#GivingThanks

This morning my wife Jackie was listening to her favorite news podcast, the News Worthy.  It’s a short daily podcast with a catchy phrase, “news made fast, fair, fun.” One of the updates that caught my attention was about Giving Tuesday.  Giving Tuesday is an initiative that started in 2012 that has gained massive momentum.  It is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving that is touted as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world."  People are encouraged to not only give financially, but also of their time or talents or resources, etc.

Today was a busy day at our new school.  I gave 4 music classes for our 4th-9th graders.  The students are busy preparing for their Christmas Posada (Program).  As I walked the property throughout the day and saw children and teachers all over the place, I was struck with something amazing and humbling.

I cannot believe that this place was once an abandoned, dried up apple orchard.  And now, it is home to an ever growing and beautiful campus.  For the past 10 years, so many churches, businesses, schools, families, individuals, and more have given so generously, beyond anything I could have imagined.  So many of you have given generously of your finances.  You have given of your time in coming down with mission teams and just to visit.  You have given of your talents and abilities.  You have given your prayers, encouragement, kind words.  It is a bit overwhelming to think of all that God has done through each of you.

So, on this #GivingTuesday, we wanted to Give Thanks, to each and every one of you.  And especially to our Creator who has blessed us and House of Blessing beyond measure over the past 10 years.  We are so excited to see all the things that He will do over the next 10 years and we are especially thankful to be able to walk this journey with you.

Thank you so very much!

Jason

HOB Golf Tournaments Recap!

I’m very excited to finally be able to share with you all about the incredible success we had with this years House of Blessing golf tournament. Once again this year, we hosted tournaments in both Washington and Florida. Last year, we raised over $16,000 between the two events. We were hoping to raise more than that this year, especially with the start of our new school.

Well, we raised well above that number. In fact, between both our WA and FL tournaments we raised $21,343.00. WOW … unbelievable! To all of you that came out to our events to either play, volunteer, support of just hangout. Thank you so very much. To all of our sponsors who generously donated, thank you very much. To the support staff that help with graphics, fliers, pictures, videos, website, etc. Thank you very much. Because of everyones hard work, we are able to bless our new school with over $21,000. WHAT A BLESSING!

The school year began this past September 5th and things are going incredibly well. We have 54 beautiful students from Kinder to Jr High that have the opportunity to receive a wonderful education. Our amazing staff of teachers and personnel have done an outstanding job caring for these wonderful students All of this is truly made possible because of events like these golf tournaments.

So thank you again for your prayers and support for House of Blessings new adventure and chapter. We have made a few different recap videos of both golf tournaments. Please check out the links below for both the WA and FL tournament recap videos!

Florida Tournament RECAP!

New Season, New School, New Blessings...

Well, it has finally arrived. Tomorrow morning (or today, depending on when you read this) marks a new season, new chapter, a new adventure of House of Blessing (HOB). HOB has served as an orphanage in the community of Bachiniva Mexico and surrounding areas for the past 10 years. And now, HOB gets to be a part of opening a brand new Private Christian School. Our buildings and campus will once again be filled with life and excitement as 53 students from Kindergarten to Jr. High and 11 teachers and staff begin the new school year this week.

For the past 3 months, so many wonderful people from Mexico and the United States have poured their hearts, effort and strength into getting everything ready. Even as I write this, we have a mission team here from Lowry City in Missouri that did a kitchen remodel, painted all the classrooms and a number of other projects in just 4 days.

I returned from a 2 week trip this past Wednesday. One of the events that took place during my time in the states was our annual golf tournament up in Washington. It was a TREMENDOUS success as we raised over $10,000 for the new school. It truly was a very special day. Thank you to all the players, volunteers, sponsors and churches that helped make it possible.

God continues to confirm that this is the new chapter He has for us and we are so excited to watch all that He does. Thank you to those who have been praying for us. Thank you to those who have donated money for this new endeavor. Thank you to those who have started to sponsor a students tuition. Thank you!

We would absolutely love and covet your continual prayers. I look forward to keeping you updated throughout the weeks.

Blessings to you

Jason