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WFCM eNews -  December 2011 Edition  

Our Mission: "As an expression of God's love and an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries provides life essential support to those needing our assistance."

CONTACT
INFORMATION

Mailing Address
PO Box 220802
Chantilly, VA 20153 

Office & Food Pantry
13981 Metrotech Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151

Thrift Store
13989 Metrotech Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151

Tel: (703) 988-9656
Fax: (703) 988-9655

 info@wfcmva.org  
 

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GAS CARDS  

Many of our clients cannot afford to purchase gasoline. If you are able to assist, please deliver cards to our main office location.

 

Thank you so much for your continued support!  


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Greetings!  

Welcome to the December 2011 edition of WFCM's eNews. We provide this newsletter to keep you, our loyal friends and supporters, involved and aware as to what God is doing in and through WFCM. We also use this as an opportunity to THANK YOU for your continued prayers, volunteerism and support! God bless each and every one of you this joyous Christmas season!   

 


Director's Corner

 

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

 

Reflecting back, 2011 has been a year of so many blessings:   

 

  • Though we closed our second office, we were able to take the funds and re-direct them for client services.  
  • Our food pantry stayed busy, serving thousands of individuals with over 31,000 bags of groceries.  
  • Our store got a "facelift" and produced steady revenue to help with our operating costs in the pantry and office.  
  • 14 clients graduated from our Financial Peace University budgeting class.  
  • Our 4th Annual Fellowship Dinner, held on October 14, brought $86,000 in gifts and pledges thanks in full to the generosity of our supporters (such as you--thank you!). 
  • We were blessed with over 100 volunteers giving thousands of hours of service this year.  
  • Our new website is beautiful, more user-friendly and offers more detailed information on WFCM, such as statistics, client stories and how we serve our clients. Please take a few minutes to look at our website...we would love to hear your feedback.

 

We look forward to next year, as 2012 will be a celebration of our 25th YEAR of service to the western Fairfax community! We will continue to provide basic needs for those seeking our help, as an expression of God's love, just as our mission statement declares. Come alongside us as we continue to grow and serve the needy in our own community neighborhood. We appreciate your support and we NEED you!

 

May you have a wonderful Christmas, and a blessed new year.

In Christ,

melissa

Melissa Jansen
Executive Director
 

Client Testimony: Fernando

  

On April 28, 2011, Fernando, a WFCM client, was rushed to INOVA Fair Oaks hospital emergency room. The doctors found that his platelets were extremely low...in fact, the next day they were at zero. All analysis and blood tests-- including the possibility of cancer--came out negative. Without knowing the cause of the problem, treatment commenced. On May 20, his spleen was removed and on June 10, his colon was removed due to bacterial infection. In both operations, doctors could not assure an outcome because of the excessive amount of blood loss involved. He received blood and platelet transfusions daily throughout two months. With each day that passed, doctors could not believe that Fernando was still alive. Through the grace of God, he was.

 

Arrangements were made for his two sons, whom he had not seen in 8 years, to come from Puerto Rico and spend some time with him. And finally, on July 7, he was transferred to INOVA Mount Vernon Rehabilitation Center, where he began the process of sitting up alone, standing and ultimately walking again.

 

From the beginning and throughout these long months, Fernando's family and friends, church and WFCM have held him up in prayer before our Lord Jesus Christ.  God in His mercy has worked miracle after miracle in him, revealing His awesome power and faithfulness. Fernando has one more operation that will take place in early January 2012. We continue to pray for his healing and that God be glorified in every step of the way.       

 


Client Testimony: Julia

  

Julia has been out of work for one year, and says she is very thankful for the generous Thanksgiving basket she received from WFCM. In this season of giving, she was able to share her basket with her family. Her grandson really loved the cookies. Julia was even able to re-package some food to give her fellow students in the medical training program she attends. Finally, Julia froze some leftover turkey for the cold days of winter ahead.       

Praise and Thanksgiving!

  • Praise God for our Lord Jesus, as HE is the reason for this truly blessed season!
  • Praise God for the ongoing work of the local churches and community to fill our shelves for those who will need food this winter.   
  • We are thankful for those in our local community who sponsored (700+) families participating in our Christmas Holiday Assistance Program.  
  • We are so very thankful for ALL our volunteers, who are led to serve both in large and small ways here in the ministry.
  • We are thankful for such a loving and hard-working staff and board of directors.  

Prayers

  • We pray for those who deal with loneliness during the holidays, that they would know Christ, His love and peace.
  • We pray for those who are traveling during the holidays; that their journeys are safe and their times are joyous. 
  • We pray that we keep the true meaning of Christmas in our hearts during this festive time of year.   
  • We pray for the continued health and strength of our clients, staff, board and volunteers, as well as our and their walk with the Lord.
  • We continue to pray for all who are suffering physically, emotionally and/or financially.       

MOST URGENT Volunteer Needs 

While we are always in need of volunteer support, the needs expressed here are those that are most critical only.

For a printable flyer of these needs, please click  HERE!
 
FOOD PANTRY

There are no needs at this time. 

  

THRIFT STORE
Regular weekly volunteers needed Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Thursdays from 1:00pm to 6:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

FURNITURE MINISTRY
One volunteer needed to help move furniture that will be given to clients in need.

For more information, please contact our Volunteer Manager, Annette Bosley, or please feel free to visit our website.

  

Most Urgent Food Pantry Needs 

These items are listed in order of need (greatest being at the top, least being at the bottom).

Click HERE for printable shopping lists for you and two friends!

Food/Beverages
  • Oil (48 oz. or smaller)
  • Juice (64 oz. or smaller)
  • Pancake Syrup
  • Dry Milk 
  • Jelly 
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard      

Toiletries (NOTE: toiletry items cannot be purchased by our clients with their food stamps) 

  • Deodorant
  • Diapers (sizes 5 & 6)          

Most Urgent Thrift Store Needs

Currently, we need:

  • Winter Coats - ALL SIZES
  • Baby Clothes 

Thrift Store Sales Calendar

There will be some excellent post-Christmas sales that you do NOT want to miss.  Please stop in and see us...you can always find a great deal at the WFCM Thrift Store!   

 

Click HERE for a PDF of the JANUARY 2012 sales calendar...keep one copy and give the other to a friend!   


This calendar can also be found on our website. Simply scroll down...the calendar is on the bottom left of the home page and it's interactive!