I had the privilege of speaking on Saturday (3/28) at the Virginia Alpha Delta Kappa convention at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA. The dinner gala's theme was "Jars of Giving" and everyone who attended received a copy of Christmas Jars and a decorated mason jar with a Christmas Jars label. All were challenged to go home and begin filling the jar immediately. Everyone accepted!
The evening was truly fantastic and the 330 attendees embraced the origin and miracle of the Christmas Jar with all their hearts.
But the most amazing part of the evening wasn't on the agenda. With no planning at all, after my remarks, one of the organizers stepped to the podium and asked if I thought it would be OK to give the evening's donations to the families of two employees that were shot and killed at the resort just a week earlier. "Wonderful idea," I said. The rest agreed.
Jars were filled throughout the evening, and by the next morning the ladies of ADK had raised over $3,000 in cash and divided it between two jars. Yesterday morning the jars were presented to the GM of the hotel. He accepted them on behalf of the entire Homestead family with tears in his eyes. The jars were given to the two families earlier today.
Then moments ago I received the following email. It put tears in my eyes. It just might do the same for you.
From Michael Stinnett, Hot Springs, VA:
I am not very good at writing these, but my father was murdered last week along with another employee at his place of work. I was attending the viewing of the other employee killed when the GM of my hotel approuched me and handed me one of these jars. Inside was over $1500 that a fraternity had collected who did not even know who we where. Also included was an autographed copy of Christmas Jars.
I do not have words and only hope that one day when things are better I can do the same for someone else who is going through a hard time. Thank you.
Michael, to the contrary, I think you found the perfect words. We will all be praying for your family.
I don't even know what to say. What a tragedy and miracle--all at the same time. God bless you Mr. Stinnett, and the other family also.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you and your family....and those who delivered your Christmas Jar. May you find some comfort in knowing that there are people out there who are praying for you.
ReplyDeleteTo both families: I hope you find peace in your souls. Someday you might be a miracle to someone else who needs a jar. The Lord will bless and keep you!
ReplyDeleteYou have given all of us something special with Christmas Jars. To know you is to love you! It is my pleasure to know you and to love you!
ReplyDeleteTo the family, Many hearts have been deeply touched by the passing of your loved one. May God continue to bless you!
ReplyDeleteWow, I also am at a loss of words, as the tears stream down my face. Being 8 months pregnant over course my hormones aren't helping. I pray for these families that they can find peace in their hearts, and know that their loved ones are with God.
ReplyDeleteWow....Just Wow...I have tears in my eyes and love in my heart for this dear family that has suffered such a tragic loss but recieved such a wonderful miracle. May God Bless you always and you will always be in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteIn a world seemingly gone mad, stories like this help to restore our faith in our fellow men and strengthen our faith in our heavenly Father. May He hold your families close, dry all your tears and comfort your broken hearts. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
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