Stunned Silence, Acting in Courage

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. One in three women will be victimized in her lifetime. Today, crossing my email are local "news alerts" about a statutory rape charge by a former teacher and day care child abuse charges. A few days ago we learned it was a "good day" for a set of parents who after several years finally found out who murdered their daughter. Finding out she died why may never come.

Yet, for each of these cases where abuse - any abuse- is known there are hundreds if not thousands that we don't know about. Every day victims of domestic violence get up, go about their daily lives and carry the secrecy of victimization with them without ever saying a word.

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month we have several activities coming up and I'm speaking in a few places. The Hope Quilt is on display at Carson Newman College in the counseling center. Phone calls and volunteers are increasing. Yesterday, a woman came in that helped to remind me why we are doing all of this. I was really glad she stopped by. She said we were a help to her. I hope so. That's what it is all about.

It's not enough for one person to speak out. To end the violence all survivors must join together with united voices in a cry so piercing that it will shock the world into a stunned quietness so it may hear. Then, as survivors we must gather in the silence to console each other, gather our courage and speak out for the change that will bring safety and peace to us all.

Until that day,

Gayle

Carson Newman College Makes Hope Happen in Strawberry Plains

Thanks to the Carson Newman College Dance Team our thrift shop has never looked better! The young women did a terrific job, wore smiles and were enthusiastic all morning. This is the second year they've come here through Operation Inasmuch and we're very glad they came.

This means it will be easier for both shoppers and clients to find the items they need. More people can be served more effeciently. We also had three other volunteers here. Always upbeat they found the dance team's enthusiasm to be contagious - and this soon spread to our customers.

It was just a great day to be here and we're very glad they came!

Want to join us sometime? Give us a call or email gayle@hopeforhealing.org. We'd love to welcome you or your group as we serve others.

Antique Appraisal Fair Raises Funds!

Antique Appraisal Clinic

By John Coker, Ltd.

SUNDAY, OCT. 21, 2007

2:00 -4:00 PM

$10.00 first item $5.00 each additional item.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

STRAWBERRY PLAINS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

3173 W.OLD ANDREW JOHNSON HWY

Strawberry Plains, TN 37871

100% OF THE TICKET SALES GO TO HOPE FOR HEALING.ORG – the only 501c3 nonprofit serving all of Strawberry Plains. All proceeds help them help victims of domestic violence, work with juvenile offenders, distribute Angel Food Boxes & more.

Bring your antiques, artwork, furniture, silver or high quality photo of larger items for an appraisal. Now is the time to bring your treasures to find out what they are worth and help a good organization at the same time.

For tickets or more information please contact:
Hope for Healing. Org

2912 Hwy. 11E
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871

Phone: 933-8769

Quality handcreated items by Hope Youth and munchies will be available. Plan now to attend!

Angel Food Sponsors Found!

Whew! That was close. This was a hard month to find sponsors. I'm grateful for those who came forward. Quite a few of you offered to sponsor part of a box for someone. This is always 100% fine! It all adds up. That's actually how one family is going to get a box. We thank you for your support. That goes for us and for the families who will eat this month because of your generosity. Thanks everyone!!

Angel Food Deadline Friday. Can you sponsor?

Hi,
Our angel food deadline is Friday at 5:00 pm. Don't forget to bring your orders to our office. We have to turn in orders on Monday morning.

This month, we have had two requests for boxes for which we have no sponsors. Can you help? The basic boxes are $28.00. Payment would need to be received by Friday.

1. The first situation is a mom who's recently gotten a new job because she and her husband thought it was best. They didn't know it would get their family removed from food stamps. They used her entire first check to pay the light bill. Now, they can have electricty but no food. Three middle school kids are in the picture. They can reapply for food stamps but it will be awhile before they hear anything.
2. The second situation is an older couple. Living on social security is hard. It's even harder when there is a chronic illness and medicines to buy. They are not on food stamps and don't normally ask for assistance but need a little help this month. Plus, he's having surgery tomorrow.

Both of these families seem to be deserving. They are trying very hard to make ends meet. If you can sponsor all or part of a food box they'd appreciate it. Just let us know how much you can do and which situation you want to help with.

And please, don't forget to use Yahoo powered Good Search.com as your internet search engine. Designate "Hope for Healing.Org in Jefferson City" and each time you search they'll donate a penny. 1000 people searching twice a day can raise $7,300 annually!

You're Invited! Transformation Day, Sat.Oct 6.

On October 6 we are having Transformation Day where discouraged people can meet the transforming power of Jesus Christ. This is a worship service with free lunch, free goody bags, free massages and free clothing for all attendees. It is 100% for God. No love offering will be collected.

So far, we have participants from 8 different churches (White, African American and Hispanic) working with us on this representing 4 different denominations and 5 different ethnicities.

Everyone is invited! Bring a friend. There is no charge. It's sure to be a fun, meaningful experience.

Join us at:
Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church
3173 W. Old Andrew Johnson Hwy.
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871
Phone: 933-8769

Many thanks to the people of Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church for allowing us to borrow the building.

See you there!

See our Morristown District Conference Display

When at the Morristown District Conference on Sunday, Sept. 10 be sure to stop by our display. It will be downstairs in the fellowship hall on the stage. We'll have lots of info about what we've done, where we're going and how you can partner with us. We hope to see you there!