Fwd: Cocalico January Update 2015

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: James Horning <jhorning@ptd.net>
Date: Mon, Jan 5, 2015 at 1:05 PM
Subject: Cocalico January Update 2015
To: aaaCrossfire Participants <jhorning@ptd.net>

Greetings from Crossfire Youth Ministries,

Matthew 25:40, "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'" Jesus is giving his rewards on that day, and He said to the righteous come on in cause you fed me, clothed me, gave me drink......

 

We welcomed a 12 year old boy, Mark into our home on December 1st. There have been many a challenge for this young boy during his lifetime. However for the time being, God has seen fit for Mark to become one of our family for whatever time is needed. He has been a great fit with our family and we all love and appreciate him. During Christmas break we also housed his 2 sisters on break from Milton Hershey School. It was truly a blessing to be able to provide for this "family" to come together along with a dedicated aunt. Pray for God to provide for unspoken needs!

 

Another prayer request during December is for a 14 year old boy Nigel. Nigel has been staying in the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh the past 2 1/2 months. I have made 4 journeys out to give encouragement and support to this family as they are faced with many a difficult day. Nigel has just recently had a heart & lung transplant the first of its kind for Pittsburgh and he is writing the book on questions and procedures. One lung had some issues and needed to be removed. He has been sleeping the past 2 weeks and we are looking forward to the day when he can wake up.

Several individuals responded to a request for finances to help this family with personal bills and items.....my wife and I were able to hand deliver the gift last week. Thank you for answering God's call for another one of the "least of these"

 

December is also a great time of celebration as we honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In celebration we provided several Christmas Dinner opportunities: 1st – Board Members & volunteers & spouses – this has become a unique "family" time as we meet in the barn for a more personal time of sharing and encouragement. We are blessed with a dedicated team of individuals who serve selflessly – caring for the ministry & the children that God brings our way.

We also provided special Christmas Dinners for the Elementary group, Middle School students & High School students as well as the group from the Ashland Youth Center. Many thanks to the Reading Airport Restaurant for providing us with delicious meals!

 

Speaking of Ashland – we are able to reconnect with young adults (kids from previous years) and rebuild on that relationship. We are enjoying this opportunity to be a blessing to teens and young adults in the Ashland PA community.

 

December 29th was the graduation ceremony for our Jr Leadership Group. This crew started out with 18. Some dropped out and others added in, and we were able to graduate 15 middle school & high school students. They spent the past 4 months meeting every Monday evening for a time of bible study & cleaning projects. We have seen the kids in this group grow, learn and be excited about serving! May God bless each one of them on their journey to a closer relationship with God.

 

New Years Eve we welcomed in the new year with a barn full of teenagers & some adults. A group of 9 came down from Ashland via the Crossfire bus and were joined with students from Fivepointville, Leola, Ephrata, Denver & surrounding areas. It was a busy evening of games and activities, bible study & worship and being able to watch the New Year come in......then it was good night to all! Area teens got picked up or bussed home, and the Ashland crew got bussed back up to Ashland......A full night but truly worth it all.....

 

Our Style's Consignment Boutique shop continues to be well stocked with items for Women & children (boys and girls) as well as jewelry, purses & shoes. We are blessed with dozens of consignors and a never ending flow of new items daily and weekly!

 

We are humbled by the provisions that God continues to pour out over Crossfire. We are thankful for each of the adults who have answered God's call on their lives to join the ministry and care for these children/teens. We are thankful for all who have supported us financially through this year.

We look forward to seeing what opportunities, challenges & blessings lay in store for Crossfire during 2015.

 

Sincerely Serving Him,

James L Horning

 

 

James L Horning - Executive Director
Crossfire Youth Ministries
514 Wabash Road
Ephrata PA 17522
www.crossfireyouthcenter.org