August 2012

God's Answer

An old Christian friend once told me "The Lord will give you the desires of your heart. Just don't go ask Him for a BMW or a Mercedes."

Before my good friend Fumi left the Orange County Second Step (where I currently reside with my two year old son), I mentioned to her that I had asked God to bless me with a car. If it was not too much to ask, could it please be a Toyota, because they are very reliable.

Four years ago, my nephew owned a Toyota Avalon which he wrecked a week after he bought it. He was drinking and driving. Since that day I am thankful that my nephew is alive, but for some reason every time I would see a Toyota Avalon my heart would just hurt because I couldn't believe his car was totaled.

I often wished to purchase one similar to his. Well, the Lord knew the desires of my heart and on May 25, 2012 I was blessed with a Toyota Avalon. God is Great!!!

This gift is straight from heaven and I will forever be thankful to God and to the person that donated the vehicle.

- Irma and Joey

Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to You.

- Psalm 86:1

Our Blessings in Life

It is all because of our Lord and Savior. A BIG thanks to our one and only King for being so amazing and pouring His blessings out on me.

I was laid off from work in October. I had no clue of what God had in store for me, so I just kept surrendering to Him and kept doing the footwork to look for a job. Then one night God put it upon my heart that it wasn't the right time to go back to work but for me to go back to school.

The following morning I started looking into a variety of schools until God finally led me into the doors of American Career College and I knew in my heart it was the one.

I just happened to answer a question wrong on one of my unemployment forms and I had an "over the phone" interview in the same week. Unemployment told me about One Stop (student services) that would help me further my career. I received an interview with One Stop and they told me that they would help me with my tuition. I am still in awe over God's amazing gift. It is such a good feeling, conquering my goal to become a Dental Assistant with my tuition fully paid.

I was further amazed when American Career College told me that I would be responsible for only $12.50.

Thank you so much, Jesus, and thank you Sheepfold for following God's heart and doing His work.

Love in Christ,

Melanie

I recently got a job as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Although to some it may seem like a small accomplishment, to me it is huge. It was definitely a challenge going to school 5 times a week, putting the kids to bed and doing my homework.

Sometimes I doubted myself, but I always had others here believing in me, even when I didn't. Thank you Sheepfold staff!

I am so grateful for the time that they have given me, the encouragement and the gift of believing in myself. This means so much!

The Sheepfold has given me the strength to move forward. This is just the beginning and I never could have done it without your support.

I had never in my life experienced the love and people to come alongside of me the way you have. I love you all—house managers, volunteers, Belinda, Patti, Denise and the other godly women here.

Thank you,

Amber

A Wonderful Note We Received

The words "Thank You" cannot begin to be enough for all the gratitude and debt that I owe you all at The Sheepfold family. If it were not for your ministry and the kindness you extended to my daughter and my precious granddaughter, I really believe that neither would be alive today. Our hearts were so broken when our girls came there 21/2 years ago, but at the same time we also knew that the only hope was for them to come to The Sheepfold to give God the opportunity to work in our daughter's life and for Him to heal her soul, mind and body.

Enclosed is a small token that I pray God will bless and help someone else to receive the same opportunity you afforded my daughter. It's interesting, I had the opportunity to speak at a church. I felt that God wanted me to give any honorarium I received to The Sheepfold. I thought that I might receive two or three hundred dollars. I prayed about the amount and after the service they handed me a check for $1,000! I couldn't help but laugh and rejoice at the goodness of God!

Thank you for what you do! Bless you, bless you, bless you! Heaven is going to be a much fuller place because of the faithfulness of The Sheepfold family!

- Lecia

Just a Few Volunteer Needs

Happy bakers: For baking birthday cakes and for various other occasions for our women and children

Tutors: There is always a need for tutors for our children

Mentors: We are also looking for a few good men and women just like you who can mentor our boys and girls, ages 7-13 years old

We Offer Domestic Violence Education

We offer domestic violence education to increase the awareness of this epidemic in society. It is available free of charge to church staff, women's, men's and youth ministries and community groups. Our goal is to educate on the issues of violence in the home. Help us save families in Jesus' name.

For more information or to volunteer please contact DeAnne@thesheepfold.org.

Raychel's Story

I heard a Sheepfold radio ad on 99.5 FM months prior to my coming here, not knowing we would need the help of this ministry one day. I was mentally worn down and physically harmed for five years by my abuser.

God met me in my darkness and He gave me hope for a better future. God strengthened me to rebuke any further harm and step out in faith.

Several months ago, homeless and broken, my daughter and I came here. The Sheepfold has loved us and has taught me so much. I have the armor of God on now and I am prepared to start a new journey for my precious daughter and me.

- Raychel & Juliet

The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability

The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability is the respected organization that audits non-profit corporations on a yearly basis to verify that all donations were recorded properly and were used for the purpose for which they were given, and requires a full financial statement for supervision by The Sheepfold Board of Directors monthly.

Membership in the ECFA is only granted to non-profit corporations who meet their rigid standards. We are proud of our long-standing membership in this organization.

Fran Lundquist, Founder
The Sheepfold

Board of Directors

John Wildman, President/Executive Director

The Sheepfold

Jeff Abbott, Group Chair Convene

Bruce Bartolomeo

Retired Business Owner

Tim Blied, Law Partner

Schmiesing & Blied - Secty., The Sheepfold

Bob Brumleu, President

Omni Duct Systems

Dan Carrier, CTP

Vice President U.S. Bank

Chris Hite, Partner

Coreland Companies

Rick McCarthy, Chair/Principal Convene

CPA McCarthy & Associates

Victoria Botka Williams

Freelance Television Director

Janice Munemitsu

Generous Giving Field Team

Bill Yingling

Business Consultant