Each Christian annually closes the year with a celebration of remembrance that begins with the present of Jesus' birth, and finishes knowing that we have the gift of salvation in Him in the end, as well. Quite a few of us enjoy the sharing of family time, good food, exchanging of heartfelt gifts and holiday cheer of numerous kinds. For many this is another year of countless questions and only a few answers, of heartbreaks mingled with hardly any triumphs and frustrations mixed with the meager satisfaction that it's about to end... so maybe the New Year will be better. Nancy and I find that students, working young adults and incarcerated youth deal with a similarly stark reality, that is: life is confusing, relentlessly disappointing and few care about their problems! We love to make a difference in young people's lives. Our daily efforts attempt to end the confusion, put spiritual salve on their emotional wounds, and let them see the arms of Jesus, through us, by hugging them through this tough season of life.
"I don't believe anyone really cares what happens to me. No one really likes me, and I don't have any real friends. I scare people by what I say and how I act. Churches have never accepted me and I don't feel comfortable going there, either. My family has probably given up on me, too. I've made a mess of my life. Why do I try hard to come to REMEDY? Because most people here accept me regardless of my past and you've always invited me into your home and never turned me away. I feel God is here." - From a working young adult
Naturally, all of us would like to help in some way or another. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem possible most of the time, given the demands of raising families or the rigors of jobs and careers, or both. Most people have a feeling of "good will toward men" this time of year, however, and wish to really make a difference in someone's life that just needs a helping hand. Alas, the media deluges us early and often with the pressure of seasonal buying, so we question our financial priorities and put it off. Our churches have traditional ministries of compassion that rightfully vie for our dollars or free time, and provide remedies for our conscience. We get numerous "HELP US" and "GIVE TO US" letters in the mail begging for our resources... but, how do we decide who to give to? And, is there any money left over after the last dime in our pocket went into the Salvation Army bucket at the Mall? If we're not careful, the Grinch is going to sneak in and steal our whole Christmas spirit if we let all of these causes wreck it with guilt! Besides, the price of gas is...!?
So, where does REMEDY fit into your plans this year?
Please prayerfully consider that a relatively small amount of what is left over from your annual or monthly outlay for other causes, family, and church can make a huge difference in the lives a young people throughout your community.
Remember the story of what Jesus did at one of the busiest and most stressful times of His life, found in Matthew 14:1-20. After he found out about the beheading of His dear friend and relative John the Baptist, Jesus was pressed by the crowds to teach; yet He was compassionate enough to feed them all even though the disciples had only five loaves and two fish. After they ate as much as they wanted, they had plenty of leftovers! Then we are taught a valuable lesson which is that nothing is impossible for the Son of Man, and if everyone has given up what they have for His sake, there will be "leftovers" and will receive a "hundred times as much in return." - Matt.19:28-30
We are making an appeal to you to take what is “"leftover" so that in 2008 we can be financially ready to fulfill our calling and provide an answer to the confusion, disappointment, and problems for societies youth - even youthful adults - and give an eternal prescription, the remedy for everyone's ills: JESUS. Here is a sampling where donations go:
Tuesday Night at our house - For 9 ½ years we provide a safe place to make friends, learn the truth found only in the Bible, worship through music and prayer, food, fun and an intimate instruction in Christian leadership, ministry and serving the community.
Campus Life at Cosumnes River College - Mid week defending of the Gospel and discipleship to Christian students. Evangelism events. Thanksgiving Baskets. Christmas compassion to needy families and a local Senior Home.
Church Consulting - Helping local congregations start young adult ministries like REMEDY
Juvenile Hall - Teaching, mentoring and loving serious offenders in lock down units ages 10-18
Union Gospel Mission & Womens Clothes Closet - Feeding and clothing the homeless
Gang Prevention - starting in 2008. Organize ex-gang members/born again believers to reach out, educate and intervene through awareness in the community and to at-risk kids.
CONTACT US
Remedy Resources
P.O. Box 277728
Sacramento, CA 95827
