APRIL 2016

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

One of the reasons I love Be the Gift and those involved is because everyone is always trying to do their best for our single mom families, at the projects, in their giving and the list goes on. It occurred to me that the BTG family is always going the extra mile. As you know the expression "The extra mile" refers to acts of service for others that go beyond what is required or expected. The phrase is used everywhere in the world and yet it comes from Jesus in Matthew 5:41, "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." Jesus was referring to a Roman law that a traveling Roman soldier can demand that a stranger carry his pack for 1,000 paces...a roman mile. Unfair and unjust not only because that pack can weigh up to 100 pounds, but they would be forced to drop their farming equipment, carpentry tools, fishing nets while losing hours of work in the process. The law allowed the soldier to demand from them a mile, no more. Yet Jesus told his followers to walk two or go the extra mile.

Why? Jesus knows there must be something special in that second mile. You see the first mile everyone is looked upon or forced to participate. You go the first mile out of requirement or duty. But those that go the second or the extra mile is because of character and dedication. The second mile is out of love or the smile mile.

The second mile is the witness. It comes from commitment and a spirit of giving...from the Spirit of Jesus. Here I go again and ask how does this apply to us today as a Christian community? Well in many ways the first mile is walked on Sunday morning, while the second mile is walked in people lives all around us. The first mile is crowded while the second mile is full of those that understand what Matthew 5:41 is all about. Hey friends. go the extra mile.

This month is dedicated to honoring all of the volunteers in our communities

VOLUNTEERS do not necessarily have the time, but they do have the HEART.

They want to be part of something larger than themselves. They want to be part of something they're really proud of, that they'll fight for, sacrifice for and trust. We celebrate and appreciate all volunteers, but are especially grateful for those who have offered themselves to BTG. They are the "heartbeat" of what we do and we rely almost solely on our volunteers to help us achieve our mission. They actively demonstrate compassion, selflessness and their lives change lives every week.

Join our Be the Gift community to help with a future project for a Single Mom Family. We utilize volunteers from all skill levels. If you are a professional contractor, a handy man or just someone with a willing heart that has no specific experience, there is a place for you.

When we are not doing home repair, our volunteers help us host holiday and summer parties.

We are blessed with such wonderful friends who donate time, energy and resources.

So to each of you we express a sincere THANK YOU. God bless you in your endeavors and Service!!. Love and God Bless... Chris and Marilyn

Join us for our 6th Annual Motorcycle Ride to benefit our Single Mom Family home repair projects. If you ride and live in Denver or Northern CO, we invite you to participate in this event.We will do a poker run with fun games at each of the 5 STOPS.

Start Location:Thunder Mountain Harley Davidson 4250 Byrd Drive--Loveland, CO.

Registration: 8:30 am (last bike out at 9:30). Register day of event or Pre-Register online. Pre-register here

Cost: Donation for the goal of repairing homes for 10 Single Mom's and their amazing children

Lunch Location: Free Lunch and Silent auction following the ride. Fairground Park--700 Railroad Ave in Loveland. ALL are welcome. Please put it on your calendar and plan to attend. Great people raising money for a great cause.

For more information just contact us or visit our website
If you cannot attend- please consider making a donation.