What a wonderful ministry you have at Avalon! I've followed you and your work since you started the church and thank the Lord for using you as He is. I am tired and retired old Baptist preacher who was pastor of six Georgia Baptist Churches until I grew weary of some Convention ways. My last church, Bear Creek Baptist in Hampton, became a "Bible" church two years before I retired. Incidentally, after I retired in 1995 because of brain seizures (couldn't talk right) I got far from God and became a drunk, lived in the woods and hurt many people. I ended up "in the woods" with no family or friends. God got me sober in 1999 and I haven't had a drink since. I'm telling you all this to let you know that for the last four years my wife and I have operated "Franklin's Farm Christian Recovery Center. We take in the homeless who want to get sober and clean and start learning to do God's Will. Yesterday, a 30-plus year close friend of mine (Kathy Rentz) and her daughter called to tell us they were bringing some boxes of food. We have nothing to vegetables to feed our residents or ourselves for a week. BECAUSE OF AVALON'S compassion we got unexpected food. It was like manna from Heaven. I will never be able to thank and your people of enough. Our prayers are with you. Please pray for us. (especially my disabled and very sick wife.)
- Randy Rivers
- Hampton/Lovejoy, Ga
I love finding a good bargain! Something about getting an item your really need or want for a fraction of the original cost is exciting. I tend to want to tell everyone about a great sale so they can get a bargain also. The greatest bargain I have ever received was free and priceless! Many years ago when I asked Jesus Christ into my life, I received forgiveness, eternal life, unconditional love, daily direction, mercy and grace, and so much more! Becoming a Christian literally saved not only my soul, but my life! I never want to lose site of what our Lord has brought me from and what He continues to do in my life if I allow Him. This is why I am excited about the Servant Evangelism Program for HOPE. I get to share with others in our community THE BARGAIN (like I said, I get excited about bargains and want everyone to get in on the deal). Our world is full of hurting people with no real purpose or direction in their lives. So often that pain within and the deep hole inside is manifested by the crime and evils we see around us. I want these people to know that God can change their lives, that He loves them unconditionally. Servant Evangelism gives me the privilege to share God's unconditional love simply by giving them a free gift. We have given out water to thirsty people, passed out baked goods, and given coupons for free refreshments. As we grow as a team and as God leads, we hope to do much more free and fun types of evangelism. This type of evangelism really is fun! It provides a way to demonstrate God's unconditional love and share Him without being offensive, pushy, or preachy. I just enjoy the look on people's faces when they realize what we are giving them or what we are doing for them really is free. That look is priceless! Each time I have participated in HOPE Servant Evangelism I see that priceless look. I come away feeling great joy in having been able to do something for others, bringing God's unconditional love to others, and being obedient to God by carrying out His command of the Great Commission. As well, I get to share news of the Greatest Bargain I have ever known!
- Cathy Rentz
