Gains from loss…
Our journey through grief has led to many gifts in this life we now lead.
This week I watched as young people gathered together to help paint and restore donated furniture not knowing the story, yet willing to serve. I listened as my friend and servant, Dana, told the journey of how Restore Decor came to be. She had a vision to help others through restoring donated furniture and taking the profits to give back to our community. She shared her thoughts that led to a location donated, to try out the concept she felt in her heart. No money and volunteers needed is where most non-profits begin. When an idea is overwhelmingly placed in your heart you have a choice, to do it or not. She did. The word began to work and volunteers stepped up. Restore Decor opened it’s doors as many prayed. She offered to tithe back to the church that so graciously offered her the space to begin. Not knowing if it would be ten percent of one dollar or one hundred dollars, the offer was made and graciously accepted. At the end of the first year the tithe was an amazing ten thousand dollars!
I listened as she explained an amazing journey to student volunteers.
Restore Decor’ was designed to be be the fundraising arm for “Faith Coalition”. “Faith Coalition is a Christian organization united in love and truth. Their mission is to be Christ’s hands and feet in our local community and beyond. Our goal is for our area (Edwardsville / GlenCarbon, IL) community of churches, united through Christ, to be one body with many members in selected common missions.”
Faith Coalition began restoring a home for Habitat for Humanity. Restore Decor’ helped fund this project that eventually sold with enough profit to begin three more homes! See more about this awesome group at http://faithcoalitionedwardsville.com
Restore Decor supports many organizations through its Saturday sales each month. Chosen to Shine, formed in memory of our son, Connor and his good friend Jordan has been fortunate to witness and be a part of the growth and servant attitude of all that volunteer at RD! Their support helps keep our non profit going throughout the year and offers opportunity for our members to volunteer for yet a greater gift of serving others! If you would like to help out or visit restore decor please find more information here: http://www.restoredecoredwardsville.com
Chosen to Shine has a mission. It is To give young adults (high school, college age and their parents) hope for their future through faith, fellowship, music and motivation, with opportunity to serve others, leaving everyone in the knowledge that they matter and are chosen to shine!
Serve Him IN Everything! Chosen to Shine offers a summer retreat, Chosen Palooza concert, opportunities to serve locally and internationally and other group events. Please visit our Facebook page or website at http://chosentoshine.org
Tomorrow, October 1st from 8am to 3pm is Chosen to Shine day at Restore Decor’! Hope to see you there!
Never stop looking up!
MamaC
Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. 1 John 2:7-8
