Ok, I got to experience my first local home show this past week-end here in Batavia.
Care-A-Van Ministries had a booth there. When I first arrived, I had to walk by the inviting hot tub. Now that sure did look relaxing! I got to tell you, Paul is a creative soul. Upon arriving at our booth, the street lights were shining bright. The walls were adorned with pictures of the ministry including the summer picnics that we hold in the local neighborhoods.
Larry Hicks our Donations Director and Paul were busy handing out homemade brownies that were baked by Paul and Bridget. Care-A-Van has become known for its famous brownies which are chocolate with gooey chocolate icing. I confess, I had a “few” over the week-end! I was amazed at the creativity of the other vendors as well. There were many children that were busy working their way around enjoying the candy baskets that adorned many of the booths. I had a great time with Paul and Bridget today. It was so much fun handing out the brownies and sharing God’s love. We had a great week-end sharing and bringing awareness to the community about the ministry.
At the local health department, I got to ask questions about the pesty bats that fly around outside my home. The executive director, Doug, told me that if you wake up to a bat in the home, you really should capture it and have it checked for rabies. The teeth on bats are so small that one may not realize they have been bit while sleeping. Now that gives me chills! As I wandered the concourse, I got to meet some really great people. I want to personally thank each and every one of you for a warm welcome.
There is a lot of organization that goes into putting on such a show. Hats off to the folks who organized such a great event! Oh, and I have another confession. As we were cleaning up, I found the $ 5.00 coupon to try out the Batavia Downs Casino. The wheels were spinning in my mind. Man, can you imagine how many people in Batavia could be fed if I won the jackpot? So yes, I headed up stairs with the $ 5.00 gift coupon in hand.
I learned I had to have my driver’s license with me. So back downstairs I went to get the license. I wandered the area looking for the “lucky” machine. Needless to say, I did not win a dime. As I pushed the buttons, I kept looking around at all the people that were hoping to win big.
It is right then that I stopped and gave thanks. There truly was a winner today. That winner was a woman who the ministry saw on the street Saturday that had many hurts and pains going on in her life. With encouragement from God through Care-A-Van she accepted an invitation to church for this morning. The ministry team picked her up and took her to church at the Assembly of God. Through many tears, and prayers she accepted the Lord as her Savior today. She came to realize that she no longer needs to live her life and put up with the abuse and muck and mire of her life. She learned today that there is a different way of life for her. She learned that there is hope for her and her family. I must say, she was the lucky one. She truly hit the jackpot! The great news is that this is jackpot is available for anyone and the best part is – It is Free!
Thanks again to all of you for a super fun week-end! I look forward to next year.
PS.. If you thought Paul's brownies were good, you should try out the Easter Dinner Care-A-Van is having on Easter Sunday at the Assembly of God church. Paul and Bridget are doing the cooking and baking. The time for the Easter dinner is from 2:00-4:00 PM.
Hey Howard, by the way, I found my camera tonight! So I will try to include pics! One's mouth would be watering with a picture of Paul's brownies!
