The very amazing Body of Christ came through in every way as we ministered to our Johnston and Wake County neighbors this Christmas season. Children canvassed their neighborhoods, youth groups did toy drives, Sunday School classes shopped, businesses gathered toys and resources, but all pulled together to make the unique WLFJ December experience a special one for our honored guests. It never grows old to hear the laughter and excitement as moms and dads find that special something for their child.

Two volunteers used the place of their own grief to share with our honored guests about the need to be sure they were right with Jesus. Both volunteers stood by their moms this month as they slipped into eternity. With the memories fresh on their minds, both shared the urgency of not putting off until tomorrow this huge and most important decision. As a result of sharing, several guests prayed to receive Christ. God is always redeeming and working through our own life experiences including grief and heartache to draw others to Himself. Both of these volunteers would tell you that it was their honor and privilege to get to share.

Carlos came to WLFJ to shop and met a volunteer who invited him to attend her church. He’s been walking with the Lord, attending church regularly, and was recently baptized at his new church. It was a tremendous blessing for Carlos to find a church family. It was a beautiful encouragement for the volunteer to see her service at WLFJ and her church blend into one.

It seems that in our Johnston County building, God has been at work meeting unusual medical needs. Annie was recently in an accident and needed several different medical supplies. The volunteers were able to meet every request. Valerie came wearing a surgical boot. As she was shopping, the volunteer in receiving–not aware of the need– noticed a surgical boot in the warehouse and decided to place it in the bonus area. Valerie was wearing a boot that was too small but she couldn’t afford another one. She spotted this one in bonus and it was a perfect fit. Amazing God!!

Recently on a Sunday in Johnston County there were so many donations to give away that we had to extend outside the building. Honored guests were blessed to hunt and pick among the bonus items to receive more treasures to take home. It was especially fun for us to remember back more than 19 years ago to our small beginnings. Serving the community from our garages and often using yard sale signs to draw people is exactly how WLFJ began! The Body of Christ–then and now–had many opportunities to talk and share for an extended time with honored guests.

She was dressed in her business attire and came into the Johnston County facility at the end of a public day. The resource needed on this day was prayer. For weeks as she shopped for essentials for her family she had also had volunteers pray for her a job. On this day, she had a job interview. She left the prospective employer and came straight to receive prayer. We love watching those God sends to us get on their feet and move ahead with Jesus and a new future.

Iris is dealing with debilitating back pain and asked for prayer.  Heather recently had a stoke and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She has many surgeries ahead of her but was very thankful for those who prayed for her. Many of our honored guests are dealing with huge health issues. We are very thankful to be able to take these needs to our Great, Almighty, Healing God!

Cedar Productions Studio did their annual fundraiser and tithed from their proceeds to WLFJ.  They decided to take the tithe and purchase needed food items to bless our Johnston County outreach.  As the volunteer was shopping for the food, she miscalculated the amount of goods she could purchase and at the checkout had to set a large number of items aside.  As she and the cashier were chatting, she shared that she was buying it for WLFJ.  The lady in line behind her told her to keep the items and she would pay for them.  We received nearly double what we should have as a result of God’s amazing redeeming of a “mistake” and blessing back Cedar Productions Studio for being a vessel of blessing to us.