A Time to Love and We Need Your Help

Dear Friends & Family

Mitchell and I have decided to have a selfless holiday this year. We are not buying a single gift for one another or our children. Not because we are “righteous” people, but because God has put it on our hearts to do so this year. We want to teach our children what it means to give and honor God. We are not a wealthy family according to the world’s wealth but the Lord has blessed us with more than we need. This economic situation affects all of us but there are so many people out there that have lost jobs and have little mouths to feed and little bodies to clothe. Yes we are trying to make ends meet just like everyone else but when I look at my children I do not see empty bellies and naked bodies. By the grace of God He has given us more than enough to feed our family and care for their needs. But I refuse to settle in that, I refuse to sit back and enjoy a lavish thanksgiving meal and pour out gifts to my children who are in need of nothing and leave it at that. There is something within me crying out for more, something crying out for those who have lost their hope and are broken. I refuse to see this economic situation as a ruin for our country and mope that we could be next. But I see a time for the lights that God has placed inside each one of us to go out and shine in a dark world. What better time to bring hope than in a time where people have none. Psalm 147:3 says “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” We are loved by a Great and Merciful God that loves every person on this earth whether we think they deserve it or not.

I put an add on craigslist today offering up our clothing, blankets, household items, etc that we do not need and asked people to give me contact info for families in need and the response was so overwhelming, my heart hurt. We do not have enough to give to all these families and my heart broke. My heart cried out to the Lord and He answered. I do not think any of us knows what it means to be starving or to watch our children hunger but I personally know what it means to be starving for Christ. I know that He feeds everyone of his children. So even if I cannot provide earthly things for all these families, I can offer them up in prayer and give them what God provides. I am also reminded that He is able to do far beyond anything we could possibly imagine. I am also reaching out to you; my prayer is that if the Lord leads, each one of you would help us with this calling the Lord has given us. We are asking that if you feel God pulling that you would look around and find items that you no longer need or want that may be piling up or taking up space in your home. My goal is to provide blankets, coats, warm clothing, meals, basic necessities, etc… to families in Yamhill County. I know there are people everywhere that need help but we are trying to create a specific scope that is close to home. I also want to provide at least 1 holiday meal and maybe 2 or 3 other prepared meals for at least 5 families. I realize this “time of year” everyone is calling to feed the homeless and what not but how much more would it be to offer these things up with the Gospel and bring not only food and clothing to these families but joy and hope as well. I was so blessed by one jobless mother of 3 asking for her needs but also offering up things she no longer needs in order to meet the needs of others. What a beautiful heart. If you do not feel led to donate items we ask that you pray for the families in need. I know how easy it is to donate money but we are challenging you to give from your heart rather than your wallet. God has given us each gifts and He calls us to use those gifts to further His kingdom. Search your heart… what has He given you?

This verse really hit home with what I am feeling. It is from 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one of us give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” There is no greater gift you can give a person than the love of Jesus. With Jesus all things are possible.

Please do not feel you are under any obligation whatsoever, I know some families have their own traditions this time of year when it comes to giving but we thought we would call on those we know and trust to help us in our venture. Our ultimate goal in this is to continue this into next year (Lord Willing) because we know that people are not just in need in the holiday season. I want to stress that the glory in this venture belongs only to God. We are merely grateful to be used by Him to spread the love and peace that Christ offers all that will come to seek Him. I am so excited to see just how God provides.

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Here are the things we have been notified families are in need of

- Children’s Clothing & Shoes (any age any size)
- Children’s bedroom storage
- Baby and infant clothing and necessity items
- Blankets & bedding
- Coats and other warm winter clothing
- Food (a big request actually)
- Maternity items
- Toiletries
- Diapers, wipes, unopened formula
- Basic Furniture – table, chairs, beds
- Children’s books, Bibles etc..
- Anything else you can think of that we have not yet had requests for. J

**And last but not least, in fact of greatest importance, we would like to give at least 1 Bible to each family (preferably NKJV) so that they may learn more about the Lord as He calls them. You would be amazed to learn how many people do not own a Bible, even Christians! May it not be so!



Thank you for taking the time to read this and search your hearts and homes to give as God leads. We love you all very much!

~Mitchell, Jessica, Kealani, Mikayla, & Caitlin Lewis


p.s. Please pass this invitation along to anyone you think might have a heart for this.



This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:5