June 2015 Newsletter

So many opportunities are based on your volunteer, financial and tangible support. Already, six months into this year, your compassion to help people in need has opened the door for you and I to do just that.

Karen and Samual Velderrain. We met Sammy and Karen 12 years ago when they visited Street Lights. They were living at the Salvation Army at the time. From that point on their life was transformed by Christ whom they welcomed into their lives and seriously began to follow Him. They married, had two beautiful children—Emily and Jacob. Sammy served City Gates Ministries (CGM) on the adult van and Karen coordinated the Children’s ministry. Both love the church and joined themselves to a community of believers. They are still part of our lives and a big part of CGMs’ mission. Today we ask for your continued prayers and support our loving friends. Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago. Recently she had surgery on her back after cancer broke two vertebrae. She was sent home from the hospital only to discover that her insurance will no longer cover the physical therapy she so desperately needs. All monetary donations coming to CGM in the month of July will go to help pay their medical expenses. We pray your generosity will exceed your normal monthly pledges to help this family. We are also looking for volunteers that can help take care of Karen while she is at home recovering. Please contact CGM at 360-705-0291 and continue to pray for healing for this family and so many like them.
Our furniture ministry, which has helped over 62 families so far this year, move into homes, provided them with 639 pieces of your donated furniture. As is our custom, each individual who received and all those who gave received prayer. Plans are in place to expand our furniture storage area to allow for dryer storage. We are currently waiting on permits thanks to “I Am Solutions, Inc.” They have been instrumental in getting us this far. We need someone who knows concrete to pour the foundation.

The food ministry continues to bless other ministry food banks in Thurston County and delivers to the homes of the elderly, the disabled and those living off the bus line who cannot get to the food banks. Over 236 people have benefited from the ministry this year. Thank you South Sound Church for your long standing support. In addition; Thursday night at Street Lights has served over 5000 meals to the needy already this year.

This month we want to thank the City of Olympia for the favor they have shown to CGM. For the last many years we have utilized the city-owned vacant lot on the corner of State and Adams with the full cooperation of the City, but the lot has recently been sold. City Manager Steve Hall tells us, “The city will be looking for a new location for City Gates before the new owners begin construction on your existing location in September.” We are also negotiating for a location on a private lot across the street. As our window closes on the existing location, CGM seeks to leave a memory in the heart of everyone who volunteers there and a mark of hope on everyone who benefits from your support. Please continue praying that God will give us an arrangement that is best for everyone.

The next few months CGM will embark on our biggest event of the season. July 2nd we will host Jonathan Stewart on the street as he sponsors a Samaritans Feet event. Five hundred pairs of new shoes for kids and adults will be given away. If you know of someone in need of prayer and a clean set of feet to keep them going, send them out to the corner of State and Adams. WATCH VIDEO The event will start around 6:00pm. We still need extra hands to ensure its success. If interested in volunteering please call our hot line (360)-705 0291 or go to our website for more details. Thank you so much for your support.

Get ready for our Back to School Back Pack Giveaway on August 13th. We want to thank you in advance for continuing with your donations to complete our goal of 1000 back packs. WATCH VIDEO would you like to help with this grand plan? We need your volunteer support handing out a needs list for the back packs in front of Tumwater Walmart on Saturday, June 27th, July 11th July 18th and August 8th. And at Walgreens, Tumwater and Hawks Prairie stores, June 20th, July 4th, and July 18th and at the event itself on August 13th. Check out our web site for more information.

Last but not least, purchase your tickets now while they last for CGM’s Journey through Time 6th Annual Auction scheduled for November 7th at Westwood Baptist Church. The auction benefits families like Elena who is suffering from cancer, Kristina in building a new life with her autistic son, Gary who landed in Olympia needing help with completing a business course, Marilyn who is looking for housing for her 5 kids while completing her education, and Katana who recently got her home furnished and a deposit paid because of your generosity.

Thank you for your support to help these precious people in need. And God bless you all. Have a great summer.

Phil Prietto • President/CEO
City Gates Ministries