Dear Doves,
    I realize some of you may have missed my urgent request that was sent after the initial letters were posted on Dec. 23. John was kind enough to add my request later in the day, but many of you missed it, so here is the link for those who did not read it:
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/dec2004/elleng1223.htm
   To give you an update on the situation, I was able to take a space heater to them on Thursday, and with the help of a neighbor and a heavy duty extension cord, we were able to connect it to a power source, so at least they had heat Thursday night when it was 24 degrees here in the Atlanta area. Friday morning I contacted the police department for the city of Norcross, who resells the electricity to our community, but was told that nothing could be done before Monday, December 27, as all employees had a holiday.
    Not one to give up easily, I called the mayor, Lillian Webb, at 9AM and quickly told her of the situation. She left her out-of-town guests and the comfort of her warm house and went to the city offices to meet with an emergency worker, paid the power bill and reconnect fee out of her own pocket, and power was restored immediately. She then met me a few minutes later and gave me a large turkey for the family's Christmas dinner. Later that afternoon, she and her daughter personally paid a visit to the family to take Christmas gifts for the children. She promised to follow up with me next week to make sure that the family receives groceries and clothing from the Norcross Cooperative Ministry, which receives donations from several businesses and individuals in the community. Praise God for this woman, now in her golden years, and keep her in your prayers, as she has been the object of much political mudslinging over the years. If only we had more public officials like her!
   I went to the rental office of the apartment complex, which was closed, but was able to convince the manager to open up and let me pay the back rent to halt the eviction proceedings. She warned me that the December rent must be paid in full before the end of the month, and I promised her that the Lord will provide it as well. (As I write this letter Sunday afternoon, that need has been met also, praise God! ) I then met with Zoila to find out what groceries she needed, and with the money you all have donated I was able to buy everything on her list!
   Her oldest son Isais, who speaks English and helped translate for us, as my Spanish is limited, discovered that my youngest son Devin, and he were classmates at the public school. When I returned home to get some additional items for Zoila, I mentioned to Devin that Zoila is Isais' mother. He told me that they were good friends and fellow chess club members, and he wanted to return with me to their apartment. Devin brought along some of his games to share with Isais, and they had a good visit. As I am homeschooling Devin this year, he has not seen any of his former classmates in about a year. On the way home, Devin told me that he felt very happy knowing that we have helped to keep his friend and his family from being homeless. He said he understands now what is meant by the verse "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
   I realize now that faith requires taking action in response to a promise of God. I knew that I could not simply turn my back on this family in their hour of need, although others told me that they were not my problem, and that there was nothing I could do. I knew that although I had no money of my own, I had a way of letting others know of this need, and that the efforts of a few determined persons, when combined, can produce amazing results. May God bless all of you who have offered prayers, money, and suggestions for help in finding employment and other charitable resources. Please continue to pray as we continue to minister to them, that the Word of God will bring this entire family to a salvation relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
    There are still additional needs to be met, but with your generosity and God's blessings, I will have a bigger praise report to share with you in a few days. Please let me encourage all of you, who have doubts that God is still working miracles today, to never doubt, but step out in faith, believing that He will hear from heaven and respond to the cries of your heart.
 
1 John 3:22
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.