February Newsletter
February 2024
Feeding Loudoun
Our Community Dinner Host Groups served over 8,200 meals in Loudoun County in 2023!
These dinners are a place where someone in need of food or fellowship can come enjoy a home-cooked meal surrounded by loving neighbors. We offer prayers and devotions and our volunteers form important relationships with the dinner guests, helping them navigate whatever season of life they are in, whether it be celebrating birthdays, providing encouragement, or pointing them towards additional assistance.
We are always in need of additional host groups willing to take some time out of their week to cook for and serve their neighbors. Our Leesburg dinner, in particular, is looking for host groups.
Consider inviting your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or church group to host a dinner and help feed Loudoun!
A Hand Up
Every week, in three locations accross Loudoun, Tree of Life offers FREE English classes as part of our Lifeskills Branch.
Last year alone, we had 150 students attend our classes at multiple levels of learning. Some attendees struggle with literacy in their native language and we are able to support them and others in small groups and even one-on-one sessions in some cases.
These classes are an important part of our efforts to provide a “hand up, not a hand out.” Language skills are often a barrier to so many opportunities, including better employment and education advancement, and we are committed to helping our partners find independence and self-sufficiency.
If you know of anyone in need of this ministry, please have them reach out to info@tolministries.org.
Spiritual Care
Tree of Life was BLESSED last year with the opportunity to make over 32,000 impacts to the poor and needy across Loudoun County.
Did you know that most of the people we serve are also SPIRITUALLY hungry? For every call we get, we ask “How can we pray for you?” It is through this request that people pour out their hearts and souls, and we listen and respond in prayer for them at that moment.
Tree of Life has four Chaplains and a Prayer & Care Team who reach out to partners. This year, they visited 5 nursing homes on a regular basis, led Bible Studies and visits to the Loudoun County Jail, coordinated Bible Studies for Day Break (seniors) and Still Waters (special needs) ministries, and coordinated Bible distribution and outreach at our Summer Giveaways and Christmas for Others events. But we need your help as we continue to encourage others in finding abundant life in Christ.
Can you help provide spiritual care to those in need in Loudoun?
Second Annual Axe Throwing Event
We are excited to announce that we are once again collaborating with Elysium Axe Bar in Purcellville for an awesome afternoon of axe throwing that will support Tree of Life Ministries.
This fun and unique event will include time in the axe lane, one beverage ticket, and a free buffett! Bring your family and friends and enjoy a good time for a good cause.
For more information and to register, click the button below. If you have questions or are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Jordan Smith: jsmith@tolministries.org.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT!
Meet Graham!
Graham (on the right) is a member of Free Life Church and has been faithfully volunteering with Tree of Life for a couple of years. His primary emphasis has been with our ESOL ministries, where he serves as a teacher in our beginner-level classes.
Graham has such a heart for God and for others! This is seen in the way he joyfully serves and treats the students in our classes. Graham also exudes hospitality and seems to always be down to have some fun. It is such a joy and privilege to work with someone like Graham. We are incredibly grateful for him!
Thank you, Graham, for your commitment to serving!
DONOR SPOTLIGHT!
So much of what we do at Tree of Life is possible because of the amazing contributions and assistance of local businesses. Creative2 is one such business and their generosity has made a huge difference for Tree of Life.
Creative2 is a web design and digital solutions company that has been committed to providing Tree of Life with free and reduced services so that we can support the poor and needy as effectively as possible. Not only did they develop our fantastic website, but they continue to help us keep it as impactful and helpful as possible for those we serve and those who volunteer their time and treasure. Additionally, Creative2’s expertise, advice, and support behind the scenes have been invaluable as we have continued to grow in Loudoun.
We want to say a huge THANK YOU to their team!!
WHAT IS LOVE?
As we enter the month of February, Valentine’s Day is upon us and we are thinking about how blessed we are with the ones we love.
As you can imagine, the Bible has a lot to say about love. In 1 Corinthians 13:7, we learn that “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres.” I know that I don’t always do these things, but I know God does.
When I acknowledge that God loves me, then I trust and believe that He is in control instead of doubting. I acknowledge that His love is protecting me from the world. When I hope, in God’s love, I’m actually waiting for God, with expectation and anticipation, not with doubt. Also, I need to be persevering, or abiding in God’s love while I’m waiting. I’m covered and protected by His love, and while I’m under His Divine protection, I’m abiding in Him.
Lord, help me to love You more each day. Allow me to feel your protection while I’m trusting, hoping and abiding in You, just like You taught me when I accepted You as my Savior. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
May you be blessed,
Chaplain Wayne Ruckman
To Listen to our Fruit of the Spirit Podcast on “Love Divine,” click HERE.
