Pastor Susan Young and I have had a very busy week at Oasis RMA store. And we both are proud of the end results...
The store is making a difference in Los Banos and is a blessing to this community. I am proud of all of the staff and their hard work! Oasis Rocks!!!!
Imagine losing your entire house of furniture due to a flood, or a earthquake or a fire. A family that finds itself in need has to depend on the kind help of neighbors to get back on its feet. The RMA store is able to help in these terrible conditions for families. It is invaluable to working families, single parents, senior citizens, handicapped men and women.
Los Banos Oasis Role Models of America Store is now ready to serve the people who live here. Merced County is the poorest county in California.... I am proud to be able to help them get their furniture dept set up and ready to go!
The Ladies dept is now complete and ready for the families of Los Banos California to be served. It meets my criteria now....
Someone ask me yesterday 'why are you doing this?' I believe churches that would like to provide answers for their communities should have an Role Models of America store. It is very significant to me to develop stores where families can find gently used affordable clothing, shoes, furniture and provisions for their homes. In the economic challenges of America, RMA stores provides compassionate care for families in need. This store will help Oasis Community Center to reach families with the Gospel while providing for their needs.
Think of those who suffer due to a fire in their house.... or foreclosure happens... or eviction hits them. They lose a job and are forced to find help for their families from somewhere. The working poor are those who are working full time jobs, but are living paycheck to paycheck and have nothing to fall back on for any sort of problem. What happens when the car needs repairs, or the washer goes out, or a child has to go to the doctor? Role Models of America stores helps to provide for the needs of families at extremely low prices, or also a free RMA voucher system while keeping their self esteem intact. This store is completely self supporting and can continue to provide aid to families through donations from the community at large.
So here is what Los Banos women will find when they come to shop......
I can't think of a better way to spend my life, than to help families across America suvive and thrive through the practical provisions of the love of Christ!
Babyland is complete - everything is organized and the staff understands what is expected of them to keep this area cute. Moms on a tight budget will appreciate the value and the tlc that has been put into presenting supplies for them.
The maternity dept is nice, well stocked and ready to help women expecting babies. Our model is expecting 'twins' due anytime!
Plenty to choose from in this newly opened RMA store.
Today will be another big day.... we will be working on the 'kitchen' area - there is a perfect little nook for it. And also the men's dept will get set up and organized so men can easily shop too. They had alot to draw from already - it was just a matter of pulling things together from their stock room, incoming donations and various things already in the store. The basic store design is here already.
A very special thank you to all the staff here at Oasis Community Center for helping me with energetic help. Pastor Susan has a great team to take the RMA vision forward!! I am excited for her.... she will be able to help families in a tangible way with quality goods and in a professional way. This makes me happy!
More to show you tomorrow....
I wanted the Ladies Tea this year to be completely different from every other focus we have had. Last year it was 'Hat's Off to Women' the year before was 'Heavenly Dreams'. So this year my plan was for each leader to create her own table and atmosphere around a woman's life in the Bible. Do you know how many women are listed in scripture? It's interesting for sure....
So the buzz right now in Role Models of America is exciting. Each leader has chosen 3 women to focus on. Each table will be unique and incredibly special I know. Pastor Angela is in charge of the entire event this year. We are planning on our biggest turnout yet. It will be both very inspirational and entertaining as we have 'Tea with Mary and Martha'!!
More about this later.
Yesterday was pure joy! It was time to fill the baskets with toys and stuffed animals.... books and goodies for the Orphanage in Mexico. Missionaries Billie and Willeta Boren were here and my oh my it ws fun. The Lively Hope Children's Home is going to be blessed today.
Games and puzzles, art projects and dolls are sure to thrill the hearts of lonely children without their parents.
It fills my heart with joy to know that little children's eyes that are full of suffering are going to light up when a darling stuffed animal is put in their arms. I can see them now hugging
'theirs'. And their little arms holding tightly to something that is truly theirs.
Leave this basket here and let's go fill another one! I explained to the customers waiting to check out their purchases, 'this is what you are supporting when you shop here'. Everyone was happy to wait a moment, and it was good to let them see RMA in action for themselves. No one got in a hurry - there were 5 people lined up to check out - and they were thrilled to actually witness the gifts going out the door to the Orphanage.
Perfect! Looking for ways to help them learn English, we find 'Hooked on Phonics'. A complete set of books and videos to teach children with.
Garbage bags are filled with delights for kids. And wrapping paper to complete the surprises on Christmas for each child.
Last time they were here, they needed 9 toilets for the new wing built on the Orphanage. Now here are the toilet seats needed! Perfect completion. Take an extra one just in case.
The truck is loaded down with blessings aplenty! With hugs and smiles we said goodbye. To tell you the truth..... I would rather do this than anything else in life! It's so much fun.
Role Models of America - LaPorte has an upcoming Christmas shopping trip. We are looking forward to a great time together - sisters having fun!
We all need personal friendships one with another. I know that this event is going to be a memory making day for every lady who can attend.
Role Model Rhonda was in charge of the massive decorating project at New Life this year. And she did a wonderful job managing all of the details that go into transforming 2 buildings into Christmas. With careful plans, and attention to details way back in October, she undertook the whole event. I understand between the 2 days she directed 40+ women with lunches, music, lots of laughter and fun, ladders, electrical details, ironing, sorting through our many boxes, 2 tree collapses, and lots of conversations with smooth leadership.
When I get a moment to snap some pictures I will show you her creativity. It shows real maturity when I can be out of town and whole teams of Role Models descend and magically turn these huge buildings around in 2 days. I am so proud of my ladies..... and so very appreciative of Rhonda's abilities.
When I returned and saw the professionally done decorations.... I was told 'you trained us.... we should be doing this now'. Role Models of Texas I love you all, and Rhonda you are a star!!!
Rhonda is a great singer, musician, hostess, decorator, teacher and friend. I love you and thank you for being my right arm last week!
