FOLLOW UP TO: Please Help Us Help a Tulsa Family in Need

John 15:15-17 - "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other."

A little over a week ago, Greg and I were led to make a difference in the lives of a Tulsa family after hearing their story on the Dr. Oz Show. A few days after making this decision and asking for you help, I heard the song "I Refuse" by Josh Wilson. Here are part of the lyrics that helped me confirm that we were doing the right thing:

"Sometimes I, I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright
When I know they're not
This world needs God, but it's easier to stand and watch
I could pray a prayer and just move on
Like nothing's wrong

But I refuse

I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
I could choose not to move
But I refuse"

You can listen to the song with lyrics at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_m2FkisN98


We know that God heard our prayers, and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your generous gifts to the White Family. We are overwhelmed and humbled by your willingness to help. Without those that responded with gifts and prayers to our first post, this Miracle would not have been a reality. These two verses were in my head all week as we gathered items to give to this very deserving family.

• John 14:13-15 - "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
• Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

So, just by simply asking, here is what we collected in 9 short days and delivered to the White Family today (Sunday, Dec 11th):

• Letter of Encouragement
• 1,100 Food Items donated by the students at Booker T. Washington High School
• Multiple other Food and Toiletry Item Donations
• 3 Soccer Balls and an Air Pump
• 2 Basketballs
• Coupon Binder with Couponing Tips, Coupons to get started, Toiletry Items purchased while Couponing, and a $10 Gas Card
• 7 Free Meals at Burn Co BBQ
• http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=39&articleid=20110331_455_WK5_CUTLIN391854&allcom=1
• 7 Free Dozen Cupcakes at Beth's Bakery
• http://www.facebook.com/bethsbakerytulsa
• 1 Hour Free Photo Session with a disk of edited pictures by Travis Hall Photography
• http://travishallphoto.com/#/page/c0b8/places/
• Cash: $1,000
• Gift Cards:
• Dick's Sporting Goods: $100
• The Hamlet: $50
• Spa Lux: $100
• Wal-Mart: $970
• Quick Trip: $205
• Visa Card: $100
• Louie's Bar & Grill: $50

Meeting the White family and hearing their entire story was a very rewarding experience. The items we were able to deliver to them was a bonus. This grateful family is just like yours and mine. They work hard, they love their kids, they love God, and they are doing the best that they can to get by. We visited with them for about an hour and we left with a smile in our hearts and new friends for life.

No one knew this at the time, but the song that I mentioned at the top of this post played on the radio as we were there talking to the family. Again, it was God's way of showing me that He was there and that we did the right thing.