Mission news

The numbers of homeless and working poor who are showing up for lunch at the Downtown Soup Kitchen are up 30%. Over 400 hundred cups of soup and sandwiches are being served Monday through Friday. We expect to see further increases this summer.

There are many opportunities for each of us to become involved in this ministry as we enter this season:
Volunteers are needed daily in the kitchen to prepare, serve and minister to individuals coming in for lunch or to use the shower house. The emphasis is on meeting the physical needs while ministering to the spiritual needs. We are building relationships.

There is a bin in the Narthex labeled DSK to collect heavy rain ponchos, #10 cans of tuna, and large COSTCO sized peanut butter.
As you are cleaning out your closets, remember gently used outdoor clothing / backpacks are always appreciated.

Pray for God’s provision and protection on a daily basis for volunteers and those who are coming for lunch or showers. We have a praise as construction on a new facility is scheduled to begin May 2010 to better serve our brothers and sisters.

Purchase a ticket, volunteer or sponsor a day at the Slam’n Salmon Derby. All profits go to benefit the Downtown Soup Kitchen. The dates are June 12-21, 2009.

Please contact Holly Lawson, Executive Director, or Vicki Martin, Program / Volunteer Director, at 277- 4302 to see how you can become involved in this ministry.

Malawi Children’s Village Needs —
Thanks to all who attended the Malawi mission trip meeting Sunday, May 10. Mr. Sabile shared his gratitude for the help we have given to the Nemisi Church and the children’s village. He told us of the hardships of the orphans and discussed the current needs. We explored the possibility of a trip and he was very positive about the idea of us visiting and helping with the church and the Children’s Village. A specific date was not set for the trip but October 2009 and January 2010 were discussed. We will be having another meeting to discuss more specifics at the church.

The following items are current needs which the board of director’s of the Malawi Children’s Village has been collecting all over the states. They are hoping to send a container in Boston which when filled will be sent to Malawi. It currently is only ¼ full. The items needed are: sewing machines, fabric, computers, tools, books, antibiotics, pain relievers, sports equipment, shoes, jogging outfits.

If you would like to donate, please deposit them in the tub marked Malawi in the Narthex. The mission committee will ship the donated items to Boston.

They also have a need for 200 desks, which the carpentry shop can make for $80 a piece, and 300 textbooks at $21 each. If your heart moves you to write a check for any of the above items, mark what you would like the funds to go for and deposit it in the collection plate. The desks not only will give the students a place to work, but also give the carpentry shop students jobs.

We thank you and may the Lord bless you for your giving heart.

Phone : (907) 272-6411 ~ Fax: (907) 274-4901

email : fpchurch@firstpresanchorage.org