May 1, 2014 PressPause returned to the Little Lighthouse in Tulsa, OK. The school provides individualized therapy and learning opportunities for children, ages 0-6 years, with severe disabilities to grow strong, learn to communicate, walk, sing and praise God. The school is truly a lighthouse of hope for families in the area and there's always a list of children waiting to be admitted.
Last Thursday night the parents of children "graduating" from that very special school were treated to a free home cooked meal and inspirational speaker, Marty Hight.
It was the largest gathering for Parents Night yet, with 55 anxious moms and dads attending. The PressPause volunteers served dinner while the staff of the Little Lighthouse attempted to ease the fears and concerns of these parents as they prepare to leave the safety of their beloved school and learn to navigate the public schools in the area. Marty Hight, a Stonecroft approved speaker, gave tips on how to become their child's advocate in a world that struggles to understand the needs of their children. Through laughter and tears she encouraged them to trust God to care for them as they forge ahead into unknown territory.
Several booklets, "A New Beginning" were voluntarily picked up by the parents as they left strengthened and encouraged.
PressPause volunteers Laura Francis, Patty Clay, Carolyn Reiger, Sharon Braner and Janet Renfro were privileged to share the love of Jesus with these parents of all faiths and no faith by serving food, smiles and hugs. Graduation Dinner is becoming a tradition for PressPause and we couldn't be more delighted as relationships are developed with the teachers, therapists and staff. We pray for the precious children and their brave parents as they adjust to their new challenges.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Friday, December 6, 2013
A TRUNKLOAD OF COOKIES FOR THE LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE
PressPause volunteer Laura Francis was made aware of the need as she volunteered at the Little Lighthouse recently. The teachers were in the midst of deciding how to make a Christmas Party happen with only colored paper decorations.
After prayer and discussion it was decided PressPause would try to fill the void so parents of all faiths and no faiths could come together for support and to celebrate the birth of Jesus. PressPause Chair, Sharon Braner sent out an e-mail to the women of Broken Arrow Christian Women's Club and the Tulsa Stonecroft leadership team letting them know of the plans and the need.
Meanwhile, Laura and her young granddaughter spent 3 days baking and decorating cookies to donate. (50 dozen)
20 women from 3 traditional Stonecorft Christian Women's Clubs in the area responded to the e-mail and a date was set to deliver them.
The cookies started streaming in and we loaded up Laura's trunk to take to the very surprised staff of the Little Lighthouse.
Joyfully they received over 100 dozen cookies for their gathering. NOW, parents could invite friends and neighbors to come to the party as well. No doubt Jesus will be celebrated, discussed and praised!
As we were delivering I overheard the comment, "Who are these women that would do this?"
The answer came from another LLH staff member, "Its the PressPause ladies!!! Again!!"
It truly is more blessed to give than receive! The Stonecroft ladies have done it again and will know the results of their efforts when we all get to heaven!!
STONECROFT SERVES!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
PRESSPAUSE GOES TO BELTON, MO
The combined adult Sunday School Classes wanted to hear more about the subject of Human Trafficking as they investigate ways they can personally be involved in combating this 32 Billion dollar a year crime that is spreading across the land. (Most all those attending had never been to a Stonecroft event.)
PressPause Chair Sharon Braner presented an hour long PowerPoint presentation covering the statistics and stories of the horrific subject.
A list of "Ten Things I Can Do Now" was distributed to the group of 75.
Statistics and stories were shared and a question and answer session revealed the commitment of the group to take the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the dark world of modern day slavery.
Prayer, volunteering at a local shelter, lobbying lawmakers, and organizing a "Freedom from the Addiction to Pornography" were all discussed and follow-up plans were made.
The gospel was presented and Jesus was praised as the only way to be free from physical bondage as well as the bondage of sin all mankind shares. The group prayed that God would make a way of escape for those presently held, healing and rehabilitation for the rescued and that all of us would be aware and willing to notify authorities when suspicious behavior is revealed to us.
The church is engaged, seeking God's power to help men, women and children of our communities that are suffering.
Friday, October 11, 2013
PRESS PAUSE GOES TO SCHOOL!
 |
| Emileigh Vasquez, Sharon Braner, Laura Francis |
The fun sessions are designed to help girls at risk understand their value, develop healthy friendships, foster good relationships, inspire them to dream of a successful future and set goals. Each session reaches 12-15 girls and sometimes their teachers participate as well.
Holly's dedicated volunteers listen to the stories of their lives, encourage, add guidance and exhibit the love of Jesus, as well as later being dedicated to praying for all the girls they meet through Girls 101. (PressPause provided the girls with a free dinner.)
It's a delightful multigenerational effort that brings a needed positive influence into the lives of young girls.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
PressPause HONORS LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE TEACHERS AND STAFF
 |
| Marcia Mitchell, Founder Catherine Zollar, Stonecroft speaker, Laura Francis, volunteer Julie Harrelson, teacher |
Chairman, Sharon Braner, Financial Coordinator Laura Francis and faithful volunteer, Patty Clay provided a free meal, a Stonecroft speaker (Catherine Zollar) lots of hugs, cheers and applause.
40 folks attended, 34 first timers for the Stonecroft Outreach Event. Gifts were awarded the teachers, interns were acknowledged and thanked, and a parent prepared video of the students and teachers past year was enjoyed.
Catherine Zollar presented her story of loss and redemption that brought laughter, tears and finally a standing ovation. The ladies loved her! A few sought her out for prayer at the close of the meeting as they realized their special connection to her story. The gospel was clearly presented through Catherines tale of grief, answered prayer and the hope she has in Jesus Christ.
It is a joy and privilege to serve the folks at the Little Lighthouse.
It truly is "more blessed to give than to receive."
Friday, May 3, 2013
PressPause RETURNS TO THE LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE
 |
| L-R: Speaker: Marty Hight, Sharon Braner Rebecca Zehner, LaDawna Sanco, Laura Francis, Carolyn Reiger, Patty Clay. |
Former LLH Alumni Parent, and Stonecroft approved speaker, Marty Hight shared stories of her daughter, Avery, who was not expected to survive at birth yet is now a thriving delightful thirteen year old. Marty encouraged the audience to become advocates for their child and to trust God's perfect plan for each one. Because Avery graduated from the LLH a few years ago, all the parents could relate to Marty's delightful laughter and tears.
PressPause volunteers served the free home-cooked dinner to thirty-eight moms, dads, teachers, and staff. Janet Renfro and Cheryl Brown also helped provide casseroles and desserts. At least thirty attendees were first time guests to any Stonecroft event.
As the evening closed, nine people picked up the Stonecroft booklet, "A New Beginning." Eight copies of the gospel of John were picked up by the parents also.
PressPause is honored to serve the folks at the Little Light House of Tulsa by inviting them to "pause" and reflect upon the person and work of Jesus.
Friday, April 19, 2013
PressPause Presents Human Trafficking Topic to Ladies Networking Group
The topic last night was Human Trafficking.
PressPause Chair Sharon Braner and Financial Coordinator Laura Francis met with the leadership of the group for dinner before the meeting and then visited with the 20 folks gathered at the Bartlesville Public Library for the presentation. The 40 minute PowerPoint Human Trafficking presentation raised awareness and sparked discussion in the group. Information was given as how to be involved in fighting this crime, how to address pornography in our churches, and how to warn young boys and girls of danger. One woman shared the story of her 15 yr. old stepdaughter that went missing years ago and was never heard from again. Two high school senior girls shared their desire to join the movement to combat Human Trafficking and their educational goals to pursue degrees in this area.
Another woman left making plans to organize a "pornography" seminar at her church.
The meeting was promoted in the local newspapers and several attended because of their interest in the topic.
The bondage of sin experienced by all mankind was compared with the bondage of being held by force, fraud and coercion. The group was encouraged to take the message of freedom offered by God into their communities. Four Stonecroft "A Gift for You" booklets defining salvation and life with Christ were voluntarily picked up and taken home.
PressPause exists to take Stonecroft Speakers into the marketplace. We are thankful for the opportunity to speak to folks that would normally not attend the traditional Stonecroft events.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)