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.

River Oaks Community Church (ROCC) sponsored the October 2009 birthday party for over 50 birthday children and their families. After a week of rain, we were blessed with sunshine on Sunday Sept. 27th for the party at Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro, TN. ROCC sponsored the party as part of The Church Has Left the Building project. On Sunday, the church didn’t have service but went out into the community to serve and BE the church! Those that volunteered to host the Candle Wishes party did an amazing job. The children had so much fun playing games and getting a sugar high from candy and cake. The birthday kids each had their own cupcake and all blowed out their candles making a birthday wish at the same time.

There was one family at the party that we have been praying for- a single mom who lost her job and has been living at a local motel. I was so excited to see her and hear that her new job is going well, and she was able to move her and the kids out of the motel and into a trailer. 

These families are struggling day to day. It is incredible to be a part of Candle Wishes- providing for the needs of the children,  fulfilling their birthday wishes, and creating memorable birthday experiences. Thank you everyone for your support of the ministry!

-Jenny Williams, Founder and Executive Director

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: