Where to Next?

I am sitting here wishing that I could take Lucas' story to every person that I know. I want people who have healthy, vibrant, children to feel blessed, I want people who have never met a special needs person to be moved, I want eyes that are closed to reality of other people's situations to be opened, I want Lucas to have his van. If you know one person who would be touched by A Van for Lucas, please send them the website address, www.avanforlucas.com. If this contact turns into a donation, great. If not, stand confidently in the fact that an impact was made on their day. My bet is that it will be a positive one.

$50.00

It all started with $50.00. That's it. $50.00 and a nudge. I just updated www.avanforlucas.com with the latest donation update. As of today, we have raised $13,415.00. I was beginning to get discouraged because if this project was based on my timing, we would have completed it by now. The thing is this, A Van for Lucas isn't about completing anything. It is about reaching. Once the people who are supposed to be reached are reached, then the entire $40,000.00 will be raised. My definition of success has changed since taking on this project. I know that I don't have to have my hand it every aspect of this project for it to be a success. Actually, when I step back and let God work through A Van for Lucas, I see the most progress.

To those of you who have opened your heart to A Van for Lucas, we thank you. We love taking this journey with you. Stay tuned for more miracles!

Merry Christmas!

If you do it, do it now.....

Hello to all of those people who are on the journey of A Van for Lucas. It is a blessing to have you with us. The title of this post has to do with one thing....prayer.
A Van for Lucas needs your prayers for 2 specific things: 1) We have applied for a grant from a local family foundation and are awaiting the response. 2) I have contacted a local branch of Easter Seals to seek their support for our cause. I am awaiting their response, as well. Both forms of support could help us move closer to our goal of $40,000.00. So.....if you pray, pray now!

What direction are we heading?

We are headed up my friend! That's right. In just over 2 weeks we have raised over $11,000.00 for A Van for Lucas. My praise goes to Jesus for guiding this project from the beginning.

Things that are in the works are an anonymous donor who has agreed to match all donations up to $1000.00, Owen Hansen, who is 8 years old, is readying himself to make his second donation which will put his personal total at over $200.00....did I mention that he is 8?, I am working with local agencies to get A Van for Lucas tied into already planned fundraisers who are looking for a local cause to partner with, I have met with a close friend of mine who owns many local restaraunts. He and are I are discussing how his establishments can assist in helping us raise funds, A Van for Lucas has spread across to the country to the state of Missouri. A family member of the O'Healy da Silva family has shared the story with her church....they are aware and that, my friend, is the first step.

Each day, new and exciting ideas are given to me. I follow through when my day permits....currently, my baby is sleeping and my boys are making mudpie. One of the best parts about working on A Van for Lucas is each day my kids will say, "how much money did we raise for Lucas today mommy?" They get it.....Thank the Lord for that.

Stay tuned! And Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

The Journey So Far

Let me begin by directing you to the newly released website for A Van for Lucas:

www.avanforlucas.com

From the website you can learn more about the need behind A Van for Lucas. You will be able to meet Lucas and his family through the video that is available on the home page. There is a How to Donate page that will allow you to contribute online or via check, as well as track the financial progress of the project. Lastly, you can read about how this project started, as well as understand the goals and the mission. If you have questions, comments or want to share a story, there is contact information available on the website.

A quick financial update for you is we have received $7500.00 in donations since last Tuesday, 11/10! In addition to this, I spoke with a couple of people after church this morning who have been very touched by the Lucas' story. We must remember the twofold goal of A Van for Lucas; to raise enough money to purchase a van, and for people to witness how God works in all situations. I believe, after the conversations I had this morning, that the second part of the goal is occuring. I am sure it is stronger than I may ever realize. That is the beauty of this entire project.......It is between God and those who are being reached.

Thank you for checking in with A Van for Lucas. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Great Way To Start the Week!

I received a phone call this morning that informed me of a substantial pledge that will be made to A Van for Lucas. This person believes in the cause and didn't feel the need to see the video. I will, of course, still send her a DVD so she has a full understanding of who Lucas is. I am sure she will be moved by his story as we all have been. Along with her financial pledge, she is also going to give me names of organizations and individuals who may be able to help support the cause.

After I hung up the phone, there was an energy in me that I haven't felt since the kickoff of A Van for Lucas. When I remove myself, my fear, my inhibitions, I am reminded that this is a Spirit led project and has been since day 1. It is my prayer that He continues to give me the direction and confidence needed to raise the needed funds.

Praise Him!

A Hiatus?

To those of you who have been following A Van For Lucas, I would like to officially tell you that we are back in business. Where were we? Well, let's just say that we are working with God's timing on this project, not our own. Over the last couple of months, we have worked to create a DVD to capture Lucas' story. The DVD is now complete and ready to be viewed, used, and leveraged to help raise the $40,000.00 needed to purchase the wheel chair equipped van.

Currently, I have DVDs of the video that I will use in my face to face meetings with possible contributors. A link to the video will be available shortly for all who are following A Van for Lucas to watch. Stay tuned........