Safe Families Chatham-Kent

Resource Friends serve families in crisis through their resources and skills, like a grocery delivery, winter clothing, employment services, mental health services... small ways to love and serve just as Christ served us, fully and freely. Email us to serve as a Resource Friend today: [email protected]

Upcoming dates to highlight: January 13-14 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER January 23 Host Family Training Event Click the link below to see our newsletter that went out today ... Drop a comment to let us know if you'd like to be added to our mailing list and be sure to add [email protected] as a contact so it doesn't go to your spam folder. https://mailchi.mp//international-day-of-prayer-event-jan-

Interested in becoming a host family? Mark your calendars! This is a wonderful opportunity to complete your training in one day!

To start off this new year, we invite you to join us and others in the Safe Families movement across Canada, the U.S. and the UK next Wednesday, January 13th fo...r a virtual 24 hour prayer event! Pick any time of day that suits you and join our international Zoom call to pray with others in the movement. Register and find out more details at sfdayofprayer.org!

We sat down with Shannon & Bethany to talk about what lead them to step out of their comfort zones in blind faith and begin the journey to help children and families in crisis. Get a behind the scenes look into the heart, passion and obedience that made Safe Families Chatham-Kent a reality.

When those in our lives can’t see God physically, our presence reminds them He cares for them. Our behavior can tell others, I am here, while also assuring them, I am here for you. It might mean sitting near your friend as she awaits the outcome of her loved one’s surgery, praying she feels the Lord’s presence by your proximity. It could be taking a meal to your coworker who is reeling from a recent heart-crushing breakup, asking God to comfort her with your cooked meal a...nd company. It may look like being with a neighbor, cleaning her house and doing her laundry as she helps her children adjust to a new normal. Your care will display to them that God cares too. The ministry of proximity not only displays to others your readiness to help; it also assures them that God is near. How might the Lord be calling you to the ministry of proximity today? -Karen Ehman How can you be near to someone in your life today?

What if moments of compassion are actually epic moments of battle? Colossians 3:12 reminds us, Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe... yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. I can’t help but notice that compassion is listed first. It’s from a heart of compassion that kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience naturally flow. These are the qualities I want flowing from my heart. I imagine you want them flowing from yours, as well. That’s why we must ask ourselves When people see us, do they see the compassion of their Creator? People are walking around with way more hurts than we can ever imagine. And they need to know God’s compassion is alive and well and winning the epic battle in good versus evil. People need to know redemption is more than just a word. May the unending compassion He has shown to us flow back through us. When have you personally felt the compassion of God through another person? My team and I would love to hear from you!

We were in the car the other day when this song came on. I listened to the lyrics and was challenged. When we got home I listened to it again and the words hit me with truth. I encourage you to listen to it and let the words sink in. Let them inspire you to step out of your comfort zone. As we approach giving Tuesday consider what you can give to this hurting world. We are all far from perfect but we are all created with a purpose. Love your neighbour. How can you show love and compassion to someone who desperately needs to feel it today?

How true, Always be kind

You guys, great things are happening! We would love to keep you updated via our monthly newsletter. If you haven’t already been added to our contact list, send us your email address and you can stay connected with monthly updates on what is happening in our community

Friends, we need your help. There are families in our community who feel alone, hopeless and isolated. A listening ear, a kind gesture, a caring heart could turn their world around. Would you be willing to be the friend that brings hope to someone’s life today? We are now taking applications for family friends who can walk with the hurting in their time of need. What does this mean? An hour a week, a home cooked meal, a listening ear. We all have something we could give. This can make a huge difference in a struggling family’s life. The best gift you can give someone is your time Send us a message or email us at [email protected] to join the team. #bethegift