Don't know if you know it but Joel and I are over a ministry at our church called Adopt-a-block (AAB) where we have adpoted an apartment complex and go there every week to build relationships with the people and meet their needs. There is mom of a family that has been asking me 4 or 5 times if our church would provide a christmas for them since they could not afford it. We agreed the first time so I laughed every time it was brought up thinking "Did she not remember that she had asked me already. or Doesn't she know I want to help her family out???" Any way her and husband when they got married combined thier kids and had some of their own so they have a total of 11 kids. But she only asked if we could provide christmas for the two youngest ones.
I have been praying about this for a while and wondering how we are going to do it. Since the people that do AAB with us are mostly 17 and under. With only 3 consistant adults. I thought maybe I could make a list and divide up what we need to give them a christmas. It was mainly hanging over my head with no real good answer.
THen one day we get a call from a guy who goes to the church and works at a fast food place. He said every year they adopt a family and give them christmas by providing 2,500 dollars worth of food and presents. And this year they had no clue who to give to so we came to his mind that we would know a family in need. So he told his boss and his boss said get on it. He gave me the number of the lady in charge of adopting a christmas family. For 2 weeks I was in shock thinking they will probably say thanks but no thanks we have some one else in mind. But they are actually doing it. And they want to be anonomous. Can you believe it. I am so excited. Now the whole family gets a christmas. Isn't that just wonderful.
And I got another email from a girl that goes to my church that says she is in a club that wants to adopt a family and I have one that is living in a hotel and is going through a rough time.
And there was another family at AAB that needed a couch and love seat. They had nothing in thier living room. I sent out a note on FB and with in 10 minutes someone told me about a couple that had a couch and love seat to give a way. They not only gave me those two items but lamps and a chair and a coffee table. How awesome is that?
I am blown away by God and HIs provision. In Matthew it says "You need to seek God's Kingdom First and His Righteousness and then everything you need will be given to you." I am putting in my own words. So in other words I need to do what God is asking me to do and surrender my life so He can help me be more like Christ and He will help me with ALL my needs. What an awesome God I serve.
Thank you Jesus!!!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
God must laugh at us
So much is happening I hope I can describe to you well.
We had a friend email us about a month ago asking if we got any donations for baby items for a christian organization that helps pregnant teens. I Replied and said no, we do not get in anything for babies very often and it is very little when it does come in.
Last week we got in a truck load of assorted food, pet food, bottled water, and non-edible products. Usually we get one or two banana boxes of baby formula. This time we got 18 banana boxes of formula. The more we went throught the boxes to organize them the more frustrated I got because I wanted adult food NOT baby food. And I knew this had to be Diahanna. So I called her and the first thing I said was "I am going to kick your butt"
"What, hello Dess. What did I do."
"You have been praying for the babies haven't you"
"What Babies"
"The Organization that helps babies"
"What????"
"The place you emailed me about a month ago"
"Oh Yes I have been praying"
"A lot?"
"I was praying a lot"
"Well God listened to you because I wanted adult food but instead He listened to your prayers and gave us baby formula and other items"
I told her how much we got in and she squeeled for joy for about 5 minutes. We talked some more. Then last night I got a call from a friend who just got a new job with a food company and said she had baby items for us. Now I know I need to tell my friend to stop praying for all this baby items!!! LOL
The other story I want to tell you is this morning I was spending time with God and He told me to call a certain company that had said yes to us last month but has not given to us yet. I was dreading it because I had called for 2-3 months asking them to donate and they finally said yes but never followed through. I knew I would have to call them and give a friendly reminder we were still wanting their non-sellable products if they had any. I just hate felling pushing.
So when God told me to call i knew I needed to be obedient but it was a struggle. All morning it kept coming to my mind but I was in the middle of something finally around noon I called my contact. As I was dialing and then the phone was ringing I said about 4 or 5 times "I am doing this to be obedient God, Please do not let them pick up. .. . . . I am doing this to be obedient please do not let them pick up. . . . I am doing this to be obedient please let me leave a message"
Probably 90 percent of the time they have not picked up but today was different. My contact answered and I said who I was and who I was with and asked if he had any non-sellable products for us. Surprisingly he said yes and to come by next week to pick up. Then he mentioned with a question mark about our truck. I assured him we had a refrigerated box truck that could hold 6 pallets. And he said suprised 6 pallets was exactly what he had for us.
God must laugh at me constantly. I told my sister the 2nd story and she said God must have been laughing while I was praying for them to not pick up and He must of thought "But I am trying to bless you."
God has got to laugh at us during our day.
Love,
the Butlers
We had a friend email us about a month ago asking if we got any donations for baby items for a christian organization that helps pregnant teens. I Replied and said no, we do not get in anything for babies very often and it is very little when it does come in.
Last week we got in a truck load of assorted food, pet food, bottled water, and non-edible products. Usually we get one or two banana boxes of baby formula. This time we got 18 banana boxes of formula. The more we went throught the boxes to organize them the more frustrated I got because I wanted adult food NOT baby food. And I knew this had to be Diahanna. So I called her and the first thing I said was "I am going to kick your butt"
"What, hello Dess. What did I do."
"You have been praying for the babies haven't you"
"What Babies"
"The Organization that helps babies"
"What????"
"The place you emailed me about a month ago"
"Oh Yes I have been praying"
"A lot?"
"I was praying a lot"
"Well God listened to you because I wanted adult food but instead He listened to your prayers and gave us baby formula and other items"
I told her how much we got in and she squeeled for joy for about 5 minutes. We talked some more. Then last night I got a call from a friend who just got a new job with a food company and said she had baby items for us. Now I know I need to tell my friend to stop praying for all this baby items!!! LOL
The other story I want to tell you is this morning I was spending time with God and He told me to call a certain company that had said yes to us last month but has not given to us yet. I was dreading it because I had called for 2-3 months asking them to donate and they finally said yes but never followed through. I knew I would have to call them and give a friendly reminder we were still wanting their non-sellable products if they had any. I just hate felling pushing.
So when God told me to call i knew I needed to be obedient but it was a struggle. All morning it kept coming to my mind but I was in the middle of something finally around noon I called my contact. As I was dialing and then the phone was ringing I said about 4 or 5 times "I am doing this to be obedient God, Please do not let them pick up. .. . . . I am doing this to be obedient please do not let them pick up. . . . I am doing this to be obedient please let me leave a message"
Probably 90 percent of the time they have not picked up but today was different. My contact answered and I said who I was and who I was with and asked if he had any non-sellable products for us. Surprisingly he said yes and to come by next week to pick up. Then he mentioned with a question mark about our truck. I assured him we had a refrigerated box truck that could hold 6 pallets. And he said suprised 6 pallets was exactly what he had for us.
God must laugh at me constantly. I told my sister the 2nd story and she said God must have been laughing while I was praying for them to not pick up and He must of thought "But I am trying to bless you."
God has got to laugh at us during our day.
Love,
the Butlers
Monday, October 25, 2010
Supplying Needs Sept. & Oct UPDATE
Supplying Needs’ Happenings
September and October 2010
Since Supplying Needs was created in May of 2009, this has been our busiest two months. Our operations have been picking up steam like a train, slow at first, but the momentum is gaining. This update covers September and October 2010.
One of the biggest events is that we’ve made contact with some new wholesalers in
From wholesalers we have been given the following:
3060 frozen 12” pizzas and approximately 22000 personal sized pizzas
These pizzas were not able to be used for their intended purpose, but because of the generosity of the donor, these pizzas were able to make huge impact in the
1234 baking mixes, such as cake, scone and cookie mix
2600 boxes of popcorn
We were extremely pleased with this donation, especially since it is the season to celebrate the harvest and give away candy. I’m sure that there will be lots of children receiving some sort of popcorn treat in their goodie bags. We were able to distribute this popcorn to 8 different groups.
Besides the wholesalers we have recently started picking up from a retail grocery store on a daily basis, 6 days a week. This has been something we’ve been trying to do since our beginning and we are very excited to see how well it is working out. We started off picking up bread from this store and through the efforts of the store manager; the doors were opened to receive ALL the non-sellable products from the store. In just a little over two months we have received 3467 pounds of produce, 2367 loaves of bread plus meat, cheese, deli and frozen goods. This food goes out daily to a different group each day of the week for their food outreaches. It is awesome to know that this food is helping groups reach out to more people in their surrounding area.
Some other donations we received were 7214 containers of yogurt, 254 jugs of juice and two truck loads (12 pallets) of assorted drinks, sauces, dry goods, canned goods, bottled water, pet food and household items.
On a monthly basis Supplying Needs distribute donations free of charge to approximately 1140 people directly and through groups we give to. We are excited to see the difference that is being made and the support these groups are receiving.
How You Can Help:
If you would like to help Supplying Needs efforts to reaching the poor, hungry, homeless, and elderly you can:
1) Help with Finances. As an organization we operate on a minimal budget. ALL PROCEEDS are used to further our efforts in reaching people. We use the money that comes in with our day to day operating expenses such as vehicle licensing, insurance, fuel, etc. All our staff are 100 percent unpaid volunteers and we do all we can to maintain low overhead costs. Any financial support is appreciated and can be mailed to:
Supplying Needs
95201
2) You can pray for Supplying Needs. We value your prayers. If you would like to be a part of our prayer team and receive monthly prayer updates, please send an email to supplyingneedsprayer@gmail.com.
Thank you for all your support, encouragement and prayers. We really appreciate you!
God Bless,
Joel Butler
President
Friday, October 15, 2010
Desire of The Heart: From a Bad thing to a blessing
As you know Supplying Needs has a 6 pallet refrigerated box truck. What you may not know is that since we have received the truck free of charge Joel has been wanting a paint job for it. We have almost had that truck for a year now. And Joel will bring it up every once in a while how bad he wants to have the truck get a beautiful paint job.
You may also know that being we have a limited budget for our ministry that was a want and not a need. As always when he brought it up I would just smile and say "Honey I am sorry. You are right it does need one but we can't do it right now." Or something along those lines.
You may not know that we have been parking the truck at our churches parking lot. I don't know how many times I have prayed for our truck that God would send angels around it to protect our truck. Our church is in a not so nice neighborhood. And God would continue to answer those prayers.
Just recently our church had a walk/run/bike-a-thon. They asked us to move the truck. So Joel back it up against the churches brick wall. During this time some one(s) came and tagged (aka graffiti) our truck. Can you believe it. Bright red too. The crazy thing was that our truck was parked not more than 5 feet from the church bus and it didn't get tagged, NOT ONE BIT. I was thinking "God what are you doing?" How crazy is that. Both the vehicles are bright white both are sitting by each other and only ours got tagged. Things that make you go hm.
JOel went right to work the next day cleaning and sanding the truck for paint job. It would not have been the best paint job since we don't have any equipment. He was doing sanding and washing the truck when a guy that works at the church during the week came out to see Joel. The man heard our story and told Joel that his son is a professional painter. All I know is Joel got the paint and the son painted our Truck for FREE!!! It looks brand new. The paint job is awesome and Joel got his hearts desires.
LOOK AT GOD!!!
God works in mysterious ways. & His ways are not OUR ways!!
In Awe of our Great Big GOD!!!
The Butlers
You may also know that being we have a limited budget for our ministry that was a want and not a need. As always when he brought it up I would just smile and say "Honey I am sorry. You are right it does need one but we can't do it right now." Or something along those lines.
You may not know that we have been parking the truck at our churches parking lot. I don't know how many times I have prayed for our truck that God would send angels around it to protect our truck. Our church is in a not so nice neighborhood. And God would continue to answer those prayers.
Just recently our church had a walk/run/bike-a-thon. They asked us to move the truck. So Joel back it up against the churches brick wall. During this time some one(s) came and tagged (aka graffiti) our truck. Can you believe it. Bright red too. The crazy thing was that our truck was parked not more than 5 feet from the church bus and it didn't get tagged, NOT ONE BIT. I was thinking "God what are you doing?" How crazy is that. Both the vehicles are bright white both are sitting by each other and only ours got tagged. Things that make you go hm.
JOel went right to work the next day cleaning and sanding the truck for paint job. It would not have been the best paint job since we don't have any equipment. He was doing sanding and washing the truck when a guy that works at the church during the week came out to see Joel. The man heard our story and told Joel that his son is a professional painter. All I know is Joel got the paint and the son painted our Truck for FREE!!! It looks brand new. The paint job is awesome and Joel got his hearts desires.
LOOK AT GOD!!!
God works in mysterious ways. & His ways are not OUR ways!!
In Awe of our Great Big GOD!!!
The Butlers
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
WOW
Everything has changed so drastically in the past few weeks that I hope I can portray all of it.
We have been picking up from a grocery store bread on and off since July. They called us at other times for other things that they had for us but it was never consistent. We started to have a better relationship with one of the managers of the grocery store. Totally loves us. Totally liked who we are, what we were doing, and how we handled our stores that give to us. With his love for us he started to pester, bug, push the store owner to give more to us like produce and other food items they were throwing away on a weekly or even daily basis. But because of fear of legal matters the owner pushed it aside. Then the manager started to push us to bring in paperwork to prove we are trustworthy and have no intentions of any kind of legal matters.
One day while we were picking up bread the manager was asking me questions about our organization and the pay joel and I get. I told him JOel and I don't get paid and we put in our bylaws of Supplying Needs that we would not get paid. He then started asking the usual question like where do you get money from, how do you pay your bills (rent, utility etc) I just said straight out "God takes care of us" Oh he had a hissy fit. He even stopped talking to me for about 5 minutes which seemed like eternity. I freaked out in my mind but again had to give it to God. I prayed Lord you are in control of this contact if we lose it then I have nothing to be ashamed about but I will not give way to fear and I pray for this manager that you would speak to him." Yeah I felt it was that drastic that we could lose this contact. But after the 5 minutes he started to talk to me again and ripped on me hard core about my faith.
But that night we got a call from him saying the owner wanted to have a meeting with us the next day inregards to picking up from them 6 days a week and seeing how we handle donated food.
We had the meeting the next day and it was awesome. Had a great time talking to the manager and owner. By the end they agreed to let us pick up from them 6 days a week. They even stated that they loved all of our tactics and things we did to help them out. Glory to God is all I can say.
Then things just went crazy after that. We got an email from a wholesaler saying we had 2 truck loads of assorted canned and dry goods and pet food and bottled water and other non-edible products. Then another day we got a call from another store saying they had 1/2 a pallet of yogurt.
And by the end of the week we got another email from another wholesaler saying they want to donate 15 pallets of pizza. Which we are still waiting to see what the best time is to pick it up.
Well my computer is about to die. I am sitting in front of the library in the car writing this. By I do want to leave you with one last praise report. In 2010 Supplying Needs has received over 80,000 dollars worth of food, clothes, and furniture that has been distributed free of charge to indivuals as well as 16 groups that we give to. Look at God. He continues to supply us. And can I say on a tiny tiny tiny unbelievable budget. I love my God that can do the impossible.
Love all ya'll. Thank you Jesus for your provision I love you!
The Butlers
We have been picking up from a grocery store bread on and off since July. They called us at other times for other things that they had for us but it was never consistent. We started to have a better relationship with one of the managers of the grocery store. Totally loves us. Totally liked who we are, what we were doing, and how we handled our stores that give to us. With his love for us he started to pester, bug, push the store owner to give more to us like produce and other food items they were throwing away on a weekly or even daily basis. But because of fear of legal matters the owner pushed it aside. Then the manager started to push us to bring in paperwork to prove we are trustworthy and have no intentions of any kind of legal matters.
One day while we were picking up bread the manager was asking me questions about our organization and the pay joel and I get. I told him JOel and I don't get paid and we put in our bylaws of Supplying Needs that we would not get paid. He then started asking the usual question like where do you get money from, how do you pay your bills (rent, utility etc) I just said straight out "God takes care of us" Oh he had a hissy fit. He even stopped talking to me for about 5 minutes which seemed like eternity. I freaked out in my mind but again had to give it to God. I prayed Lord you are in control of this contact if we lose it then I have nothing to be ashamed about but I will not give way to fear and I pray for this manager that you would speak to him." Yeah I felt it was that drastic that we could lose this contact. But after the 5 minutes he started to talk to me again and ripped on me hard core about my faith.
But that night we got a call from him saying the owner wanted to have a meeting with us the next day inregards to picking up from them 6 days a week and seeing how we handle donated food.
We had the meeting the next day and it was awesome. Had a great time talking to the manager and owner. By the end they agreed to let us pick up from them 6 days a week. They even stated that they loved all of our tactics and things we did to help them out. Glory to God is all I can say.
Then things just went crazy after that. We got an email from a wholesaler saying we had 2 truck loads of assorted canned and dry goods and pet food and bottled water and other non-edible products. Then another day we got a call from another store saying they had 1/2 a pallet of yogurt.
And by the end of the week we got another email from another wholesaler saying they want to donate 15 pallets of pizza. Which we are still waiting to see what the best time is to pick it up.
Well my computer is about to die. I am sitting in front of the library in the car writing this. By I do want to leave you with one last praise report. In 2010 Supplying Needs has received over 80,000 dollars worth of food, clothes, and furniture that has been distributed free of charge to indivuals as well as 16 groups that we give to. Look at God. He continues to supply us. And can I say on a tiny tiny tiny unbelievable budget. I love my God that can do the impossible.
Love all ya'll. Thank you Jesus for your provision I love you!
The Butlers
Saturday, July 31, 2010
6th Year Anniversary 2010
It has been oh-so-fabulous. We have a tradition that odd years I plan our anniversary, even years Joel plans the anniversary. As you can probably guess it was Joel's year. And thus far I have had a blast. We drove about an hour and half to San Jose where we went out to eat and Joel rented a hotel room. Then tomorrow we go cruising on the 101 to look at the wonderful view of the coast in hopes to stop at a wonderful beach. It has been fabulous!!! Then the lady we are staying with said to me this week "Dess would you let me bless you with an Anniversary gift." I said sure. "I want to pay to get your hair cut." Oh no I am trying to grow it long but I was going to ask Morgan (Toni's youngest daughter) if she would curl it for me. "HOw about I pay for you to get your hair curled?" SO she called Lisa the lady that cuts my hair and set up an appointment for me to get it curled. I love it. I have never got my hair professionally done like this not on prom and not even my wedding day. I always did my hair. Man this is so fabulous.
I have enjoyed myself so much. So why am I on the internet on our anniversary. Well it is free with the hotel, I couldn't help put on pics we have thus far, and we are just chillin and I have watched all the mythbusters (there seems to be a mythbusters marathon) that I can take right now. So I thought "Hey let's put some pics on the net."
So here they are, ENJOY!!!
I have enjoyed myself so much. So why am I on the internet on our anniversary. Well it is free with the hotel, I couldn't help put on pics we have thus far, and we are just chillin and I have watched all the mythbusters (there seems to be a mythbusters marathon) that I can take right now. So I thought "Hey let's put some pics on the net."
So here they are, ENJOY!!!
Dinner at Macaroni Grill!!! YUM!!
My Curly Hair-Do
In the Car
In the hotel Lobby (taken by the receptionist)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Did you ever just wonder??
Did you ever wonder when a certain season in your life would be over. I am wondering that more and more. Like why I am still where I am at. What is it going to take to get out of this place? What is God doing? I know He is good and everything He does is good BUT THIS SURE DOESN'T FEEL GOOD!!!
SO here are questions that are constantly on my mind:
When do we get to move out of Toni's place?
When do we get a warehouse?
When will food come in constantly?
Why are we still here waiting?
What do I have to learn form all of this?
What do I have to do to move on to the next season?
So Toni's place is absolutely wonderful! I love her family, her kids, our relationship.
BUT I desire with everything with in me to have Joel's and my own place. Whether it is in a warehouse, a 5th wheeler (aka mobile home), apartment, or house? BUt every time I bring this subject up with God he gives me the same anwer I" need you at Toni's. I have a reason why you are there." So pretty much if you are still there there is a reason. Kind of like if you are still breathing God has a purpose for you. At the same time He won't tell me the reason we are there. Maybe because I would speed up the process to do what he wants me to do so we can get out of there. At one point I was thinking maybe he knows we aren't ready to have our own place. You know how parents don't give their child something because they can't handle it. So I came to that conclusion in my own mind. BUt then God corrected me and said "Dess remember how you tell me "What ever you want God I will do, Where ever you want me to go, I will go. This is the result of your prayer. This is where I want you, this is where I want you to go. SO again I, Dess Butler, ask When will this season be over?
Next THE WAREHOUSE. When God when? WHy God Why? He promised a warehouse/building for our ministry. Now it is just the patient game.
THEN THERE IS FOOD? IT comes so randomly. Some weeks we get nothing other weeks we are buys. I just don't get it. AGain what is GOd doing?
The waiting game drives me crazy. Maybe that is what i have to learn. MOre patience, more waiting, more more more endurance.
So I am here stuck in God's will. Did you ever feel like that too. YOu don't really like where you are at but you didn't want to leave God's will for your life either. So I am here recieting to myself. I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans of Good and not of harm to make you prosper to give you a hope for the future. Thank you God!!!
So that is it. Please pray for us as we wait on God.
Love,
Dess
Part of My Grandfathers Ponds he Built
SO here are questions that are constantly on my mind:
When do we get to move out of Toni's place?
When do we get a warehouse?
When will food come in constantly?
Why are we still here waiting?
What do I have to learn form all of this?
What do I have to do to move on to the next season?
So Toni's place is absolutely wonderful! I love her family, her kids, our relationship.
BUT I desire with everything with in me to have Joel's and my own place. Whether it is in a warehouse, a 5th wheeler (aka mobile home), apartment, or house? BUt every time I bring this subject up with God he gives me the same anwer I" need you at Toni's. I have a reason why you are there." So pretty much if you are still there there is a reason. Kind of like if you are still breathing God has a purpose for you. At the same time He won't tell me the reason we are there. Maybe because I would speed up the process to do what he wants me to do so we can get out of there. At one point I was thinking maybe he knows we aren't ready to have our own place. You know how parents don't give their child something because they can't handle it. So I came to that conclusion in my own mind. BUt then God corrected me and said "Dess remember how you tell me "What ever you want God I will do, Where ever you want me to go, I will go. This is the result of your prayer. This is where I want you, this is where I want you to go. SO again I, Dess Butler, ask When will this season be over?
Next THE WAREHOUSE. When God when? WHy God Why? He promised a warehouse/building for our ministry. Now it is just the patient game.
THEN THERE IS FOOD? IT comes so randomly. Some weeks we get nothing other weeks we are buys. I just don't get it. AGain what is GOd doing?
The waiting game drives me crazy. Maybe that is what i have to learn. MOre patience, more waiting, more more more endurance.
So I am here stuck in God's will. Did you ever feel like that too. YOu don't really like where you are at but you didn't want to leave God's will for your life either. So I am here recieting to myself. I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans of Good and not of harm to make you prosper to give you a hope for the future. Thank you God!!!
So that is it. Please pray for us as we wait on God.
Love,
Dess
Part of My Grandfathers Ponds he Built
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