As we open a new chapter in a new year, it feels natural to look back at all that God has done in our many ministries in 2021. In fact, the Bible exhorts us to reflect on what God has done, and to tell others of His faithfulness. “Remember the wondrous works that he has done… Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” (I Chronicles 16:12, 24) Despite being a difficult year for so many, God’s faithfulness has shone through, sprouting up in sometimes surprising ways. Here’s just a few highlights from our partners at TRC Ministries:
- Community Kids celebrated 14 years of operation
- Opportunity Enterprises continues to run, machining parts and doing some light assembly. OE currently employs 11 men.
- Friday Fellowship Dinners have been able to resume more frequently after being shut down on and off by state regulations due to COVID concerns.
- Jail Ministry has also been able to reopen and resume anger management and restoring relationship programs
- The Blankets of Love program grew to reach the community outside the jail and passed their 1000 mark for blankets made.
- REACH transitioned from Alexandria High School to Kalon Prep Academy, and continues to provide mental health counseling, a basic needs fund, a college and career fund, a celebration fund to celebrate student milestones, as well as formative relationships to many students.
- June of 2021 TRC Ministries sent 50 audio bibles to our partners in Sri Lanka, who have started reaching out to the nomadic groups in the surrounding area.
- September 2021 sent 20 audio bibles to La Cosecha to be used for outreach in the local area. The recovery home continues to grow and see many answers to prayer.
- Place of Hope Africa currently has two children staying with them, and are working to restructure after Covid. Marv and Marie Bjorklund hope to attain their permanent residency in South Africa.
Another big highlight this year was when TRC Ministries celebrated its 21st Annual Banquet, along with more than 150 attendees.
Local singer and country music star Connie Lee opened the night of worship with Amazing Grace, and then a local band (singer and guitarist Adam Fredrickson, singer Kiley Ramstorf, drummer Ryan Fitzgerald, pianist Mercedes Hagen, and singer Dionne Hoffman) led the music, which included familiar hymns for people to sing along with.
A short video showcased Rita Lotti (Community Kids Coordinator) and former “Community Kid” Stacy Lang. Stacy shared how being part of Community Kids and the teen homework nights impacted her life. “I learned how to be really kind, not selfish, humble myself and help others in need. You just never know what someone could be going through.”
In addition to friendships and personal growth, Stacy also learned a few life skills. “[I learned how to] check my oil and do my taxes! As I transition into adulthood, it’s important to know how to do those things.”
But most importantly, Stacy remembers how being a part of Community Kids made her feel. “You feel like you have a sense of belonging, you feel so valuable and cherished.”
You can watch the video on our YouTube channel here.
This local ministry is going on its 14th school year of operation, and has been a wonderful example of God’s faithfulness over the years coming to fruition in young adults like Stacy.
Brent Smith (CEO of The Aagard Group) closed the evening.“I continue to be impressed with [TRC Ministres] and the activities they do, and for the amount of money they do it with. It is in my opinion one of the most frugal, best run ministries that I know about.” Four anonymous donors pledged to double match the giving up to $10,000, effectively tripling the funds raised that night. Thanks to generous gifts from our sponsors (The Aagard Group, Douglas Machine, K-Lakes, KXRA, and IRD Switches) the entire cost of the banquet was covered, from the food to the venue, so 100% of the donations received went directly to the ministries themselves.
As it turned out, TRC Ministries raised more than double our goal, and we are excited to see how God will use each dollar for His kingdom here on earth.
Thank you for all your support, generosity, and prayer especially through this last year as many of our ministries have continued to navigate through the difficulties that COVID has brought. We hope and pray that you will continue to partner with us in 2022 as we eagerly look forward to another year of God’s goodness in each of our ministries around the world.
