God's Will, Not Mine

By my age, you would think I would have learned by now! I continue to be amazed at how and when God chooses to work. How many times have we felt like we knew exactly what needed to take place, when, and how it should unfold? How many times have we had to “back up,” or “let go” in order for God to accomplish His will, in His time, and in His own way?

One area affected is in “planning” the work and the contemplating of the “how” it will be accomplished. God continues to remind me that “my ways are not His ways and His ways are not my ways.” I’m immediately made aware of how important a role every single “friend” of CFS plays. It is often easy for some to see the huge task and think that “my insignificant part” amounts to nothing. And yet I know that we would not be able to continue to operate as a ministry without each and every one of you! There are many who quietly send in their monthly support with little fanfare. I wish I knew the names of every individual or family who participates in our annual “change can drive.” All of those small coins add up and contribute to the whole. We have some who very quietly continue to collect change and bring the cans in year round. One elder keeps a can at his barber’s shop. You would be amazed at how that adds up in a year’s time. Others send in a “small” gift and apologize for not being able to do more. Some send in a Memorial Donation during a very “sad” time, or an Honor Donation to celebrate a major event in someone’s life. Through all of this and more, God keeps the ministry operating.

And please don’t under estimate the “influence” that each of you has towards the success of this ministry. We recruit a large number of our adoptive families because of word of mouth. Often times we will be contacted by a mother in a crisis pregnancy, because someone told someone else that we offer counseling and support. We receive requests for information and/or to speak to various groups and congregations because someone told someone else about CFS, and spoke about the benefits of learning more and possibly becoming involved with this ministry. “We” may think in terms of grand schemes, fancy advertising, large banquets, etc., but throughout history, God has often used the small, the weak, the little things to accomplish His great work!

And what about utilizing the knowledge, skills, talents, and experiences for which “I” believed God placed me in this position. After all, by this time, “I” think I have a pretty good grasp of how to work with birth mothers and adoptive families and what is often in their best interest. And yet … God continues to impress upon me that I don’t “know it all!” At times He has allowed me to work alongside women like “Garnett” and “Tracy” (Adoption Specialists) from various pregnancy centers. I continue to be exposed to new ideas, views, perspectives, and methods. I am often in awe as I watch God work through them in exciting ways. Their passion and enthusiasm inspire me! God’s timing and methods: when a baby should come, how things should play out in the hospital, when a family should be approved to go home with their new child, etc., all remind me that God is still in control and working events out to His glory.

Please continue to remember CFS in your prayers, and say an extra one for “me” – that I might be an instrument used by God in His will, His time, and His way!

 --Jerry Callens

"Mother's Day"

Tired of racking your brain trying to find the “perfect” gift for MOM? What do you get this special lady who already has everything? Want to continue to remember your mother in a special way even though she died some time ago? How about giving the gift that keeps on giving?

Mother’s Day is May 8th and will be here before you know it. Why not consider making a special contribution in your mother’s name to Christian Family Services? We will send a special certificate to her commemorating this honor. One example: last year we had four children go together and make a very generous donation in their mother’s name. Three of those children were placed through CFS! We had one “mother” who made a contribution in honor of the recent birth of her son – who made her a “mother.” We have had grandmothers donate in honor of a new grandbaby. See the possibilities? When you donate to CFS, you are first of all helping us to help a mother choose life for her unborn baby. Secondly, you help us in giving the gift of family to some who may not otherwise have been so blessed. Finally, you are helping to grow the Kingdom by placing that baby in a forever Christian home where he/she will be nurtured on God’s word. Christian Family Services, where God works miracles every day!

Thank You, Santa

FAMILIES Are Needed!

Memorial and Honor gifts are a wonderful way to honor people who have touched your life. What better way to show sympathy than to give a gift that looks to the future in the lives of the children who are touched by Christian Family Services, Inc. Honor someone on their birthday, anniversary, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation, Christmas or just because they’re special by giving a gift that allows Christian Family Services to continue providing help and hope to hurting families.

MEMORIAL/HONOR GIFT
Christian Family Services, Inc.
2720 SW 2nd Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32607

THE ENCLOSED GIFT OF $__________IS SENT IN MEMORY/HONOR OF:

______________________________

OCCASION______________________

PLEASE NOTIFY:
Name______________________________
Address______________________________
City, State, Zip______________________________

GIVEN BY:
Name______________________________
Address______________________________
City, State, Zip______________________________

___________________________________________________
(Their relationship to the deceased or person being honored).

E-Mail Addresses. You may reach Christian Family Services by e-mail at the following address: 

cedcfs@aol.com