115 Shalimar families were provided with delicious Thanksgiving meals this year. Students
at both the learning center and teen center were also able to participate in a Thanksgiving feast at Shalimar. Shalimar has enjoyed the Christmas season and the students were very excited about their Christmas party at both centers. The students are continuing to work diligently on their studies and progressing greatly in the reading workshop. Costa Mesa
Youth Employment Services (YES) has partnered with the teen center to provide the juniors and seniors with workshops on interview skills and resume writing. This will take place in January. In February, we will start having guest speakers come and talk about their careers. The preferred time for these speakers will be at 4:00 pm on Thursdays. The total time for the presentation and questions is about an hour. The students always have a lot of questions and really enjoy these speakers. If you have a career you would be willing to speak about,
please call me and we can arrange a time for you to come to Shalimar. You can reach me (Susan Denniston) at 949-637-0275.
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ISAIAH HOUSE NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Help Is Immediately Needed for Our Isaiah House Guests
The Isaiah House anticipated warm clothing and bedding from expected channels
that are not coming in.
The Isaiah House Guests Need Immediate Assistance with Anything
You would Want to Put On when the Rain is Falling along with the Temperature.
- Women's Winter Coats - all sizes [1]
- Stocking Caps
- Gloves
- Sweatshirts
- Hoodies
- Thick Socks
- Blankets
Drop Off Points and Pick Up Requests
Marti Fischer - Leave on the bridge
500 Oak Street
Laguna Beach
Donna Phebus - Leave on the porch
1955 Port Bishop Place
Newport Beach
The Isaiah House - Leave inside the front door near the stairs
316 Cypress Avenue
Santa Ana
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Women of Vision Hear Marilee
Pierce Dunker
“Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.”
Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision
Countless people have been inspired by Bob Pierce’s challenging words,
and untold millions of lives have been changed and saved by the ministry
of World Vision, which he founded 60 years ago. Women of Vision JRS
(WOV JRS) had the opportunity to hear about the man, the ministry and
more when Bob’s daughter, Marilee Pierce Dunker, spoke at a recent
meeting.
Women of Vision Orange County (WOVOC) is a volunteer partnership of
World Vision, which is the largest international Christian humanitarian
organization serving the poor in 100 countries throughout the world. Almost
4 million children are sponsored through World Vision. WOVOC has raised
more than $5.5 million for World Vision projects and sponsors more than
400 children. WOV JRS is a ministry designed for busy women who have
limited time for meetings, but have a heart for serving the poor.
“Marilee is a real treasure,” explained Cheryl Young, WOV JRS chair. “I tried
for two years to get her here, but she speaks all over the world. She is a
dynamo with such passion for Jesus. Her story was riveting, as well as
being a great inspiration about how essential prayer is for hearing God’s call.”
“I love that she trusted God’s perfect plans for everything, even how He used
the hardships of her life and redeemed them all,” said Kathleen Risser, a
member of WOV JRS. “She never imagined how God would bring everything
full circle, but He did. She had difficulties, pain and suffering, like we all have,
but she trusted God, and so can we. We don’t have to wait for some big
opportunity to do something significant; God will use whatever skills we have,
and He will multiply them. We just need to be willing.”
“I feel called to motivate women at all stages of their lives to step out and do
something extraordinary,” Marilee said. “Every woman has opportunities
where she can say ‘Yes’ to God, to step out in faith, even if it’s uncomfortable
or something new. I tell women that who they are is valuable to the kingdom
of God. I love sharing what God has done in my life, and how all the pieces that
didn’t seem to add up to much came together in a new and meaningful way.
I wake up amazed that all my experiences led to where I am today.”
Today Marilee is the International Ambassador for Children for World Vision.
She was surprised when God opened the door for her to work at World Vision
after decades away, especially considering the toll it took on her family.
“I was born the same year as World Vision and my dad was gone 10 months
of the year building the ministry so I didn’t really get to know him. The long
separations left our family dysfunctional in many ways. My sister Sharon was
nine years older and had a close relationship with my dad; she really missed
him after he started traveling and she struggled emotionally most of her life.
When she was 27, she took her own life, and my parents separated shortly
after. Our story is a strong reminder that even when serving God and others,
we need a healthy balance between family, ministry and our own health.
Dad died young, at just sixty-three, from leukemia. He burned himself out,
but before he died, we had a beautiful reconciliation. God was faithful to us;
He has done so many miracles.”
“I didn’t have much to do with World Vision for 30 years,” Marilee said. “But
when I became an empty nester, I looked for something meaningful to do
with the next season of life. I really prayed about it. God brought me to World
Vision through Women of Vision, and introduced me to issues of poverty
through the hearts of women. I could relate to that. Now I follow in my dad’s
footsteps, seeing for myself the things that break the heart of God.”
Marilee travels and speaks around the world on behalf of women and children
affected by poverty. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping
people to help fulfill God’s call to care for the poor, and gets excited about
helping people see that they have the ability to help change the world, one
person at a time.
“When we look at poverty, it’s overwhelming until we bring it down to the
of one child,” Marilee said. “We can all do something, we can reach out, and
be a blessing. And when we unite with others who share our passion, as
we do in Women of Vision, we can change the world!”
For more information, go to www.womenofvisionorangecounty.org
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This issue of WOVeN is coming with our prayers and wishes that you have a blessed Advent season in the same way you have been a blessing to so many. I am in awe of and humbled by the work of Women of Vision all around this country... the meals served, the feet washing and shoes provided (WOV Kinston had a wonderful shoe distribution!), the gifts provided, the phone calls, funds raised, prayer support and care for so many in need. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus in a world of hurt. Please also enjoy some rest and time for reflection in the midst of all you do.
