Hey Everyone:

I just wanted to update you on a few happenings in the Farm Drive Neighborhood. God is certainly active in the lives of people who live, work and volunteer there!!! We are seeing it!

CRAM (Our mentoring program for kids who are in high school, and approaching college age): Becky Kompelien, Patty and I had a meeting on Monday night with eight neighborhood kids who have expressed an interest in finding out about the program. We were able to meet all of the kids and share our vision with them. They seem eager to explore the possibilities. Pray for Anahi, Cristina, Dariela, Hector, Jose, Michelle, Ruben and Sergio as they are deciding whether to be involved. Pray for our potential mentors as we begin teaming them up. Our dream is to be able to give each participant their own laptop upon graduation. Ask God to show you where you fit in.

Homework Center Leaders: A few weeks ago, I sent out an urgent prayer request for leaders for our Homework Center. As always, God took care of each need, and we have a full staff once again!! One of our new volunteers commented that her heart was moved as she heard Kay Patterson share her story and her love for the kids during our Annual Meeting. Ain’t God good???

Michelle W’s New Car: Last week, Patty sent out an email asking you to pray about a car for one of our single neighborhood moms. A few days ago, Michelle called us and told us that she had been given a car, and the person who gave it to her even put new tires on it!! Patty and I saw the car, and it’s nice!!! Thanks for praying!!

Michelle F is going back to school!!! Michelle has been out of school since September 2007, and because of the input of a lot of people (including Betty Watson and Ruben Escobedo), she is taking all of the necessary steps to re-enroll. Pray for Michelle, as she has a really big decision to deal with in the next several days. Pray for strength and encouragement for her to follow through.

Bike Ministry: Many of the kids in the neighborhood haven’t had bikes of their own. Some of our Middle School kids have been WALKING to John Muir, since they don’t have other transportation. Over the past year or so, we have been given numerous bikes to give to the kids. Many of these have been outgrown by the owners, and some were even destined for the junk pile. We rescued them, and Dick Shore spends numerous hours each week making sure the bikes are safe for the kids to ride. We are guessing that we have given out at least 50 bikes in the past year!!! Last week, Patty was approached by another Hillside member who would like to get involved in this hands-on ministry!!!

Family Needs a Printer: Do you have a printer that you aren’t using anymore? The Valadez family is in desperate need of a working printer for their High School and Middle School daughters. We were able to get them a flash drive, but they really need a printer!! Please let Patty or me know.

God is so good. Thank you for praying for the kids in the neighborhood. It really makes a difference!! God Bless you much!!

Gary