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Thursday, June 24th, 2010 I love working at APPLE! I recently celebrated my one-year anniversary on staff, and I can’t tell you how many times I have told different people how much I love being here. One of the biggest blessings is seeing God at work in this ministry, seeing how He provides what is needed at just the right time. It is a common occurance to see staff members praying for the Center and for our clients. Last Monday, Georgette and I were spending part of our lunch break in prayer, and one of us asked that we would receive diaper donations since we were low on the larger sizes. The next day a huge donation came in from a local church which included numerous cases of much-needed diapers as well as other supplies. Later that afternoon, another donation came from a classroom that had had a unit on fetal development and then “spiritually adopted” our ministry. They threw a baby shower for us and brought in boxes of baby needs---what generosity, and what an example of Christ’s body! Sometimes we receive donations that contain larger sizes of clothing than we normally keep on hand (due to limited storage space), and somehow it is just what a client needs. Yesterday, we were able to give a new client a couple pairs of shoes for her older boys who needed them. Call that a coincidence if you like----we sure seem to have lots of them around here! Pam Marucheck Volunteer Coordinator |
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Monday, June 14, 2010 I've been missing writing the weekly blog, but no one has noticed it seems! I thought I'd send along some APPLE news this morning to keep you updated. Our "Non-Event" is going well with over 100 responses and over $6,000 raised to date. We still hope more will respond - as there is no time limit of course! We've received lots of comments and our supporters have really enjoyed our brown bag lunch non-picnic this year. We're so glad - thanks for your thoughts and comments as you send in donations to support APPLE through the summer months. We're planning the Walk for Saturday, Sept. 18th and are hoping to make some big changes this year. We hope to draw in many more walkers. Watch for more information to come. We've had some difficult and unusual client situations in the last week - which is what we're here for. We're also in summer mode which means staff and volunteers are taking some time off so we're short staffed quite a lot these days. Please remember to pray for the Center. We so appreciate all of our "friends" out there. Melinda |
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May 6th, 2010 We have a gorgeous bouquet of flowers in our office this week with a note that reads "Congratulations on 29 years". May 1st is our 29th Anniversary ministering to the Chippewa Valley. Incredible. I'm so thankful for all the ways APPLE has cared for people in those years. *For the children who were born because their mothers chose life *For the hundreds of women who have gone through post-abortion counseling and who found healing and peace *For men who come and learn to be better partners and fathers *For the thousands of students who have heard the message of healthy relationships and sexual self-control *For the generous and faithful partners who support the Center financially, in prayer, and with donations of clothing, furniture, diapers, time and so much more *For the hundreds of stories - each person who comes to us is an individual who needs help, a friend, information, someone who listens, material help, and so much more. The client's stories are so amazing and we are looking forward to continue service here at APPLE. Melinda Gardner |
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Thursday, April 8th, 2010 We had two young women walk in the office this afternoon - one needed a pregnancy test. Her friend brought her here today. She was a former client who came here over a year ago when she was pregnant. She told her friend that she wasn't sure if they could get a pregnancy test (they did of course) but she knew we would help and listen and understand. We were thrilled to see her and catch up on her life. To encourage her. To offer on-going care. It's amazing how "hungry" for love, compassion, understanding, and connection our young people are in this culture. They want someone to be there for them. So we are. Melinda |
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Who Cares About Chili Powder? |
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Wednesday, March 31, 2010 After working for a nationally-known spice company for almost twenty years, I started questioning where I was going in this part-time job. Okay, so maybe I'm a little slow and avoid change...after all I've been married to the same guy for 35 years, have lived in Eau Claire for that exact amount of time, and have lived in the same house for 32 years. I'm not big on change! Talk about God's timing! I had been an APPLE Volunteer for 10 years and loved being involved in the pregnancy care ministry, so I decided to call Melinda and let her know I was interested in working at APPLE. The Board had just discussed the need for more staff, and I began my new "job" in June 2009. I am amazed daily at God's grace and His providence, and I'm so thankful He has blessed me with this opportunity to serve Him at APPLE. It is gratifying to be doing His work here in this office and to be doing something that makes a difference in people's lives. What took me so long?... Pam Marucheck, APPLE Volunteer Coordinator Director's Note: Pam will be starting a new Volunteer Training on April 6th. There's still time to call and register. Is it time for YOU to make that call? Melinda Gardner |
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