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A Word of HOPE e-News

February 2009

Dear Friends,

It's my prayer that though the winter is cold, the days find you wrapped warm in the love of God.  May the Lord bless you and may your hope be renewed today!

Cheryl A. Botelho, Director

A Word of Hope – -  Spring Forth!
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
     By most opinions winter is not a favorite season for many people.  The blooms of spring are long over.  The warmth of summer is a fading memory and the harvest has been enjoyed and shared for its season.  Winter seems to be barren and empty without much going on.  It seems to be devoid of life.  But a farmer knows that what is seen with his eye across a barren, snow covered field is not all that is going on.  He knows that the ground is resting and replenishing for the next cycle of spring.  It may seem dormant on the surface but beneath the blanket of snow, the ground is being restored. The soil is receiving back the nutrients that it expelled during spring, summer and fall.  Without this cycle the soil will remain depleted of the nutrients that the seeds need to germinate and sprout up with. 
     In our spiritual lives we also go through times that are barren and perhaps cold.  To us they may seem lifeless.  During harvest time we often spend much energy in gathering and sharing.  It is not a mistake that winter follows the harvest, or that it precedes spring.  This is God's plan for us so that he can plant another season of spring in our hearts and repeat the cycle to bring forth another harvest to be enjoyed and shared. 
     Each of us will at one time or another, experience a season of winter in our spiritual lives.  This is the way God has ordained the seasons to be. Without each one of them our lives would be lacking. During those times when it seems that nothing is happening in your life, take heart.  Don't let the winter snow blind you to the new things waiting to spring up beneath the surface!   Spring is on the way!

Quote of the Month

“God does not shield us from life's storms; He shelters us in life's storms.”

Storms are inevitable in the life of a Christian. We may feel the rain and the winds, but we can be assured we will not be swept away.

A Daily Dose of Hope

Click the here for a list of the February daily devotions. 

THIS MONTH'S CALENDAR

Saturday, February 14, 2009

New Haven CT-   Women’s Fellowship Outreach and free breakfast.    Those who attend are invited to stay for our meeting after which offers worship, a devotion, prayer and fellowship.  Pray that the Lord touches hearts.  All are welcome!

Location: New Creation Church

33 Lamberton St., New Haven, Ct 06519

Starts @ 10:00am

Phone (203) 687-0872 or (203) 689-0958

Saturday, February 28, 2009

West Haven CT - “Stepping Up” Job Resource Seminar- Featuring sessions on Interview Skills, Tips for Temporary Budget Adjusting and Resume Writing Workshop.  Lunch included.  Whether you are job hunting or needing change, this seminar can help you move forward in the right direction. Click here for more details.

Location: Promise Land Church of God

240 Burwell Rd., West Haven Ct 06516

Time: 10am-2pm

Cost: FREE (Registration required)

Call (203) 933-3563 or email for information

info@restoringhopeministries.org

New Project

Ministry Expansion: RHM has taken a step of faith by renting a storage unit.  This will enable us to begin collecting items such as highchairs, cribs, car seat/carriers, etc. so that we can begin to expand our Hope-Link outreach to pregnant teens and single moms who may have a need.  The unit will also allow us to collect and store seasonal items early for our various projects throughout the year.

For more projects and details go to the project page.

Volunteer Opportunities:

We have many projects throughout the year.  If you live in the CT area and are interested in becoming a part of these projects, please email me.   info@restoringhopeministries.org