Over 50 families, 175 people, gathered to celebrate the lives of Candle Wishes children with September birthdays. The party was held at Belle Aire Baptist Church Saturday August 29th.

The kids were SO EXCITED about their birthday gifts. Leondre asked me every 10 minutes how much longer until gifts would be handed out, begging me to reveal the contents of his bag.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the party a success: Linda, Jarred, Lisa, Reta, Nathan, Becky, Justin, Jason, Darla and Claude!

TennderCARE, a program to encourage annual well check-ups among  children on TennCare came and gave the children stickers and other goodies as well as providing information to parents on child health care.

Jarred, a Candle Wishes volunteer and student at MTSU, brought ingredients to make silly putty and other crafts. Here he is in the middle of the kid mob.

I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the mothers, Madeline, to talk about her experience participating in Candle Wishes for the past 3 years. She talked about how much Candle Wishes has helped her family. As a single mom with no family in the area, she says it is hard to make it financially. Madeline, who spent some time last year living in a motel room, has worked so hard to give her children a good life and now rents a house in the Murfreesboro area. When her daughter opened her birthday gift bag, Madeline was relieved to see boots and socks- she said she was just thinking the morning before the party about the children needing boots and socks for the winter.

It is such a pleasure to provide for the needs of these children and to give them a happy and positive birthday experience in the midst of their difficult life circumstances.  I pray that we love the poor in our communities the way Christ loves us and that His compassion drives us to make a difference.

Check out these pictures from the party- Jenny Williams, Founder and Executive Director

Jenny and Mashayla- my best buddy at the party

Twins Mark and Matthew

The August birthday party was held July 25th at Belle Aire Baptist Church and sponsored by the ladies group from New Hope Baptist Church called the Ladybugs. Local Kiwanis Clubs were planning to host a kids camp in LaVergne, TN the following week and invited all of the children at the party to attend the camp for free! Kiwanis and the camp counselors brought outside games to play with the kids at the party.

There is one family that I spent much of the time talking to that needs your prayers. Jennifer is a single mom of two girls who recently lost her job for economic reasons. She soon found another job in Murfreesboro, but a few days before she was scheduled to start, she was evicted from her condo in LaVergne. Her and the kids are now living in a motel. Please pray that God would provide for their needs during this difficult time. Jennifer was optimistic since she does have a job, but is worried about the girls, as they are having to change schools. Pray for these sweet girls, that God would protect them and draw them close to Him.

Each birthday child received a New Testament Bible with their gift bag. God has reminded me of the power of His word and that people come to know Him through the scriptures. Pray for everyone volunteering for Candle Wishes as we continue to build relationships with these families, and that Christ’s presence in our lives would be evident because of our love for people.

Thank you for your support of the Candle Wishes ministry! It is such a joy to serve along side our dedicated volunteers and sponsors as we reach out to local families in need. -Jenny Williams, Candle Wishes, Founder and Executive Director

Here are some pictures from the party: