Bake's Page
Director - Steve Baker
Friends of Grace,
Thank you for being an important part of this special ministry. We all, the staff, volunteers and board members, are so happy that you chose to partner with us in meeting real needs in the Antelope Valley. Every day, we encounter people whose lives have been shattered by broken relationships, lost jobs, poor health, and the list goes on.
Last April, a lady came into my office looking for a place to live for her and her three children. After a long conversation, it was obvious that she would never be able to find a job, pay for childcare, and have enough money to keep a roof over her head. I asked her to promise me that she would not get mad, but to carefully consider what I was about to tell her.
I suggested that she voluntarily place her children in foster care so she could stay in the shelter, find work, and save money to get a new place to live. Well, she did get mad.
“I will never give up my kids.” she yelled.
“I didn’t say give them up, but voluntarily place them,” I responded.
“Never!!! You are insane.”
I had to think about that for a minute, but the reality is that the Children’s Protective Services does accommodate voluntary placements of children. A respite, a time to get back on track. My last words to her were, “It is the most loving thing you will ever do for your children.”
To make a long story short, three days after she left my office convinced that I worked for the devil; she called and asked for the CPS phone number. Four months later she returned to Grace to talk to me. I wasn’t sure how to receive her. She wanted me to know that she did what I suggested. She placed her kids, stayed with a friend, found a job and saved enough money to get an apartment. Best of all, her kids were back. Wow! The smile on her face told it all.
I could repeat this story over and over. Our groceries and hot meals allow us to gain the trust needed to deal with the bigger problems. Tonight is so important, so we can share our story with you, thank you for your support, and encourage you to continue. Your continued support is so important.
Please pray for our resources, patience, health, and opportunities to make a more significant difference for the less fortunate of our valley. We thank God for you. Twenty-one years of serving the Antelope Valley is due in part to your caring support. Lets prepare for another year of service, healing, and experiencing God’s love. In this case, Grace is God’s love made visible.
Steve Baker Executive Director
P.S. Please know that my dear friend, June Kolf, has written a book about the miracles experienced with our volunteers. “Standing on Holy Ground” is her story of our Friday night “Souper” meals and how God has brought people together from all walks of life to serve our people here at Grace. There is more information about her book on the back inside cover of this program. All proceeds of this special gift will benefit Grace Resources.
Thank you, June.
