Let a ketchup packet be our reminder.

   I remember years ago watching an evening news show like Dateline and there was a principal talking about how many students in her school were homeless or at least at risk to be soon.  She said when she first started working there she noticed the students sticking packs of ketchup into their pockets.  When she asked someone why they said it was because they would take it home to make ketchup soup!    I remember at the time just being shocked that we have children living in the U.S. that desperate for food.  It literally broke my heart.  I never forgot that story although I forgot what city this school was located. 

   Brian and I came to Las Vegas after feeling God brought us here to feed people....ALL people....anybody who NEEDS food.  We just can't imagine ever living without the security of knowing where your next meal is coming from.  To be starving....seriously starving.....not just I haven't eaten for 4 hours kind of "starving", has to leave an unimaginable loss of hope.  EVERYONE needs HOPE!  God sent us here to give hope and security in HIS love and promises.   So when we arrived in Las Vegas we immediately began searching for schools that needed our help.  I placed a call to Whitney Elementary which just happened to be 5 minutes from the ONLY house that didn't already have several people applying to rent it.  (The housing rental market in Vegas is a bit competitive!)
I spoke with the principal who has a HUGE heart for her students.  She even started a non-profit called Village of Hope Las Vegas who's name held a special place in our hearts because my sister started Village of Hope Guatemala.  (Not related at all but sentimental just the same!)  The kids that attend VOH Las Vegas are very high risk kids because of their family dynamics of drugs, abuse, poverty, prostitution.  Some are what we consider homeless which could mean they are in temporary housing with friends or family that could change at any moment.  Several live in the projects with no supervision and more pressure to live and act a certain way in their neighborhood.   Several know not to go into their home when certain people are standing at the door because of activities going on inside.  But when they are at the Village of Hope....they are kids, sweet kids, respectful, creative and caring with hopes and dreams.  The big problem that Village of Hope was still experience was not enough food to serve and send home with the kids.  Some of the kids were going through the garage grabbing out what other's had throw out so they could take it home for later.

  We have the privilege of being able to make sure these children have lunches and snacks everyday this summer while they are there.  We will also be working with them on a wide range of activities like education in  bullying, hygiene, Christianity, doing crafts, sports, and even going on field trips.  Most of these kids haven't even been out of their neighborhood to see what all Las Vegas has to offer.  We are working on being able to send home bags of food for the weekends and give them cooking classes since most have no guidance at home.    Please join us in praying for each one of these children to accomplish all their goals and open a place in their heart for Jesus to live full time!!

 

  And now for the GOOSEBUMPY part of this story.  After I spoke with Sherrie, the principal at Whitney Elementary that started Village of Hope, I was looking on the web and noticed several news channels had done stories on this school before.  When I began watching some I realized.....THIS was the "Ketchup Soup" school that God had laid on my heart!!  Isn't that just like HIM to plop us down just blocks from where He wanted us to serve and planted that seed so many years ago??  I can not wait to see how He will use Goodness Gracious Ministries in the neighborhood.

Me and Serenity

Mario playing games with the kids.

 

 

MOST UNIQUE SIBLING NAMES EVER!!!  

CLASSIC AND LYRIC 

 

 

Brian helping with computer issues.  ;)

 

Josh who wants to be a basketball star.  He has come so far with behaviors and has set goals to go to basketball camp.  One board member is making his dream come true this summer. 

 

 

Psalm 22:26
The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the Lord will praise him.

To give to Goodness Gracious Ministries go to :  http://www.cmnetwork.org/donate/  Be sure to write Brian and Jenny Bland in the box.

KICKING OFF OUR FOOD TRUCK DRIVE!!!!!!!!

    Do you want to be part of something powerful this summer??  Goodness Gracious Ministries is hitting the ground running in Las Vegas.  We see a huge need to feed hungry children and the homeless in Las Vegas.  As our mission statement says we want to feed the hungry both physically and spiritually.  The best way to do this is to go to them.  What better way to show them God's love than to meet them where they are and tell them God sent us! 

 

 

   In order to do this we need to purchase a Food Trailer like the one in this picture.  Not only will we use it to feed people but we will use it to educate students who would like to learn how to work in the food industry but can't afford to go to school.  We will also teach them how financing and hold Bible studies.  In return those same students will serve their communities when we join efforts with local homeless ministries. 

   So let's see how creative you can be this summer.  Would you be willing to get your whole family, your church or small group to host a garage sale, a car wash, post items or food on our online garage sale on facebook, a bowl-a-thon, a 5K, go door to door or WHATEVER God lays on your heart to help us raise $30,000 by the end of this summer???   No effort is too small when it comes from the heart!!

 Yes....it's a BIG GOAL but we have a BIG GOD!!

  Our family is so excited to be able to do a fundraiser in Las Vegas to sell fireworks from June 28-July 4th.  We will be in a stand 12 hours a day for 7 days straight including the 4th.  Friends with another ministry did it last year and said it was HUGE!  Please pray for great results for us too!

  We need to get the thermometer over on the right rising with the summer temperatures!!!  Let's turn up the heat!!! 

 Thank you for being a part of making a HUGE difference in the life of a child!

To partner with us just click here and follow the step by step instructions.  When you write Brian and Jenny Bland in the box you may want to include "Food Truck"!  Thank you in advance for your gift!
  http://www.goodnessgraciousministries.com/#/make-a-donation