July Newsletter
THANK YOU!
We want to say a huge THANK YOU to the many supporters that helped us win Loudoun Times-Mirror Best of Loudoun for 2024!
We feel beyond grateful and truly blessed that so many took the time to vote for Tree of Life, SimplyBe Coffee, and The Clothing Closet throughout this process. Your support and desire to share about what we are doing to serve those in need is humbling and greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to the many other winners and finalists that help make Loudoun an amazing place to live, work, and serve!
Four Families Building a Future
Our Transitional Housing for families is now filled with four families working towards a brighter future.
Each family has experienced different setbacks and challenges. Whatever their past, whether it be job loss, medical issues, homelessness, or other issues, we are comitted to helping them forge a way forward that will help them thrive.
The families in turn, have each committed to our program of support – including coaching, mentoring, and spiritual growth that will help them reach their individual goals, building toward self-sufficiency and independence.
We would love your support in walking alongside these families as we help them build their futures. Please prayerfully consider a donation.
Still Waters at the Shenandoah
The partners in our Still Waters Ministry for individuals with special needs were able to enjoy the beautiful spring weather earlier this month with a hike and picnic at Cool Springs on the Shenandoah River.
Cool Springs is the perfect place for a relaxing hike, birdwatching, picnicing, and more. We loved the accessibility and beautiful scenery!
Our Still Waters Ministry has an awesome variety of activities for individuals with disabilities. As we plan our fall and winter activities, now is a great time for you to attend one of our Volunteer Introduction Programs and find out how you can help this amazing community! Click the “want to help” for more info and to sign up!
Loudoun and Beyond
Each month, we have the unique opportunity to provide lunch at the Winchester Rescue Mission.
This month, we were reminded of our ‘why’ with the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 25, ‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.’ One of the residents awaiting lunch simply said, ‘I am hungry’. Through conversation, she shared that she had not eaten since the previous day. The opportunity to provide a meal and offer the dignity of daily bread is a blessing.
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside others organizations as we seek to reach out to the poor and needy in our community with the love of Jesus Christ.
Annual Summer Giveaway
Our Summer Giveaway event in Purcellville is HUGE! Last year we had over 500 attendees visit us for free clothing, backpacks, school supplies, and more. This year promises to be just as big.
Volunteer sign-ups are NOW OPEN! Click the “WANT TO HELP” button above to help families get off to a great start with the new school year!
If you have questions, please email: info@tolministries.org.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
This month, we are so pleased to highlight Larry Fink!
Larry is the Shelter Director in our Eastern Loudoun Region and plays an imporant role on our housing team. For the last six months, the housing team has been working to place families in our transitional housing program.
Larry has been a huge asset to the team and is a model of both efficiency and compassion, which are essential to running an effective program for people in need. He has worked closely with the families, our staff, and volunteers, providing both leadership and support. To quote Larry:
“It has been a blessing to work with Tree of Life in support of families needing housing in Loudoun.”
If you’d like to get involved, click the button above to sign up for one of our volunteer orientations!
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
This month, we’d like to thank Burke Concrete Services for not only being a longtime supporter of Tree of Life, but also more recently helping us to improve the pantry entrance at our Purcellville Center! They did fantastic work… bring by some food donations and check it out!
We love working with local businesses to help those in need in #Loudoun and are so grateful for these types of partnerships. Thank you, Burke Concrete for your support!
If you would like more information about how your business can get involved helping those in need in Loudoun, please contact us!
Branded Merchandise!
A “brand” new way to show your support for Tree of Life, SimplyBe Coffee, and the Clothing Closet!
Head to the link below to check out our selection of t-shirts and hoodies for the whole family! All proceeds directly support Tree of Life.
TOL Ministries Inc (square.site)
Check back often for new products and deals!
Save the Dates!
Weekly DayBreak Bible Study
Blue Ridge Bible Church, Thursdays, 11am
DayBreak Game Day
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Wednesday, July 10th, 1-3pm
SimplyBe Unplugged Summer Series
Every Saturday in July, 12pm, SimplyBe Coffee
Volunteer Introduction Program:
Click HERE for dates and registration.
Top Golf Fundraiser
Wednesday, August 21st, 6pm – 8pm
ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Save the Date: Thursday, October 10th
DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE
During this month while we celebrate our nation’s independence, I thank Jesus that we are dependent on Him.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
It is through this declaration that we find that Jesus has fought and won a battle for us. Jesus has defeated sin and death! Sometimes, we find this battle still raging inside us, and Jesus’ words still ring true. If we find ourselves carrying a heavy load, Jesus is there to relieve us of that burden.
It is through Jesus’ words that we find that we are dependent on Him for all things, at all times, and in all places. Our dependence on Jesus helps us to learn the following:
- Jesus’ words are not limited by time. Whenever we find ourselves burdened with life, Jesus is there to help us.
- Jesus is a Patient Teacher. Although we may be impatient learners, Jesus stays with us until we learn that He has the answers.
- Jesus wants to give us rest. Interestingly enough, it’s rest that we desire, but we might think we have to work to earn rest. Jesus wants to give us the rest that we so desperately need and want.
Lord, thank You for blessing us with Your words and helping us to recognize our dependence on You! Amen.
May you be blessed,
Chaplain Wayne Ruckman
