Pat Berg, Founder
Merry Christmas
& A Very
Happy New Year!
I Remember Christmas at AMH…
I have great memories of the AMH Christmas toy drive. We set-up a table and collected toys for needy children from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kroger on Beltway 8, for 14 days.
Our volunteers took time from their busy schedules to help. They shared with shoppers and passersby about Action Ministries Houston’s annual toy drive benefitting children in the greater Houston area. We also shared about Jesus and how He came to live on this earth to save us from our sins, and that celebrating Him was reason for Christmas. Each year we had opportunities to pray with sinners and walk them to their salvation. Suddenly, toys were second place.
Sometimes the weather was sunny, and beautiful. Other times it was cold, damp, raining, and yes, even some snowflakes. And how could I forget the flocks of blackbirds gathering screaming and screeching on the power lines, trees and cars in the parking lot! Weather and birds didn’t stop our volunteers. We had the blessings of the managers of Kroger who saw their toy department sales set records.
A card from Starbucks kept the warm drinks coming for the volunteers. One year, in celebration of the toy drive, a local Starbucks had an Open House for their customers, and they added to our drive by collecting toys from their customers.
People donated toys, money and other items. One elderly lady crocheted throws. She crocheted one a month throughout the year and would deliver them during the drive. She delivered them to us with instructions for us to give them to the elderly and shut ins. She did this for 8 years before she went home to be with Jesus. Her son brought us her last 7 at her instructions before she passed. She is just one example of a volunteer and partner in helping AMH fulfil our mission.
Others saw fit to go into Kroger and buy bags of food staples. These were put together in boxes and given to needy families and elderly. We had an industry that collected peanut butter and jelly to be given. We found out how many elderly ate peanut butter in the evening instead of a cooked meal but could not afford to buy it.
When the last toy was loaded in the trailer, and the toys were taken to the warehouse for distribution, it was pure joy to bless the children through their parents. Tears flowed abundantly. Hugs were non-stop. And everyone received a flyer about the true meaning of Christmas. Prayers were lifted for needed jobs, the sick and elderly, homes that were needed, children gone astray, and of course, salvation. The Glory of the Lord truly came down on that warehouse, and the members of AMH were the ones blessed.
Having worked with Toys for Tots when he was a Marine, Gordon knew the needs that come to our first responders during crisis time. So, money that was donated and any stuffed animals and small dolls left over were donated to the local police station. To see grown policemen and women shed tears over a stuffed puppy dog or teddy bear, was heart wrenching. They shared stories of past times when they comforted children and then we were the ones to shed tears.
We had to stop this great adventure when Gordon became too ill to carry on. This is not the end of the story. This year AMH received a call regarding a father with small children. He was recently divorced and he come back to the Lord. He lost his job and needed help, Could AMH help? COULD AMH HELP?! We jumped at the chance!
Together with good people like yourselves, AMH bought three new Bibles: one for daddy, and one for each of the children (age appropriate). We were able to give him a check to buy presents for the children and stock the pantry with groceries. A 17 lb. turkey was also donated. Such a joy to be able to celebrate Christmas by giving again.
What is to come next year? God knows and we are here to do whatever He directs. I can’t wait! Good things are in store for those who are willing to say, “Here I am Lord, send me.”