Imagine a social gathering that was put together for the sole purpose of those not invited. A group of women did just that last weekend in Oviedo. The Women’s Tea was entitled “In Her Shoes” and had local social activist and visionary Krissy Todd, founder of the Hope Foundation as the guest speaker. Krissy shared her story and what it has been like to be ‘in her shoes’ as God has moved her from small business owner and mom to outreach ministry and homeless/poverty advocate. Krissy then talked about what it is like to be ‘in their shoes’, the shoes of the women she serves every week through the food pantry right here in Oviedo. What it must be like to have had a home, a job, a family, a normal life and have it all disappear for whatever reason and how they have to cope and survive. These stories are riveting and they are not in some foreign land, they are here in our own backyards. The tea and food were great, Krissy painted a picture of how great our God is and how He works through the lives of normal individuals to further the work of His kingdom. The women in attendance were able to see and hear how God creates opportunities for each and every one of us to be the bearers of the ‘good news’, putting hands and feet to the gospel, where we are with what we’ve got, right now. What an event right? Well that is not even the best part…

The end of the event was marked with a vision that was cast for all the women in attendance that I want to share with each of you. The questions were asked, “What if we did this for them? What if we threw a tea party and fed, and showered these women in need, in our own community, with love and gifts and what every woman enjoys and what they specifically need? What if there were gift cards and bags of donated clothes or food, salon, pedicure and manicure certificates, facials, prayer, conversation, and hope shared?” Wow, now that is an idea!

Luke 14:12-14 “Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Please keep praying about ways you can be involved in this outreach event that will take place in the fall through our partnership with the Hope Foundation. If you were unable to be at the tea, or like me you were disqualified because you are a guy, then be praying about ways to be involved in a support role either through donation, volunteering and definitely through prayer!

You can contact Maggie Jobson (mjobson@cfl.rr.com) or Terry Tinsley (tatinsley@mac.com) for details on how you can “Be a Part of It” with all of us here at Northland, Oviedo! We continue to pray that each of you will passionately pursue Christ in your life in such a way that you will be compelled to do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are right now!