A SUMMER OF BLESSINGS FROM A LOVING GOD

On my journey as a Christian, I  have always wanted to be part of something that was BIG.  I wanted to be part of something that was so BIG that it would require me to be completely dependent on God.  I wanted to hold God's hand as I walked through a BIG journey and I wanted to see God intervene in ways that could only be considered BIG and miraculous.  I think that Soaring Wings Ministries is the answer to my prayer for something BIG.  Soaring Wings Ministries is a BIG journey that has caused me to hold on very tightly to God's hand for guidance, strength and courage.  Soaring Wings Ministries has caused me to be completely dependent on God and I have seen God work in amazing and miraculous ways.  

Recently Meredith, Ed and I took time during one of our staff meetings to reflect on this past summer and all the blessings that were bestowed on Soaring Wings Ministries.  We verbally listed all the ways that God has blessed and guided Soaring Wings Ministries over the last couple of months in amazing and miraculous ways.   After we listed everything we bowed our heads and thanked Him for His provision and care.  Honestly, we were overcome with emotion when we looked back and remembered how God has blessed and guided us so faithfully.   It was not easy to get through our prayer time without tears of joy, gratitude and amazement. 

First, we thanked God for each one of our summer volunteers that came out to Soaring Wings Ministries this summer.  We had over 40 volunteers here working to make improvements and the place looks amazing!!!! We praised God for keeping each volunteer safe while they worked as we had not one accident or illness with all the volunteers here.  We also praised Him for sending out these volunteers to help us.  What they accomplished over 6 weeks would have taken us years to accomplish.  We prayed and asked God for help and He answered our prayer with a flood of summer volunteers! 

Second, we thanked God for blessing us financially over the last  month.  We are a small non-profit and we do not have any wealthy contributors to keep us going.  We operate solely with donations made by individuals who care about Soaring Wings Ministries and the homeless.  Most of these financial donations are between $25.00 and $100.00 but they are what keep us going.  There was a time during June and July when our donations dipped way down.   We'd check our mail box and there would be days when there was not one thing in our mail box...not even junk mail....and there were no donations coming through Pay Pal.  Our expenses for operating Soaring Wings Ministries continue even when donations are low.  During June and July our expenses were even greater with the volunteers that were here and with money that needed to be paid to Larimer County for our building permit application.  We pressed forward with a dwindling checking account and trusted God for an improved financial situation.  Our trust in God was not in vain as our financial picture has improved and with help from our faithful donors we are now able to look at our checking account and not panic.  

Third, we thanked our Heavenly Father for providing us with items to fill the Blessing Bags that we distribute to the homeless.   Each week we would have the volunteers put together Blessing Bags and personally give them to a homeless person down in Fort Collins.  Over the summer more than 100 Blessing Bags were filled and handed out to homeless individuals.  That meant that over 100 pairs of socks were purchased along with over 100 water bottles, 100 granola bars, 100 bars of soap, 100 Bible tracts, 100 toothbrushes and 100 tubes of toothpaste.  There was a time during the summer when our stock pile of items to put in the Blessing Bags was looking very sparse and with a dwindling checking account we knew a Walmart run to purchase items was out of the question.  God's provision came through an individual who recognized our need and mailed us a generous supply of items for the Blessing Bags.  God's provision for the Blessing Bags also came through one of our volunteer groups who showed up one morning with bags of socks, water bottles and cans of tuna fish.  With these two acts of kindness and generosity we were back in the business of filling Blessing Bags to distribute to the homeless.  

Four, we thanked God that we received our building permit from Larimer County to begin the addition for a homeless family.   The story of of how we obtained professionally done building plans at no cost to Soaring Wings Ministries is a story in and of itself and I will save that for another blog at another time.  The bottom line is that we were completely dependent on God to guide us in the process of obtaining a building permit....and He did! 

Last, we thanked our Heavenly Father for many friends who traveled out here to Colorado to visit us this summer.  Some traveled by plane others drove out west for a vacation and stopped in to say hi.  Some stayed for a week, others for an afternoon, and others for a few hours.  Each visit was a HUGE BLESSING as we miss our friends from back east so very much.  Each visit brought joy, laughter, remembrances of the past and glimpses of the future.  Our spirits were lifted with each visit and we praise God for the blessing and gift of friendships.

As I reflect back on the list of praises that I have just written about I realize these blessings came about because God intervened, God guided and it was Him alone that blessed Soaring Wings Ministries.   That needs repeating.  We, the staff at Soaring Wings Ministries, were not responsible for not one of these blessings.  EVERYTHINNG that we have been blessed with over the summer months is all because we worship, believe in and trust a loving, caring God.  God knows our needs.  God hears our prayers. God provides according to His will and out of HIS abundant goodness Soaring Wings Ministries is the recipient of His blessing and provision.  Now the task ahead of us is to take these blessings and use them for His honor and glory.  

We are involved in a BIG journey here at Soaring Wings Ministries but God is BIGGER.  Without Him, I wouldn't    have the courage to be on this journey, but with Him I look forward to the days ahead with confidence and excitement.  We are excited that fall is coming.  I have pumpkins growing on a vine and I can't wait until they turn orange so I can pick them.   We have a building permit and we can't wait until the building process begins.  We are making plans for some fun fall fundraisers and looking forward to starting up "Donuts With Friends" again in a few weeks.  In all that we do we know that God walks with us and provides for us here at Soaring Wings Ministries.   We know that He is trustworthy and we thank Him and praise Him for all of His care and provision.  I encourage you to trust Him as well.  I can tell you with 100 percent confidence that you will not be disappointed.  All that is required of you is that you give your life completely over to Him and acknowledge Him in all your ways.  


Anita Rennells
Soaring Wings Ministries
499 Trinity Lane
Wellington, Colorado