prizes are being confirmed. Everyone will receive participation gifts and a t-shirt. In addition, a delicious Cousins lunch and scrumptious homemade cookies will be provided for all registered participants upon return from the trail. Kid’s games for a nominal fee, live music, and more are available at the park. Again this year, we have been blessed by a couple who will match every dollar raised by your sponsors to $10,000!!! Last year, a total of: $28,687.10 was raised by participants of all ages. All funds are used to support moms, dads, babies, children, and the preborn in our Pregnancy Support Services and Adoption Programs. Beginning on April 8th, we will begin our 40 Days of Prayer with specific topics addressed each day on a bookmark/reminder card. These were well-received last year, have been revised,and are available by calling Sue or Cathy at 262-789-1881. For more information or to register, please call Sue at 262-789-1881 or visit our website at: www.ecfawisc.org (See Summer 2013 newsletter for special highlights from last year’s event.) Congratulations to the Hait Family Jill, Dan, & Ben on the addition of Isaiah & Noah officially adopted on December 18, 2013 True to Life is published four times a year by Evangelical Child and Family Agency, 1617 South 124th Street, New Berlin, WI 53151. Please direct your comments to Linda Oberbrunner: (262) 789-1881. E-mail at: [email protected] 2 SERVING AT THE STORE LISTENING TO THE STORIES & STORING THE MEMORIES I n the Fall of 1998, only a few months after Andy, her husband of 40 years died, Christine Anderson desired to become involved in something significant. She had read an article in Reader’s Digest that had captured her attention regarding opening her home to teen-aged girls that were pregnant and unable to live in their parent’s home. She voiced her thoughts to trusted friends in her Elmbrook Bible Study group. Renee Anderson, a friend of ECFA, suggested she contact the agency for direction and next steps. In meeting that first time at the agency in New Berlin, Linda explained the practicalities of needing a foster home license and providing transportation to schools where the girls would attend. This was more involved than Christine had realized. However, Linda encouraged Christine to consider volunteering at the Almost Anything Resale Shop on 76th and Beloit Road and gave her Supervisor, Karen Thoen’s name. Christine waited a few days and then contacted Karen becoming more excited in between after she realized this too, was an important part of the ministry. That was already 16 years ago. Today, Christine shares, “I just love it. Without this job, I would have a huge hole in my life.” She added, “The gift I have is to be able to stand and listen to people’s sad and life stories. I try to remember each one so that when I see them again, I can follow up with what they have shared.” Born in Germany, Christine and her three other siblings experienced many challenges during post war times. She met her husband, William, (later nicknamed “Andy”) through her brother who had become his friend. Andy was a US soldier that happened to speak fluent German. The couple fell in love and married. Through the years, they lived in various parts of the world with the six children they were blessed with. Eventually, Christine settled in Wisconsin in 1973, near her sister Helga and her husband, Andy. Christine’s husband retired from the service and joined the rest of the family. Christine raised the children often by herself when Andy was deployed. While in Wisconsin, she was asked one day by a friend if she would consider working part-time at a local Dolly Madison Thrift Bakery Store. Christine stated she was a little fearful at first to work outside the home but decided to give it a try. That try lasted 24 years. It was during those times of working with many customers that she learned not to ever judge others until hearing their stories. In addition, she stated, “It (the job) helped me to learn to be thankful for what GOD has given to me.” When you meet Christine behind the counter, she always displays a calm and peace about her. It was not a surprise to learn that her favorite scripture verse is: “Be still and know that I am GOD.” Psalm 46:10. How blessed we are to have Christine as a volunteer who listens and prays for the customers and co-workers she connects with weekly. 3 Did Not Happen: • The Super Service Challenge judges did not select ECFA to win a substantial portion of a million dollars • The Upper Room Men’s Bible Study & More Volunteer Team were unable to sit in the rain and watch the uneventful Super Bowl, then remain stranded, & unable to fly home • The agency video of the event did not garner enough public votes to receive one of The People’s Choice awards of $5,000; top winner exceeded seven million votes; • No one fell off a ladder while painting = no insurance claims filed Did Happen: • The Super Service Challenge judges decided to give every charity served by 2,000 volunteer projects (who were not large prize winners), a $100 conciliatory prize, including ECFA • The National Christian Foundation (NCF) Wisconsin chose ECFA to win a $250 prize based upon the quality of the video and project submitted to the challenge • The ECFA Family & Friends cast over 36,523 votes for the People’s Choice Award • The agency interior walls that were repaired and painted are so inviting, bright, and beautiful and are appreciated by all visitors, clients, volunteers, and staff • New friendships and relationships were formed • Spring cleaning is already history • We have been praising and thanking GOD for His provision of the volunteers and their time and skill that were combined to make this project become a reality AN ERA OF DEDICATION A NEW ERA BEGINS F T he Fall Newsletter, Year End Appeal Letter, and Annual Christmas Card mailings were all assembled in the lower level of the agency, in the midst of the renovation project, by the following volunteers: Kris Budd; Carolyn, Esther, Elijah, Naomi, Miriam, Abraham, & Joel Chinavare; Danise Courtois; Cheryl Graham; Judy, Alisha, & Anthony Iwinski; Anita & Wally Julius; Emma Kutschenreuter; Linda Lasch; Betty Muza; Nancy Schatzman; Micki Schmitz; Elisa Shane; Laura Taylor; Leah Valentine & staff: Renae, Jill, & Cathy. Two home school families, one agency next door neighbor, two agency foster mothers, four in office volunteers, three sympathetic relatives of other volunteers, one Advisory Council member, one drive-by visitor, and three staff members who all responded on short notice during the holiday season just before Thanksgiving through two weeks before Christmas. or many, many years, actually an era, ECFA has been the recipient of efficient mail assembling services by the dedicated volunteer seniors who reside at High Ridge Senior Apartments in New Berlin. Faithfully, 10 to 15 women, one little dog named Muffin (till he died), and occasionally a few men, too, would gather for many hours. They would fold, stuff, seal, and label four quarterly newsletters, two appeal mailings (in July and end of November) and one Christmas card for approximately 2,680 addressees on the ECFA Friends mailing list. These volunteers committed themselves to serve the ministry in this way, originally through the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) of Waukesha County. They continued to volunteer on their own even after they dissolved their affiliation with that program. Their only request was that a homemade bakery treat be provided for the workers, since many worked right through their meal times. Many close friendships developed between ECFA staff and the seniors. Two years ago when it was time to find the perfect home for “Angel”, Linda’s spunky 11 year old family cat, ECFA’s secretary, Cathy Kutschenreuter suggested asking Betty Unger, High Ridge’s Mailing Coordinator to spread the word at this pet-friendly apartment complex. Instead, Betty “volunteered” to take that chance with Angel, sight unseen, as long as she had some white coloring. The two were introduced and were perfect for each other as Betty spoiled Angel and Angel touched Betty’s heart and life with her soft “mew” and unpredictability. Great camaraderie ensued between everyone as many people came and went according to their varying schedules for all three events. It seemed that each person discovered what they were best at and sat by others to form teams. The younger volunteers were able to become competitive with one another tackling the boxes of product in record time. It has been obvious that we are in need of different volunteers/groups throughout the year to prepare these mailings. Anita Julius recently presented this need before her women’s Tuesday Bible Study group. All agreed to help assemble the current newsletter, with Annual Report insert, that you are reading at this moment. The Iwinski and Chinavare families and others may have also worked on this mailing if, the women’s group were unable to finish during the first day of assembly. Many of the original seniors have moved out or died and the remaining volunteers have decided there isn’t enough interest to accomplish the task anymore which is understandable. We are so grateful for the hundreds and hundreds of hours logged through this era. The High Ridge Seniors made it possible to allow us to communicate with our ECFA Family for many years. We will continue to cherish the memories of all these dear friends whose work has affected countless lives. GOD’s BLESSINGS TO ONE & ALL!!! We are grateful for this new era that has begun involving many of all ages. At present, we are in need of additional mailing volunteers, individuals, or groups throughout the year (Spring (1time) Summer (2 times) in the Fall (3 times) & Winter (1 time). Scheduling is flexible to your availability. For more information or to volunteer, please call Cathy at 262-789-1881. 4 With a Grateful Heart There is a continual outpouring of blessings received by this ministry on a regular basis. As a result, there are many individuals to be grateful for in each quarterly newsletter. The scriptural premise for our gratefulness comes from Psalm 9:1, “I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of the wonders.” Our thanks from grateful hearts: ♥ For the final office leaf blowing, just before “the winter that will not be forgotten” arrived, by Dick Merten ♥ For the beautiful Christmas lights for the office Christmas tree from our faithful tree decorator, Anita Julius ♥ For the 14 hours of video technical assistance for a major fall project from Bob Merkel ♥ For the donation of voiceover time to provide a class quality level to our video submission, by Leslie Wadsworth ♥ For the hours and hours of computer expertise, diagnosing, assistance, trouble shooting, patience, and perseverance and from the dedicated AscendNet Team ~ Ed, Kira, Steve, & Nicole ♥ For the abundant gently used women’s clothing including: a coat and jackets, journals and George Foreman grill for PSS clients; two large boxes of Christmas and other décor for resale shops; and three designer scarves for volunteer gifts from Bill & Bernie Anderson ♥ For the Avon makeup for PSS clients that participate in the Fruits of Your Labor Program from Carol Eaton ♥ For the provision of a delicious rejuvenating lunch, for the December 7th, 2013 Saturday painting marathon volunteers, by a caring couple choosing to remain anonymous ♥ For the baby shower items for our Fruits of Your Labor Program – a handmade rubber ducky bib, baby wipes, onesies, sleeper, sundress, boys outfit, socks, clothing sets, a cute Blankie Bear, and $10 (used for newborn diapers and wipes) from the Grace Community Church seniors. ♥ For the warm newborn outfit, and 22 soft colorful winter hats that were knitted or crocheted by the Christian Women’s Group at Crossroads Church of God, Milwaukee ♥ For the 25 year old all-in-one baby carriage and bouncy bassinet that was given to bless a new mom from Jim Linstrom ♥ For a sweet couple, who do not want to be identified, that chose to generously provide and deliver the tasty Christmas party staff lunch from Panera’s ♥ For Anita Julius’ picture perfect plate of her homemade German Christmas cookies and bars that delighted all staff palates ♥ For the designer women’s scarves, queen-size comforter and matching bed skirt, decorator pillows, table lamp, daily devotional, personal care products, stationery, greeting cards, jewelry, and unique jewelry organizer for the PSS clients that participate in the Fruits of Your Labor Program from Sarah Oberbrunner ♥ For Jim and Leah Valentine’s thoughtful staff Christmas treats and gift certificates, too ♥ For the re-shifting of thousands of inactive cases in the new file drawer system: by Cheryl Graham, Anita Julius, Emma Kutschenreuter, Laura Taylor & Leah Valentine under the direction of Cathy Kutschenreuter ♥ For the gift and delivery of three file cabinets (with keys J ) by Mike Oberbrunner, Cliff Stanisch, and Keith Griffiths ♥ For the colorful easy-to-use individual staplers provided to staff by Sally Boya ♥ For the five soft and colorful hand-tied infant blankets made by the Waukesha Bible Church Family Campers and AWANA Girl’s Club members coordinated by Heather Buchholtz 5 Memorials ❧ In loving memory of: my son David Novaez From: Marion Novaez ❧ In loving memory of: my beloved husband Bob Snyder From: Judi Snyder ❧ In loving and compassionate memory of: Alison Sullivan From: Jan Pipia ❧ In loving memory of: my niece Debra Erickson From: Gertude Hill ❧ In memory of: our dear friends Marge & Bill Nielson From: Tom & Mary Meyers ❧ In loving memory to: Karen & Tyrone Thoen and all their family on the sudden death of their grandson, John Michael Punak From: the ECFA Illinois & Wisconsin staff, Board & Advisory Council & Tributes ❧ In honor of: my friend, Leah Valentine From: Rosemarie Luthi ❧ In honor of: our daughter, Jill Hait (ECFA’s Adoption & Foster Care Supervisor) From: Michael & Joan Anderson ❧ In honor of: my daughter and son in-law, Susie & Maurie Daigneau From: Betty Davis ❧ In honor of a special woman: Sharon Fuller’s 70th Birthday From: Roberta Burns, Gregory & Rosemary Loesche, Mike & Linda Oberbrunner, M.C. Stevenson, Marcia Strube, Robert & Ruth Wantz, & Donna Zerrien FESTIVITY, ACTIVITY, & NATIVITY TIME Photos By Dennis Drinkwine ver half of the Almost Anything Resale Shop volunteers gathered in early December one evening for their annual Christmas Party held at Beloit Road Baptist Church. Pastor Bill Johnson graciously shares the entire lower level and kitchen to host this enjoyable event. Church members, Pete and Ora Dillenburg, also avail themselves twice a year for party setups. Pete always knows the recipe for a great cup of coffee. This year, Ora discovered white Christmas lights which she and staffer Renae Ebert strung between pillars to provide a peaceful, soft-light ambience. O There is joy getting together with co-workers outside of the two resale shops to share great food, fun little games (one that involved drawing on your head and another involving Christmas carol guessing), a fitting devotional prepared by staffer, Sue Carlson, the Christmas story read by volunteer Kurt Christianson, poinsettias to share, and drawings for prizes, too. Great cooks provided their own homemade side dishes and desserts that complemented the tasty main course of lasagna. Our youngest Saturday volunteer, Amber (16) shared with guests at her table how she promotes volunteering to her peers as a very worthwhile way to spend time and learn how to interact with adults. She also made quite a tasty pumpkin pie to share with the attendees. This year, it may have been very cold outside, but the warmth of celebrating Jesus’ birth, love, and salvation was evident inside! 6 The Prayer Jar WE MISS YOU!!! Both resale stores have been greatly affected by: O n mostWednesdays, available staff gathers to become seated in a circle in the reception area to pass around a brightly painted, tall cookie jar. In the container are many folded pieces of paper that have either names of volunteers, past Christmas in July yarn strung ornaments with names, blue envelopes, or handwritten prayer requests. Each person takes at least three items to pray for aloud in the group. All know that these humble prayers of praise and requests to GOD are received by Him and answered. Some staff’s hearts are broken for situations that their clients are going through and share the ache of their hearts with a few words and non-identifying information. Oftentimes, answers and even sometimes miracles are shared in weeks or months following as a continual encouragement to seek the LORD first and in all situations. If we may pray for you, please write your request(s) on the enclosed blue envelope inside the flap or call Cathy or Sue at 262-789-1881. 1) numerous closed wicked, winter days 2) too many hibernating customers 3) scarcity of donated items Because of all three factors, we have truly missed you and want to welcome all customers and closet cleaners, downsizers, and basement and attic organizers back with End of Season sales through March 1, 2014. Please call either West Allis location: 414-755-4881 at 91st & Oklahoma or 414-321-0226 at 76th & Beloit Road for current sale details. Also, we are in need of smiling, friendly, and honest women & men, ages 16 – 99 ☺ for volunteer positions/retirement opportunities with flexible hours and super co-workers and perks. Call Karen T. or Laurie K. at either store location for more information. ABC (A Better Choice) School Project Update: K nowing who to speak to in the Milwaukee and Waukesha schools has been challenging. If you, or someone you know, has a connection with 8th or 9th grade teachers, or other school professionals that would welcome our relevant flip magazines at no cost, please call Project Coordinator, Renae Ebert, at: 262-789-1881. We desire all young people to know they have healthy options and support for their positive choices. (See Project Explanation in Spring 2013 newsletter, page 6 on website: ecfawisc.org) 7 PERFECT GIFTS MANIFESTED F or the third year in a row, Pastor Scott of Family Fellowship in Racine called shortly before Thanksgiving to request gift ideas for all the Pregnancy Support Service clients that were on our caseload. His small faithful congregation truly sacrifice in order to provide for and place others needs or situations ahead of their own. After all, it is Pastor Scott and Gloria that humbly set that example first and foremost. Their adult married daughter, a mother of three, had major medical problems that he and Gloria were addressing daily. Then Gloria had knee surgery and needed some recuperation, which she minimized. The thoughtfulness that goes into each of the gifts is amazing. Each buyer prays for their receiver and the Holy Spirit obviously guides in the purchasing down to minute details. Sometimes the moms and kids will open the gift in front of the caseworker(s) who have the privilege of delivering the wrapped and labeled items. A few photos are shared. What a lesson of giving one’s best to someone unknown that has been demonstrated at the time of year when we celebrate GOD’s gift of His best. “In this the love of GOD was made manifest among us that GOD sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him…Beloved, if GOD so loved us, we ought to love one another.” 1John 4:9 & 11 RESTORATION UPDATE UPDATE Multiple Hands ~ Many Ages ~ Mission Accomplished D uring the first two weeks of December, God brought a multitude of willing volunteers to tackle and transform the remaining lower level areas that were unfinished. On Friday, December 6, 2013, Carl Meyer a previous Bike & Hike sponsor of Pastor Fred, reported for an eight hour day of priming the hall and kitchen walls. His employer, US Bank, encourages each of their employees to volunteer a day at the place of their own choosing. Carl had called around asking to volunteer and was not met with a warm reception. When he called ECFA however, he knew he was needed and a mutually agreeable date was scheduled. His prep work paved the way for an enthusiastic group the following day from Bridge Builders, Inc; led by Donnie Douglas, his wife Karen, and two of their children - Julianna and Austin, Austin’s friend Tyler, and Dean and his sons Matthew & Andrew O’Gorman. Additional volunteers, Stuart Thomas, Dick and Jim Merten, Chuck Croft, and Dr. Tom Steinmetz also donated their time and skills to accomplish a major amount of work in a few hours to complete the painting portion of the makeover. Donnie initially emptied the room of file cabinets with his heavy duty dolly and muscles. Professional painter, Bret Cramer, brought many supplies including the paint that was donated by his boss, Jake of Jake Schlueter Painting. The morning began with an explanation and brief history of the agency and brief prayer time of gratitude and for safety. The sacrifices made were many that day including Karen Douglas’ decision to forego celebrating her 51st birthday peacefully at home. However, when word got out, all attempted to acknowledge her day. Shortly before noon, a kind couple, longtime friends of ECFA (who desire to remain anonymous), purchased and delivered a delicious lunch with ample dessert choices, for all to enjoy. This was GOD’s team that He assembled that combined a variety of people and ages who all gave their very best to a ministry that many did not know of until that day. The beautiful results serve as a reminder to pray for the lives of those who have served us as we serve others, also in need of transformation. 8 BABY SALES TEMPTATION??? T Newborn diapers Wipes Summer clothing ~ newborn through 6 months (boy/girl) Baby shampoo/lotion Pacifiers Nail clippers Thermometers Diaper Bags Bottles White onesies (newborn to 3 months) Girl onesies (newborn to 3 months) Gift Bags (all sizes in good condition, for hospital visits) Reusable shopping/tote bags his is the time of year when many retailers have sales on baby items. Have you ever said to yourself “I just wish I had someone to buy for. There are so many cute affordable things available.” Consider your wish a reality because we are currently in need of some items for our Fruits of Your Labor incentive program. In 2013, there were 31 clients that made 35 shopping trips to redeem their thousands of well-earned points. This is why a few of the basic items have been nearly depleted. The items desired include: Thank you for your consideration to bless a baby and new mom! If you have any questions, please call our birthparent caseworkers Emily or Renae at 262-789-1881 UNDERSTANDING THE BLUES... …AND YELLOWS, TOO I n the previous Fall Newsletter, an article announced that we would no longer be using the yellowtoned collection envelopes connected to huge postal permit fees in that account. This will save the agency over $1,400. We have been advised by USPS that if anyone still uses the old yellow donation envelopes, stamped or unstamped, they will be sent to a dead letter office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There is always an adjustment period when change takes place. We appreciate your understanding and use of your postage stamp on our new blue envelopes. If you have not been credited for any donation given in January 2014 sent in a yellow envelope, please call Sue at 262-789-1881 to strategize next steps. 9 An ECFA 3,000 milestone has been reached!!! 3,000 Mark Your Calendars! April ~ National Volunteers Month Agency Volunteer Brunch April 8, 2014 Beloit Road Baptist Church April 8, 2014 40 Days of Prayer Begins Intentional Preparation Prior to Bike & Hike May 11, 2014 Happy Mother’s Day 2014 May 17, 2014 28th Annual Bike & Hike Bethesda Park & Glacial Drumlin Trail Waukesha Details will be shared in the Spring 2014 Newsletter Return Service Requested Evangelical Child & Family Agency 1617 South 124th Street New Berlin, WI 53151 New Berlin, WI Permit No. 315 PAID Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
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