Life Link

Well, God did it again! Thanks to Amanda Nichols Rathbun and her local Bible study group in Talbot, Tennessee, our Access-Life Leanne’s Life Legacy basket program has doubled from just Central Florida for Easter to Central Florida and East Tennessee this Thanksgiving. Thanks again to God working through the hearts and minds of his people, we were able to distribute Christ centered baskets focusing on the true meaning of these holidays as well as providing much needed household and family support in Central Florida and East Tennessee. Attached is a photo collage of some of the recipients in the East Tennessee area. Unfortunately, due to school and programming policy rules not every child and family could be included with photographs. However, Amanda said she heard so many stories of thanks and gratitude and as always the smiles say it all. It makes me so happy to see Leanne‘s impact continue and even grow as we see God expand his kingdom!

Well, the big day of celebrating all of the good gifts that we have been blessed with by our pure, holy, gracious and faithful God has almost here!

I know we’re all so busy this time of year and to be honest we often overlook this time of humbly remembering what our God has faithfully and tenderly done in taking care of us each day of this past year and all of our lives for that matter. 

So, I just wanted to send everyone a happy Thanksgiving note and special verse which I have always found so encouraging.

Psalm 18:2 “Oh Lord, you protect me and save me; your care has made me great, and your power has kept me safe.”

I’ve always found it interesting and impactful that God’s care for us is at the center of this verse which is very humbling and encouraging at the same time.

I pray that this will bless everyone in reminding us of God’s true character as we spend time with family and friends.

I also hope that everyone consumes lots of turkey, takes a nap on the couch with the help of some all natural tryptophan, and be surrounded by good things and enjoy the company of good folks. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We did it! That’s right. With the gracious help of the Lord working through the hearts and minds of his people, we finished our second Access-Life Leanne’s Life Legacy project here in Florida. Just like before Easter, we distributed baskets filled with Bibles, ministry scripture art books, $100 grocery cards, hey Leanne’s Life Legacy t-shirt and a variety of other seasonal items for guys and gals of all ages and abilities for Thanksgiving.

It was so fulfilling to be able to not only bless individuals and families living with disabilities in our area but it to spend time visiting, learning people’s journeys and even praying with them when we met. While the variety of disabilities and circumstances for each person were different God’s presence was there not only blessing others but blessing us in the process. I know it would have greatly pleased Leanne.

I hope you enjoy the above collage and seeing the smiles that God put on all of our faces! Also, be on the lookout for more pictures as God has expanded this program to Tennessee, too. So, soon we’ll have a collage of baskets delivered up in the volunteer state. I love seeing God expand this part of our ministry and see Leanne’s Legacy grow.

Hey there boys and girls of all ages and abilities. Our Access-Life fall newsletter was put in the mail on October 20th. Since we cannot snail mail it to all of our ministry family and friends, I want to share it with you here so you can see all the good things God is doing through the ministry. I hope you enjoy the photos, articles and information and if you feel led by the Lord to contribute to the work He is doing as we seek to stay and step with Him, you can simply go to our website at www.access-life.org and click on the donate button to the right of each page. I hope everyone is well and enjoying this great season of fall that leads us to thanking the Lord for all His good gifts which culminates in winter with the greatest gift of all at Christmas.

Well, God did it again! Our 13th annual Access Life Expo in North Texas was another God blessed success with individuals and families coming to do things they may have never done, find a new friend or just enjoy some rest in God’s great outdoors. :-) 

Leanne and I we’re always amazed at how God worked through the hearts and minds of His people to do great things and this year was no exception. Our team in North Texas came together and people stepped up in so many areas to make sure everything happened. We’ve had to make adjustments over the years for a variety of reasons, but God has things running smoother than ever as this year was the fastest setup and the quickest tear down ever. The event is turning into a well-owned machine so that we can bless individuals and families living with disabilities to the best of our abilities in Jesus’ name!

The fun activities and delicious food are always great but it’s the people that make the difference. As always, God was there permeating the atmosphere with His presence and touching hearts of both participants and volunteers in special ways that only he knows are needed.  the Gospel was shared, words of thanks were spoken by many and the smiles brought about by His joy, we could see Him at work all around. From boat rides and bingo to archery and airsoft 732 participants and volunteers were interacting blessing and being blessed by each other.

We always try to do our part and weave Jesus into all we do not just through our volunteers but with Bibles and faith-based items in the goodie bags, our prayer and care station that not only paint nails but takes prayer requests and praises from participants and our gospel bracelet station where everyone who builds a bracelet hears the Good News. Sometimes we are blessed to know of decisions made for Christ but no matter what we know seeds are planted for Him to water and grow into fruition later in life. 

Finally, a special thanks and call out goes to all of those who prayed for the outreach as this is the foundation of good things happening, served as this is where Jesus’ is light shines, gave as these are the resources God pours out from heaven, and networked as sharing the good news is what matters the most in the end.

Thank you so much Friends at Shady Grove Church for hosting another Access-Life FALL FUN DAY! As always it was a God blessed success with many individuals and families living with disabilities fellowshipping in a faith-filled and festive environment.

A special call out goes to our two board members Helen McLaren and Mike Mitchell who were instrumental in making things happen. Although, I know there were key volunteers and point people at the church that pushed it over the finish line! Here is a collage so you can see the smiles that the joy of the Lord put on many faces this past Saturday.

Enjoy and may God bless each and every one of you beyond that you could hope her imagine. HAPPY FALL Y’ALL.

Hey there boys and girls of all ages and abilities! Is with great excitement and joy that I am sharing with you our summer newsletter which is our 44th overall.  It contains some great pictures and information about our wild Expo at East Tennessee, two Easter Spring Flings as well as our first Leanne’s Life Legacy project. I hope you enjoy it and are blessed by the words and the smiles!