summer was full, and so meaningful. From summer camps to baseball, Rainbow Express^® , summer programs, summer lunches, revivals, school supplies, and so many other spiritual events for children and youth. Our congregations were especially active too. It was certainly a summer to remember.

Now, as fall arrives, and as the weather begins to cool a few degrees, and all the students are back in school, Mission Arlington^® enters into a new season. In many ways, not that much has changed. We still have hundreds of people coming in through our front doors in need of emergency assistance. The wonderful community surrounding us continues to drop off (or have us pick up) furniture, and we keep giving it away.  Our medical and dental clinics are busy with volunteer doctors and dentists using their skills and giving their time to help ordinary, every-day people in need. Yet, in another way, we experience a shift.

We still do what we do every day, but we also begin looking forward to a few of the fun events which are ahead.  For example, our Fall Festival happens on October 29th (from noon to 4). This means that 2,000 children will come in brightly dressed costumes and even brighter smiles. Bouncy houses, hay rides, great food, and a huge carnival with plenty of giveaways. What encourages us and feels so good about this event is to see families enjoying it with their children, and also to have so many community volunteers who step in to help.

After the Fall Festival, the Thanksgiving season begins in earnest. Individuals, families, and groups of all shapes and sizes arrive to help us prepare for the huge task which is a Mission Arlington^®. thanksgiving. Thanksgiving food has to be separated, packaged, and stored for delivery. Turkeys are placed in storage, ready to be thawed at the right moment, and it is extraordinary to watch the generosity of the community as turkeys begin to pour in.

The moment Thanksgiving is behind us, the “Christmas Store“ comes into view.  Of course, Christmas for us involves adoption of families, and so much care for people beyond what just happens in the store.  When the Store opens, however, (December 10-23, excluding Sundays, from 10 to 6 every day), the excitement around here surges. When December 26th rolls around, more than 32,000 children will have received gifts, the Christmas story will have been told in multiple languages, and many people will have started a new relationship, or renewed their old relationship, with our Lord.

In all of this, now for 30 years, you have continued to walk the journey with us. We are so very grateful for all you do in this place.  We know that many of you stop to pray for us at 10:00 every morning, and others pray, give, and help every chance that they get.  We want to be faithful to our Lord first and foremost, but also to you as you walk this journey with us.  We are excited about what the Lord has for us just around the corner.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.