December 19, 2005
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3
Dear Partners in the ministry:
It is 3:00 am, Monday, December 19. I have just returned from one of the greatest events in my long life of ministry. I couldn’t wait to share this with you, thus I am writing this update very early in the morning. Sunday evening was a God moment in the lives of thousands of people. We were celebrating Christmas on the coast in a State park in Waveland, Mississippi. We had adopted some 6,000 children and purchased toys for each one of them. We also had 6,000 blankets, lots of pillows, and tons of toys to give to any who came. It was an awesome evening. The crowds far exceeded the expected 14,000 people. Police estimated more than 30,000 people in attendance. What a blessing! Families were lined up for city blocks, and cars were backed up for miles trying to get to the park entrance.
We had inflatable rides, “snow mountains” where they could throw snowballs or build a snowman, lots of Christmas music, and even a Santa Claus. Three giant tents filled with food, toys, and much more provided a venue to fellowship and love.
One lady said, “We wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you folks.” Another young boy was crying for a bike, but all of them had been given away. One of the team members gave the family enough Walmart gift cards for the boy to get a bike. The young boy tearfully said, “Thanks.” An African American lady, overwhelmed with the love that was extended to her family, responded, “This is the greatest Christmas my children will ever know.”
An excited Father said, “Thanks so much for staying. You have shown us so much love. What has been shown us tonight can never be duplicated. We would have never survived without you. The church has been the church.”
Friends, I wish I could have put you all in my pocket tonight so you could see what is happening. All of this made possible because you gave. Thousands of toys came from you. Hundreds of Walmart cards came from you. Truckloads of goods came from you. That’s right…you have made this all possible. How do I say thank you? I looked into the faces of thousands of children tonight. We were able to see them smile. One mother said, “This is the first time my son has smiled in months, thank you.”
So on behalf of 30,000 plus people tonight in Waveland, Mississippi, Thank You! Thanks for your sacrifices. Thanks for your compassion. Thanks for your demonstrated love. Our volunteers tonight, more than 140, came from all over the USA. A mother and daughter came from New Jersey for this event. They said, “We will never be the same, and when we get back to our church, they will never be the same.” We had people from California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Minnesota, Georgia and Alabama. What an army of warriors for the King! Jesus was glorified tonight!
Also, thanks for praying for warehouse to store all of the building supplies. We are close to getting one soon for this next phase. Continue to pray for favor among city officials and safety of the many volunteers that come our way.
These next few weeks will be transitional for us. Pray for wisdom on our part. We want to be godly examples to the many families we are helping.
Marlen and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Because of your giving, thousands of displaced people from Mississippi will enjoy a great Christmas. We look forward to working with you during these next months. We are already cleaning five houses a day.
Again, thanks. My heart is overflowing tonight from what I have just experienced. The best days are yet ahead of us. The relationships established tonight will go a long way as we continue to help rebuild the small, forgotten town of Waveland, Mississippi.
We love you all,
Pastor Don Young,
Genesis Church
3100 S. McKenzie St.
Foley, AL 36535
(251) 986-5843