The July birthday parties in Rutherford County and Memphis were amazing. Every month brings with it new experiences and new stories to tell of how Candle Wishes is making a difference in the lives of families in need.

One of the single moms in the program, who is expecting another child in a few months, brought her children to the party in Rutherford County. I spent a long time talking to her and I noticed she was beat up pretty bad. I asked her what happened and learned her dad had beat her up and pushed her off their front porch. She had fallen on her stomach and had been to the hospital to monitor the health of the baby. She talked to me about how much she appreciates Candle Wishes helping with her girls’ birthday gifts and their needs. She is struggling to get by, and it would be easy to become cynical about a world that doesn’t care. But, through her involvement with Candle Wishes, she is encouraged that her community is different.

Thank you to 2Cute! of Murfreesboro, Christ Church of Memphis, and the many donors and volunteers who made this month of ministry possible! Churches, businesses, and individuals enable Candle Wishes to live out the gospel by being the hands and feet of Jesus’ compassion for the poor. What an amazing gift, thank you again!

Candle Wishes Memphis Family

Rutherford County Birthday Girl- Danielle

Rutherford County Party

Post from Melissa Shaeffer, Candle Wishes Memphis Director:

The April party was the best yet! We had five birthday kids and about 30 people at the party. The June party is expected to be a real blast for the kids! We have 14 birthday kids and probably about 80 people coming.  We are going to rent a moon bounce and let the kids play in that for entertainment. In April, I had no idea how I was going to pay for the party. It was Wednesday before the party, and I went to church and the financial man said I have  $100 check for you that someone donated on Sunday. I started tearing up just to know God is so good! I am working on getting the remaining kids for the rest of this year sponsored. I presented to my church this past Sunday, and I had four people who were interested, Praise God! Just pray for blessings upon the families and donors as God continues to work through Candle Wishes to touch the children of Memphis.

From Left- Reta King, Julie Robinson, Becky Ward, David Nelson, Tiffany Bigham, Nathan Williams, Jenny Williams, and Melanie Shipp (not pictured: Cheryl Hultman, Brian Kidd, Murphy Fair, Renee Delbridge, Justin Ward, Debbie Price, Mickie Dove.

We discussed fundraising and building community partner relationships so that Candle Wishes can continue to grow and expand to reach more families. Melissa Shaeffer will serve as Director of the Candle Wishes Chapter in Memphis launching in 2010! Please pray for Melissa as she meets with churches and businesses about their support of the ministry.

It’s so exciting to be a part of this ministry, loving every minute of making a difference in the lives of children and actively helping our neighbors in need. God has truly blessed Candle Wishes with volunteers and donors who have a passion for the ministry. We look forward to the next year and what the Lord has planned for us in the future!

Jenny Williams, Candle Wishes, Founder and Executive Director