DENVER HOUSE UPDATE A new year and a new chapter begins! The cleanup of debris in the Denver House has been completed. Now, the next step is "DEMOLITION"! Everyone's favorite activity, because you don't need to worry about damaging anything. You just take a sledge hammer and release your frustrations! Ok, there is also the hauling, carting, and carrying out all the debris that's made, but still a ton of fun. That's what makes this project a success; a community of people coming together to help transform a building from something blighted to something beautiful! So far, we have had almost 100 volunteers totaling almost 600 hours of volunteer labor. We are still working on developing our capital campaign committee and are hoping to raise enough money to start our construction phase by this summer! The experts tell me there's no way to finish this project in 2017! Hmm.. No matter what, we're in this until completion, so get your work boots on and join us every Saturday morning 8am - Noon. For more information on how you can help, email amypfautz@gmail.com.
 | | ROD'S RAMBLINGS  Wow, is it just me or does each year fly by faster than the last? This past year has been another amazing year for R.E.A.L. A logo change, another building acquisition, hiring two P/T employees, the start of "The Hub" social services, new faces added to our volunteer team at the Lighthouse, new mom at the Transitional Home, starting a building project and a capital campaign, and so much more.
So what's my New Year's Resolution? Not to start anything new until I get the old projects completed! My wife, staff, and volunteers are all shouting for joy at that one! I am told that I am a "Lengthener". I start new ventures, visions, and projects. Now, I just need to find a "Strengthener". Someone to manage each new project I undertake! Easier said than done, I assure you. No matter what your New Year's Resolution is, just remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, so take your time and enjoy the ride! "Steady plodding brings prosperity." (Prov. 21:5) | | SPRING BANQUET Mark your calendars for our upcoming spring banquet!
When: March 30, 2017
Time: 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Place: Weaver's Banquet Facility, Adamstown, PA
Come out and join us in hearing what God has been doing through the ministry! Enjoy our guest speaker, Chuck Holt, Executive Director of The Furnace Ministries located in Paradise, PA. | | HOPE IN ACTION
By: Chris Hibbert Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in HOPE.
HOPE is a word we heard so many times in December and with the coming of the new year. It is also a word that is difficult and fleeting for a lot of families, both at Christmas time and all throughout the year. Our mission at REAL Life is to bring the HOPE of Jesus to as many families as the Lord brings us within the Cocalico school district. We try to bring hope to families by building relationships with them through our words and our deeds.
Since July, we have been involved with and continue to provide services to 14 families in our district. We also enjoy tremendous support in our efforts from the generosity of kind people from our community. It was a joy to work with Sean and Angela McPeak and their Life Group from LCBC church as they orchestrated a tremendous Christmas party for our Power Pack families. Even though it was a little icy, their Life Group prepared food, activities, and brought presents for 11 families…19 adults and 34 kids! Another Life Group from LCBC, led by Lisa Young, provided a Christmas meal and presents to a family in need. Karen Wanner and the Blue Ball Church of the Brethren provided gift cards, food, and presents to a homeless family we are working with. Tara Lesher and her family collected money and food from her Christmas lights display for a local family. The Sauder family also donated food which was given to a family of two in town.
When you donate to R.E.A.L. Life Community Services, your donations are used to provide basic needs and services to our families. We are so thankful for your support! Philemon 1:7 says, "For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brothers (and sisters), because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you." I am overwhelmed by your love for our community, and I pray that we all will continue to see the saints among us that need to be refreshed and given the HOPE that can only come through Jesus. | | LIGHT HOUSE UPDATE By: Julie Sheidy
As I write this article, I am reflecting on the feeding of the 5,000. I used to believe the enormous crowd, possibly totaling 15,000 including women and children, was well behaved and focused on every word Jesus spoke and without a P. A. system, heard and understood each word. I now picture a different scene. There must have been pushing and shoving, complaining, fighting, even pick pocketing among the sleepy, tired, sick and hungry masses. The Disciples wanted to send them away rather than deal with feeding them or attending to their needs. Some weeks at Lighthouse our kids are more rowdy than others. There are many reasons, but that is for another time perhaps. It would be easier to send them away as the Disciples wanted to do in the story. Jesus said feed them instead. Jesus's example is not only to feed the crowd, but to be extravagant and give them more than they can possibly eat. He tells us the same at Lighthouse and uses us to make sure each youth gets as much spiritual food as they want and to eat until they are satisfied. He tells us to lavish His children with blessings to overflowing. At times, it seems as if our human resources are too few to serve the needs of the youth. We come hungry, tired, and spent. Jesus wants to shatter our pint-sized expectations weekly as we bring Him what we already have. It may be five loaves and a few fish, but we must never believe our resources are too little to serve. He can use our humble gifts for His glory. At Lighthouse, we must trust the Lord for every morsel we share with the youth. We are in a position of total dependence as we ask the Lord to use us to meet the needs of this growing youth group. My personal prayer is that we take no pride in anything we do to feed the youth, but boast only in our total reliance on God. It's exciting to think about a new year with a growing group of new and hungry seekers. | | ABOUT US
We are a nonprofit 501c3 organization with a purpose to reach at-risk youth and help families in need in our community.
We serve our community in a variety of ways with programs designed to make a difference. It's our desire to help those who are struggling to provide for their family's basic needs. We see a direct correlation between at-risk youth and families in need and want to help these families develop strong relationship, life, and social skills. CORE VALUES Purposeful Relationships - Building relationships to bring long-term change Centered on Christ – Showing the love of Christ to those we serve Mobilizing Resources – Bringing together people, opportunities, and organizations to serve on the frontlines MISSION Connecting the community to hope | | What are your goals for 2017?  Health/Fitness
Not only is it important for us to take care of our physical body, we are also required to take care of our spiritual body. "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint". Isaiah 40:31  Budgeting/Giving
The beginning of the year is a good time to evaluate where God is asking you to curb spending and where to give your "seed" money. Whether it's a one-time or monthly gift, your support empowers our ministry to provide hope for our community.  Volunteering
It's easy to get caught up with the business of life. Why not start the new year by making a point to give back to the community? There are many opportunities to volunteer through our food pantry, the HUB, transitional housing, youth ministry, and more! Email Rod at Rod@REALlcs.org to learn how to use your gifts and passions to bless the community. | | | |
