Since receiving the huge donation of food and supplies in mid-January from the grocery store that had the fire Supplying Needs has been able to give out half the food in a matter of 3 short weeks. The food has gone to 7 churches who reach out to their community and some have come back multiple times to pick up the donated items. Supplying Needs has also been able to directly give food to 9 families.
Here are some testimonies:
One church has been giving food out in a time of need to their congregation. The pastor was praying and planning to open up the food pantry to the public this March of 2010. He had been praying for God to open doors for them to start receiving food when he got our call. When we arrived the Pastor had said this was an answer to pray.
Another church had given almost all their food out in November and December and were strategizing how they could get more food for those in need when we called. They came by to the office building that was donated to us for one month and took as much as they could fit in their vehicles.
Another pastor had just moved to Stockton from San Fransisco looking for cheaper rent. He saw there was such a need here that he started helping his surrounding area. We were connected to this pastor through a man that does Celebrate Recovery at one of the churches we give to. The first week we gave food to him he had two or three families by the next week he had a list of ten families that were in need of food and clothing.
One church we give to helps 60 people per week and another church over 300 people.
God continues to blow us away with His timing and His strategic planning to connect us with churches who have a heart to help the poor, hungry and lost.
On a final note we just learned that Stockton is number 4 in the nation of hungry people.
There is such a need here in the City of Stockton.
Please pray for:
1) The people of Stockton
A) They would come to a knowledge and salvation in Christ Jesus
B) Their needs would be met (clothes, food, shelter)
2) We are seeing now we need a warehouse more that ever. Please pray God would provide one for Supplying Needs
3) That food, clothing, toys, furniture, and building supplies would continue to pour in so we can be a solution to the city of Stockton and to the San Joaquin County.
God Bless,
The Butlers
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Photo's of the Huge Donation of Food from the Fire!!!
Photo's of God's blessing!!!
Inside ONE out of two of our Storage Units.
Food in the truck piled high!!
More food in the truck!
Two Big card board bins full of food!!!
Monday, January 25, 2010
A fire that turned into a blessing!!!
So Joel and I had gone to over 60 grocery stores in 3 cities. One of the grocery stores in September/October said they would give to us. We put a plastic bin with Supplying Needs name on it and our phone number. We called every few weeks and went in a couple of times. But every time they said no no we will call you. Over and over they said no no we will call you.
Last Wednesday we get two calls during bible study from a number that we did not recognize. AFter bible study Joel called them back. It happened to be the same grocery store that said yes but never gave to us. They said they had a fire in their store and needed us to come pick up food. Joel asked if we needed the mini-bus or the truck. They didn't know but thought the truck would be best. We went there and as soon as we got out of the vehicle they asked us where our flash lights were. I ran to the nearest store and bought 4 flash lights. At the store the owner took us on a tour of the grocery store in the dark. We went up and down the aisles as the owner told us to take EVERYTHING. I mean everything. Then he asked if it was only Joel and I and where our help was. We didn't have any help. We called as many people we could think of. And after a few hours the youth pastor from our Church was able to leave work and come help us. HUGE HUGE HUGE HELP.
During this time we were wondering where we were going to put all this food. I wasn't worried I knew that if God had this planned out he would plan where the food needed to go.
The first day we loaded the truck from the top to the bottom FULL of dry and canned goods. And we had only been able to get clear 4 aisles.
We rented a 10x20 storage unit and got the first month for free. We unloaded it all the next day into the storage unit. Then went back on Friday to load more from the grocery store. We filled the truck up once again with as much as we could fit. On Friday we had a friend of ours come help of an hour. She heard Joel and I talking about renting another storage unit because there was no way we had enough room in the one we were renting. She said she had connections and called a friend whose husband owns a strip mall full of offices. Her husband approved us to be there for one month FREE OF CHARGE. Saturday we went to the place and unloaded our once again FULL TRUCK.
Today (Monday) we loaded the rest of the items. Look at God. He is so good.
And the guy that called us about the fire at the grocery store didn't even know us. When we mentioned the guy that had approved us he asked how we knew his brother. The only thing the guy had or knew of us was our one plastic bin with our name and phone number on it. We praise God and look forward to giving all the food out free of charge so we can spread the love of Christ and share what God does in the lives of people today!!!
TO GOD BE THE GLORY,
The Butlers
Monday, December 14, 2009
TRUCK COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU . . . . ..
YEAH YEAH AND YEAH!!!!!
Just to update you Supplying Needs has been donated a refrigerated box truck!!! Can you believe it. Thank you Jesus. A dear friend of ours that we met through Friend Ships emailed us and asked if we would want a refrigerated box truck. We said YES!!! We really need one. WE just needed to get it to Stockton. So through months of researching and talking with the owner we came to the agreement for Joel to fly to Lake Charles Louisiana and drive it back to Stockton. Yeah yeah and yeah.
Joel is leaving this Wednesday December 16th. He will be gone for over a week. Joel and I decided that I should stay back to be on call. We still have a grocery store that is thinking about giving us food on a consistent basis. Which is fine with me. I mean I am super sad that I cannot go and see all my friends and loved ones in Lake Charles (where we did mission work with Friend Ships for 4 years.) But I have peace and know that it is for the better good of our ministry.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS (for us getting this truck)? It means we can ask wholesalers for donations. That we can pick up pallets of donations instead of just boxes of donations. Either way we say Thank you Jesus when we do get a donation no matter big or small. But with this we can go to the bigger companies.
Okay so all we need now is a warehouse. Please be praying that a warehouse (with refrigeration) would open for us.
We love all ya'll very much.
GLORY TO GOD,
The Butlers
PS. The dog on the truck was put on there by the owner in an email. We told the owner our desire to stay behind the scenes (incognito) and he photo-shopped the dog on. It is pretty funny!!!
Just to update you Supplying Needs has been donated a refrigerated box truck!!! Can you believe it. Thank you Jesus. A dear friend of ours that we met through Friend Ships emailed us and asked if we would want a refrigerated box truck. We said YES!!! We really need one. WE just needed to get it to Stockton. So through months of researching and talking with the owner we came to the agreement for Joel to fly to Lake Charles Louisiana and drive it back to Stockton. Yeah yeah and yeah.
Joel is leaving this Wednesday December 16th. He will be gone for over a week. Joel and I decided that I should stay back to be on call. We still have a grocery store that is thinking about giving us food on a consistent basis. Which is fine with me. I mean I am super sad that I cannot go and see all my friends and loved ones in Lake Charles (where we did mission work with Friend Ships for 4 years.) But I have peace and know that it is for the better good of our ministry.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS (for us getting this truck)? It means we can ask wholesalers for donations. That we can pick up pallets of donations instead of just boxes of donations. Either way we say Thank you Jesus when we do get a donation no matter big or small. But with this we can go to the bigger companies.
Okay so all we need now is a warehouse. Please be praying that a warehouse (with refrigeration) would open for us.
We love all ya'll very much.
GLORY TO GOD,
The Butlers
Our newest addition to Supplying Needs!
PS. The dog on the truck was put on there by the owner in an email. We told the owner our desire to stay behind the scenes (incognito) and he photo-shopped the dog on. It is pretty funny!!!Saturday, December 05, 2009
It's like the Cash Cab but you can call it the Jesus Cab
So Joel and I believe in helping people because God helped us and loves us. And one way we like to do this is to pick people up on the side of the road that are in trouble. Don't get me wrong we don't pick everyone up but we do it when we feel lead by God. This past week we have picked up two people that have just made us smile.
The first one was the day after America Thanksgiving (just so you American's know Canadians have a different thanksgiving, Any way) so Joel and I were driving to the mail to drop off a package. On the side walk in downtown Stockton we saw a young man wave his arms frantically trying to get someone to pick him up. Both Joel and I thought he may have to go to the hospital. Joel pulls over and asked what is up. He said he needed a ride but it was an hour away. We agreed. (I was for sure praying silently that God would protect us, because I mean come one who is this guy) Turns out he didn't need to go to the Hospital but (get this) TO HIS WEDDING!!! Can you believe it. He flew to LA to do a skateboard show then drove up to go to his wedding. He stopped in Stockton (for who knows what, Joel and I still do know what) and he parked in a Cops Car only zone and got his car towed. He asked the cops if they could take him to the wedding but they said they are not a cab. He went out to the side walk and started to have a panic attack for his wedding was in 3 hours. And he didn't know how he was going to get there. He actually lives in New York and flew for his wedding. Any way needless to say he wasn't a killer and was really a nice guy. He goes around the nation and world to skateboard. He said he is not a famous one but does open acts for the famous professional skateboarders. He was taken back by our kindness and we explained that it was the God in us and asked if he knew Jesus. He said that he knows Jesus and that his Dad is a real example to him.
We got him to his destination and he emailed us and said thanks and will send us Pics of his wedding later. Pretty crazy eh. It is funny because of a few reasons 1) Joel and I have been praying that God would use us to help people 2) I actually slept in that morning and felt it was okay by God to do so. 3) We stopped at the library and we were going to the post office 4) the guy had only been standing on the corner for 10 minutes. Our paths crossed at the perfect time. So God's timing is so perfect.
My next adventure was without Joel. Last night I went to women's group. I was waiting in the car for the church to be unlocked and had this huge urgency to go the Laundromat to see our Friend John to talk about Prayer. The urgency just would not leave me. So I bailed women's group and went to see John. When I got out of the car and at the Laundromat this women startled me. She was bawling and said her daughter was dropped off at a person's house and she just had to get there. She seemed frazzled yet not frazzled. It was weird. So I talked John into going with me because 1) I had no idea where the streets were and 2) I just didn't trust her.
When we got in the car she reaked of alcohol. On the way there I get this boldness that I don't experience very often and asked very boldly if she knew Jesus she said yes that she prayed to him every day because it was good or the right thing to do. The boldness came after she said that and I said no you need to have a true relationship with Jesus because he has a purpose for you. YOu were not made by accident and you have to ask Jesus what He wants you to do in life because he has something just for you. She started crying more and said started saying things about her life and how it wasn't so good and I said that doesn't matter God loves you and wants a personal relationship with you where you talk to him and he talks to you.
She said she understood.
When I took John back to the Laundromat it didn't seem so important what I was going to talk to him about any more.
On the way back home I started to think that when People got in Joel's and my car they didn't know what they had just gotten themselves into like the game show Cash Cab. But with Cash cab the money they won would be gone in no time. (Oh the cash cab is a cab that is New York that is a game show in the cab and you don't know you are getting into it. You have to answer questions until you get to your destination and if you miss 3 they kick you out at that spot you missed the last question and you get no money. If you answer the questions correctly you get the money you earned from each question you answer right.) But What Joel and I have to offer people can last for all eternity. So I was thinking we need to be called "The Jesus Cab"
Life is just too much fun with Jesus. There is never a boring moment.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
The Jesus Cab,
The Butlers
The first one was the day after America Thanksgiving (just so you American's know Canadians have a different thanksgiving, Any way) so Joel and I were driving to the mail to drop off a package. On the side walk in downtown Stockton we saw a young man wave his arms frantically trying to get someone to pick him up. Both Joel and I thought he may have to go to the hospital. Joel pulls over and asked what is up. He said he needed a ride but it was an hour away. We agreed. (I was for sure praying silently that God would protect us, because I mean come one who is this guy) Turns out he didn't need to go to the Hospital but (get this) TO HIS WEDDING!!! Can you believe it. He flew to LA to do a skateboard show then drove up to go to his wedding. He stopped in Stockton (for who knows what, Joel and I still do know what) and he parked in a Cops Car only zone and got his car towed. He asked the cops if they could take him to the wedding but they said they are not a cab. He went out to the side walk and started to have a panic attack for his wedding was in 3 hours. And he didn't know how he was going to get there. He actually lives in New York and flew for his wedding. Any way needless to say he wasn't a killer and was really a nice guy. He goes around the nation and world to skateboard. He said he is not a famous one but does open acts for the famous professional skateboarders. He was taken back by our kindness and we explained that it was the God in us and asked if he knew Jesus. He said that he knows Jesus and that his Dad is a real example to him.
We got him to his destination and he emailed us and said thanks and will send us Pics of his wedding later. Pretty crazy eh. It is funny because of a few reasons 1) Joel and I have been praying that God would use us to help people 2) I actually slept in that morning and felt it was okay by God to do so. 3) We stopped at the library and we were going to the post office 4) the guy had only been standing on the corner for 10 minutes. Our paths crossed at the perfect time. So God's timing is so perfect.
My next adventure was without Joel. Last night I went to women's group. I was waiting in the car for the church to be unlocked and had this huge urgency to go the Laundromat to see our Friend John to talk about Prayer. The urgency just would not leave me. So I bailed women's group and went to see John. When I got out of the car and at the Laundromat this women startled me. She was bawling and said her daughter was dropped off at a person's house and she just had to get there. She seemed frazzled yet not frazzled. It was weird. So I talked John into going with me because 1) I had no idea where the streets were and 2) I just didn't trust her.
When we got in the car she reaked of alcohol. On the way there I get this boldness that I don't experience very often and asked very boldly if she knew Jesus she said yes that she prayed to him every day because it was good or the right thing to do. The boldness came after she said that and I said no you need to have a true relationship with Jesus because he has a purpose for you. YOu were not made by accident and you have to ask Jesus what He wants you to do in life because he has something just for you. She started crying more and said started saying things about her life and how it wasn't so good and I said that doesn't matter God loves you and wants a personal relationship with you where you talk to him and he talks to you.
She said she understood.
When I took John back to the Laundromat it didn't seem so important what I was going to talk to him about any more.
On the way back home I started to think that when People got in Joel's and my car they didn't know what they had just gotten themselves into like the game show Cash Cab. But with Cash cab the money they won would be gone in no time. (Oh the cash cab is a cab that is New York that is a game show in the cab and you don't know you are getting into it. You have to answer questions until you get to your destination and if you miss 3 they kick you out at that spot you missed the last question and you get no money. If you answer the questions correctly you get the money you earned from each question you answer right.) But What Joel and I have to offer people can last for all eternity. So I was thinking we need to be called "The Jesus Cab"
Life is just too much fun with Jesus. There is never a boring moment.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
The Jesus Cab,
The Butlers
Thursday, November 19, 2009
What is REAL FAITH??
Joel and I have been discussing today "What is real faith" and are we acting on faith or our resources that we have in front of us? Are we believing God or will we truly believe God when our provision runs out?
It is really quit frustrating with no clear answer for those questions at the moment.
As of now we have been to three cities/towns and have approached all the grocery stores we can get our hands on. The number keeps going up with the grocers that are throwing away good food that could feed people. It is really heart breaking. We know that God could move on the hearts of the grocers and wah-lah we would be getting food coming out of our ears. But we have realized with God giving us the revelation that He is trying to teach us something or somethingS.
WE got a yes yesterday from small grocer that doesn't have much in the way of product but they would like to start giving us Dairy, deli, and other refrigerated items. YEAH!!! Lord please let them call soon!!
By the end of December we will officially have a refrigerated box truck in Supplying Needs name!! YEAH GO GOD!!! WE just need to get it here (because it is in Louisiana). It is complicated. SO there are many ways we could get it here but at this point we are wondering if it is by faith we are trying to get it here or by our own hand. Ahhh all frustarting. We have a lot of options but still we are praying and seeking God. There are a few options we don't have peace about and there are others we are tossing about. So hm GOD WHAT DO WE DO? WE really don't want to do it by our own strength but we don't have an abusolute clear direction.
Today we might approach a grocery store for the ump-teenth time. I am nervous, Joel is determined. WE make a great team don't we. :) heheh
SO that is about it. We love all ya'll very much.
May you have a wonderful American Thanksgiving remembering all that God has blessed you with this holiday. And as a song from VeggieTales goes:
"Because a thankful heart is a happy heart. I am glad for what I have THAT'S AN EASY WAY TO START!!!"
Love all ya'll,
the Butlers
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen;
it gives us assurance about things we can not see.
It is really quit frustrating with no clear answer for those questions at the moment.
As of now we have been to three cities/towns and have approached all the grocery stores we can get our hands on. The number keeps going up with the grocers that are throwing away good food that could feed people. It is really heart breaking. We know that God could move on the hearts of the grocers and wah-lah we would be getting food coming out of our ears. But we have realized with God giving us the revelation that He is trying to teach us something or somethingS.
WE got a yes yesterday from small grocer that doesn't have much in the way of product but they would like to start giving us Dairy, deli, and other refrigerated items. YEAH!!! Lord please let them call soon!!
By the end of December we will officially have a refrigerated box truck in Supplying Needs name!! YEAH GO GOD!!! WE just need to get it here (because it is in Louisiana). It is complicated. SO there are many ways we could get it here but at this point we are wondering if it is by faith we are trying to get it here or by our own hand. Ahhh all frustarting. We have a lot of options but still we are praying and seeking God. There are a few options we don't have peace about and there are others we are tossing about. So hm GOD WHAT DO WE DO? WE really don't want to do it by our own strength but we don't have an abusolute clear direction.
Today we might approach a grocery store for the ump-teenth time. I am nervous, Joel is determined. WE make a great team don't we. :) heheh
SO that is about it. We love all ya'll very much.
May you have a wonderful American Thanksgiving remembering all that God has blessed you with this holiday. And as a song from VeggieTales goes:
"Because a thankful heart is a happy heart. I am glad for what I have THAT'S AN EASY WAY TO START!!!"
Love all ya'll,
the Butlers
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen;it gives us assurance about things we can not see.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
SUPRISE!!! Love, God
HELLO EVERYONE,
This month my mom and I surprised my Dad and sister for their birthdays. I won't tell you the age but both were celebrating a new decade. (Well they didn't want to celebrate it but at this point they didn't have a choice) I was pretty excited and with Joel's permission left for Washington State. My Mom and Dad picked me up at the airport. The cool thing is Dad didn't know I was coming. He was waiting for a "friend" of my sisters to bring a package at the airport. All was the truth. There he was waiting at the bottom of the ramp and shocked as all get out when I walked down.
Then the next day we went to my sisters, made dinner and a cake, decorated the house, and waited for her to get home from work. My parents and nephew started singing happy birthday then I popped (not from a cake) but out from a room. She was shocked as well.
It was a great 9 days of being with my family. One of my favorite parts was the days my sister had to work and I had the house to myself to spend with GOd. Aww those were the days. And I loved the time I spent with my parents, sister, nephews, and brother-in-law.
The biggest surprise was as I was coming home. I had a flight where I stayed on the same plane but had one stop. Before I get on planes I pray that God would set up divine appointments and He would be able to use me to talk to someone about Him or what Joel and I are doing for Him.
This girl came and sat beside me. We didn't talk the first leg of my flight. When we landed the first time she then asked if I needed to get out because she was staying for the next flight. I told her I was staying too. We then got to talking. I found out she is a children's pastor which I found intriguing. I started asking her more questions and discovered her dad and I went to the same high school, crazy. Then we found out she and I went to the same church every Christmas eve for the Christmas program. She then mentioned her grandmothers maiden name which is my grandmothers maiden name. Come to find out Her grandma and my grandma are sisters. Can you believe it and her dad and my mom are cousins. I was blown away. After getting off the plane she called her mom and her mom knew about my family. Shock shock shock.
Joyce and I only live about 30 to 40 minutes away from each other. I am going to go help her with her churches harvest fest this Saturday. I am excited to get to know my cousin.
Isn't God too cool. I love getting "great" surprises from God.
Love,
Dess
Aunt and younger Nephew Craziness
This month my mom and I surprised my Dad and sister for their birthdays. I won't tell you the age but both were celebrating a new decade. (Well they didn't want to celebrate it but at this point they didn't have a choice) I was pretty excited and with Joel's permission left for Washington State. My Mom and Dad picked me up at the airport. The cool thing is Dad didn't know I was coming. He was waiting for a "friend" of my sisters to bring a package at the airport. All was the truth. There he was waiting at the bottom of the ramp and shocked as all get out when I walked down.
Then the next day we went to my sisters, made dinner and a cake, decorated the house, and waited for her to get home from work. My parents and nephew started singing happy birthday then I popped (not from a cake) but out from a room. She was shocked as well.
It was a great 9 days of being with my family. One of my favorite parts was the days my sister had to work and I had the house to myself to spend with GOd. Aww those were the days. And I loved the time I spent with my parents, sister, nephews, and brother-in-law.
The biggest surprise was as I was coming home. I had a flight where I stayed on the same plane but had one stop. Before I get on planes I pray that God would set up divine appointments and He would be able to use me to talk to someone about Him or what Joel and I are doing for Him.
This girl came and sat beside me. We didn't talk the first leg of my flight. When we landed the first time she then asked if I needed to get out because she was staying for the next flight. I told her I was staying too. We then got to talking. I found out she is a children's pastor which I found intriguing. I started asking her more questions and discovered her dad and I went to the same high school, crazy. Then we found out she and I went to the same church every Christmas eve for the Christmas program. She then mentioned her grandmothers maiden name which is my grandmothers maiden name. Come to find out Her grandma and my grandma are sisters. Can you believe it and her dad and my mom are cousins. I was blown away. After getting off the plane she called her mom and her mom knew about my family. Shock shock shock.
Joyce and I only live about 30 to 40 minutes away from each other. I am going to go help her with her churches harvest fest this Saturday. I am excited to get to know my cousin.
Isn't God too cool. I love getting "great" surprises from God.
Love,
Dess
Me, Dad and My sista Tammie
Mom and I
My Oldest Nephew and I!!!
YOu love me you know you do!!!
YOu love me you know you do!!!
Aunt and younger Nephew Craziness
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