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March 2015 |
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Welcome back to our Volunteer’s Corner.
I want to thank you for reading again and
remind you that this corner is about us as Volunteers. I would like
you to be a part of it and contribute to it with your news and
activity!
Contact me with your thoughts and comments
about Smiles. Maybe something you would like to share about a Mission
Trip, something that has challenged you or impressed you. Send me a
report on a Fundraising Event you have organised or attended, even a
thank you for a generous donation made by a friend, business or
church. I would love to hear from anyone interested enough in the
work, to do something, or do something MORE.
The Volunteer 's
Corner is exactly what is says on the tin, it’s about
‘Volunteers’, so that could be you! Please pray that we can increase
our committed Volunteers in 2015 to help support the tremendous and
much needed work in Romania.
 I had a
very humbling experience since I last wrote. Radio Cracker is a
Christian Radio Station in Northern Ireland who operates for the month
of December to support Missionary Organisations all over the world.
Kevin submitted an application for funding in autumn 2014 and we were
delighted to hear our Rapa Project had been selected.
Kevin asked me to attend an evening for a cheque presentations where I
was asked to give a very ‘strict’ 5 minute response. If you know me
well, you will understand that talking for only 5 minutes about
Smiles is quite difficult for me, but I was under strict instructions!
Smiles funding application was summarised by
Mr Gordon Dawson, followed by an invitation for me to come
forward to receive a cheque for £10,000/$15,000. I was so
overwhelmed and shocked at the size of this donation, nothing came
out....I couldn’t speak, a lump in my throat and tears rolled. Having
just visited Rapa in December and witnessed the heartbreaking
situation there, this was an even more precious gift from God.
Eventually I managed to squeak out; ‘God is good!’ He continued
to be good as I gave my 5 minute presentation, which to be very
honest, was probably the worst I have ever done. Praise God for Radio
Cracker, those who run the wonderful ministry and all who supported it
in December 2014.
February can be a month filled with love;
roses, red balloons, a special dinner and valentine cards. It is
another commercial bonanza, however for our romantic volunteers, I
trust you had a great day!
 For the apostle
Paul, love is more important than any of the spiritual gifts and the
most important virtue. Without love, ministry has limited value. Love
is the central expression of Christian faith, and one of the most
important motivations for ministry.
One of our Clubs is the ‘100 Love Club’;
Sharing Love to Children living with family
difficulties.
We have a common love for the suffering, unloved and forgotten people
in Romania. We are driven by our heartache, but we love because He
first loved us. It is not ours to keep, God intended us to share it.
Please enjoy L ynda
Donaldson’s story this month, a lady who clearly loves children at
home and in Romania. She has been a wonderful Ambassador for Smiles
for many years now, and brings endless ‘smiles’ to many children’s
faces. Thank you Lynda (and Derek).
"After several years supporting Smiles I
wanted to raise a bit more money doing something different. I didn't
want to be always asking the same people for money! I had taken my
little nephew to see Peppa Pig and was amazed how many people
had turned out to see the popular character. I then got the mad idea
that perhaps I could get a 'Peppa' suit and go to children’s parties
for donations.
I run a toddler group, and asked my Mums
what they thought about it. Many said they would book me. So I went
ahead and got an outfit, advertised....and the fun began! I initially
thought if I did it for 2 years that would be great, but I am now into
my 5th year which I never expected. I have been to parties,
christenings, fun days, nurseries, even a sponsored scooter ride, and
a bike ride (on 3 wheels for safety)!!!
 Every time I dress up I say a little
prayer beforehand as I do get nervous and this helps me focus on the
reason why at 53 years of age I am dressing up in a very hot suit with
limited vision! The reason of course is the work of the Smiles
Foundation enabling others to live a better life. And because I have
met so many of those people needing a helping hand and the amazing
staff who support them and put the projects in place, it is so very
real to me. I have so much fun and soon 'get into character', most of
the little ones are mesmerised.... and a few are terrified!!!
Apart from the
money I have raised which of course is vital for the work, I think one
of the biggest pluses for me has been raising awareness of Smiles to
people who would probably never come across it, and the more people
who learn about it the more help we will get.
I have been amazed by people’s
generosity and thankful for every penny, never believing I would raise
almost £6,000 dressed as a pig!!!! "
Have a great month. Don’t forget to write to
me, I am waiting for our ‘Volunteers Corner’ to be packed with
wonderful news and great encouragement for us all. It was great to see
many of you on the ‘Sharing Something Special Tour’. Thank you for
coming, I trust the evenings were a real blessing! Please write to
tell me your thoughts.
Thank you and God Bless.
Barbara
Barbara Morrison
Development Ambassador &
Volunteer Coordinator
The Smiles Foundation
E-mail:
barbaramorrison@thesmilesfoundation.org
Telephone:
0788 087 5845
Previous Reports
February 2015 - Introduction |
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