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RHM December 2015 Newsletter

  • For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 WEB

    RHM December Newsletter - 2015

    Hi there,

    Thank you for reading our devotional and being a part of Refreshing Hope Ministries. This is our monthly update on what has been happening here during the last month and I hope that you will take the time to read it. There are a lot of exciting things going on at Refreshing Hope.

    Jesus is the reason for all seasons and we should stay close to Him all year, but I especially love the Christmas season. Yes, I know there are those that hate Christmas, just as they were the offspring of Mr. Grinch. But at our house, we celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Jesus. He was born on the earth and none of us know exactly when, so one day is as good as the next.

    My wife Sylvia was born on Saint Patrick’s day. When that day rolls around, I am not concerned about Saint Patrick, for it has now been overwritten by my wife’s birthday. Likewise, we celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Jesus here, whether it is or not.

    The beautiful white snow always reminds me of God’s forgiveness. He said “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient,You shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:18-19).

    Jesus made this possible for us. We can now come boldly before the throne of grace and receive mercy, no matter how bad we have messed up in our life. There is always a second chance with God. As long as we live, we should never stop getting up. Don’t lay in the mud. When you fall, get back up and take another step.

     California coast along Hwy 1 - 2012

    A selfie on the California coast

    Road Trip: Sylvia and I will be traveling to Southern California for Christmas and spending time with her family there. We plan to drive and to see the country. It is 2,800 miles one way. Our current plans are to take Interstate 40, though snow could cause us to take the 10. One of our favorite places to stop is the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo Texas. We will be taking a lot of pictures and posting them on the website for those that want to keep up with us. 
     

    Guideposts: Several months ago Guideposts Outreach contacted us about sharing some of my devotionals with their readers, and in return we will be sharing some of their writings with our readers. Guideposts was founded by Norman Vincent Peale in 1945 and after looking deeper into his work, I find that we have a lot in common.


    We both want to restore hope to the body of Christ and spread the good news of Jesus around the world. God is not dead, He loves you, and He has a plan for your life today. We are excited to partner with Guideposts Outreach and have created a special area on our website to share their booklets. We will also be sending out a few emails to tell you more about it. Please take a few minutes to look them over and leave your feedback at the bottom of the pages in the comment section. 
     

    Online Church: This is the first Christmas of our online church and we have grown to 2,801 members. Many people have found new friends and encouragement, and we love the feeling of community that is growing there. People openly pray for each other all over the site. It encourages me to see God’s people walking with others instead of alone. 
     

    We have added two new groups over the last month: 

    Passionate About Education: This group will focus on supporting students,parents, educators, and anyone who wants to share ideas, problems, experiences, as well as suggestions for websites, free online materials , strategies, etc. Learning happens everywhere, not just in a school setting!
     

    Spiritually Single: This group is for the Christian spouses of “pre-believers”. The purpose is for sharing the burdens of our Christian brothers and sisters who walk this path.
     

    We have tweaked and restructured some areas of the website. There is now a "Pastor's Corner", which contains the devotional, teachings and other areas pertaining to Pastor Dion. We have also merged videos, photos, etc. into a "Multimedia" page. Finally, we have tweaked the "Blogs" page so you can better find the posts from our member bloggers, especially for mobile users. You can click on the names to see their list of blogs, and there is now a subscribe link for each blogger so you can subscribe to their posts. 
     

    If you are in need of prayer, be sure to send in your needs to our prayer network. We and our prayer team will be honored to lift you up!
     

    Thank you so much for sticking with us, and for all who have supported us throughout the month with prayer, encouragement and financial resources. I pray that the Lord richly blesses you and that you are covered with His presence as you read these words. May He guide your every step and fan the flames within you. May the Lord lead us all into everything that He has for us as we follow Him one step at a time, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. 
     

    Please leave your comments below and let us know how we are doing!

     

    Pastor Dion

     
    Our mailing address is:

    Refreshing Hope Ministries
    P.O. Box 67
    Conway, SC, 29528
     


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Social Sharing

27 comments
  • 3
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh Thank you for the time and love you have put into this,for all the words of encouragement and the support you give us.Hope you both have good journey and time with friends and family this Christmas.Knowing that Our Heavenly Father watches over you,and will Provide you iwith all your needs.Thanks b to God.
November 29, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you so much, Rosemary, God bless <3!
December 2, 2015
  • 3
Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor and Sylvia for this amazing online church! May God let this ministry expand and reach out to the entire world!
November 29, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you very much, Lissy :)!
December 2, 2015
  • 3
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Can't  wait to see pictures of your road trip :) I don't actually celebrate christmas in the same since as most do... I studied for years with Jehovah's witness... Through their studies I realized some of the orign and pagan rituals that were adopted by early christians to appeal to all people. I no longer make a big deal of any of those rituals. It used to give me much stress this time of year as I was always in inner conflict  over it. Being a preschool teacher and not celebrating christmas yet I had to teach the tradition often left me with much guilt. Now I realize that any way we get Jesus' name out there in a positive light, is a good thing. These days I really try to enjoy the lights and music... love the music! I focus on God , Jesus and love during this season although we have had some real losses from Sept. through Dec. over the last few years so I must admit it is challenging to stay positive but I do see less stress because of the inner struggle and more from the losses that we have recently had.  In any case Christmas around here is very low key and I like it that way. I don't wait for that one time a year to give... I give when I can and the feeling strikes me. I don't fret over the mess of christmas trees in my house... I enjoy them alive in nature nearly everday as we walk. I don't get caught up in holiday stress and or guilt... I already struggle with over stressing daily so I don't need the added stress of the season. I just focus on Jesus and love and it gets me through the loss of quite a few loved ones called home in this season through the last few years. I was just checking out some of those Guide Post booklets:) AWESOME!!!! I love that you are partners now!! What a partnership it will be! Just imagining how many you will be able to reach through this new merger is mind boggling :) I so appreciate all you do for the entire world! You both are a bright beakon and shining light in bleak and trying times. The world needs more like you to shine bright for us and keep us in hope and faith. Blessings and safe travels to you! I love road trip photos so I'll be waiting to share in all your fun :) 
December 1, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you, Dianna! We are very excited about working with Guideposts, too! I can see how Christmas would have been stressful, so many a time now to start fresh and get "back to the roots" with it and simplify :). We love Christmas, but we don't do tons of shopping, get into debt, put ourselves through massive cooking, or any of the other things that we think add stress :)!
December 2, 2015
  • 3
Steva Briney
Steva Briney Thank you so much for your daily post I look forward to them every morning!! I pray you guys have a safe trip and a safe return.. 
December 1, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you so much, Steva, God bless <3!
December 2, 2015
  • 3
Richard Mondello
Richard Mondello What a coincidence,I have a t-shirt from the Big Texan,"That's the Place With the Big Steak" on the back of it!Lol! Prayed that God will bless and keep both of you safe on your journey and grant you traveling mercies. Hope y'all have pleasant and quality time with each other and the family. Thank you both for your work in this ministry, being a conduit for the Holy Spirit to speak through and a source of encouragement.
December 1, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you very much, Richard! We are making a 12-13 hour drive to Amarillo this evening to check into the Big Texan :)!
December 2, 2015
  • 3
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝ Have a safe and wonderful trip. I pray the Lord is with you all the way and enjoys the trip you too. Sylvia, if you go back to your old church i'm sure you'll get to see Bill Johnson. I'm so happy you two are taking this trip. I love when my husband and I take trips and have a lot to talk about together. We laugh look at the sky a lot and all of Gods beautiful creation.Have a blessed trip and enjoy the time with family and friends. I am so happy for you both. Sylvia, when we last talked I wrote about Bill Johnson and how we used his book for bible study. That book was When Heaven Invades Earth. You told me that's where you are from and that was your church. Merry Christmas!!! Lord let this be a beautful trip and protect this loving couple. Let them return home safe. Take lots of pictures you'll get to see so much beauty and all of Gods glory. ENJOY!!!
December 1, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you very much, Diane! Oh, we have never actually been to Bethel, we just like them :). Redding is at the northern end of the state, and my family is in Southern Cal :).
December 2, 2015
  • 4
Janet Clary
Janet Clary Hi Pastor Dion and First Lady Sylvia !!   Thinking about you both and praying for yall to have an enjoyable trip.  Though it is 2800 miles away, you are just a thought away!!  Blessings to you both for all you do for this ministry, without it, I would have been in relaps and misery.  Today I have experienced more blessings!!  Well, what can I expect-- I havethe Lord and  RHM on my side, always.  Love yall and keep them pics and posts coming.  hugs, Janet
December 1, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you, Janet, we appreciate you so much!
December 2, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you very much, Brian, blessings to you and Matthew, too <3!
December 2, 2015
  • 3
Beverly Zahler
Beverly Zahler To let you know how you are doing- I say you're doing wonderfully! The website is very well put together. And I like that you keep tweaking things to try to make it even easier! Very thoughtfully done. The Guidpost addition is a great thing too. Such a good thing to share. And I'm glad that you remind others to reach out for prayer. Surprising how many people need to be encouraged to do so. So it's great to have reminder! Safe travels to you both - look forward to seeing the sights along the way! Hope your time traveling and spent with family is blessed so joyfully! And from my heart, I wish you both a very Merry Christmas- all year round! : ) 
December 1, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you so much, Beverly, all is going well so far :)!
December 2, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd We are heading to the Big Texan tonight, will be spending some time there tomorrow, Lord willing :)!
December 2, 2015
  • 3
Deborah Rojek
Deborah Rojek Safe travels Pastor and Mrs. Sylvia!  Thank you for your inspirations. Looking forward to the photos! Merry Christmas !
December 2, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you, Deborah <3!
December 2, 2015
  • 3
Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr  Safe Travels you two! Looking forward to some Pics :)   (Great Selfie of Pastor and First Lady)
December 2, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Thank you so much, Norm, blessings to you and Dorene!
December 2, 2015
  • 2
Allie Ponzo
Allie Ponzo Great newsletter as always. I hope your having a wonderful trip and have a blessed time with family!  What part of California are you going to? I lived there for 20 years and then got very lonesome for the 4 seasons again and got way too expensive to live in Southern Cali. Thank you for all that you do!!
December 7, 2015
  • 1
Dion Todd
Dion Todd We are in Orange County / Garden Grove / Long Beach area. It is beautiful here, but yes, horribly overpriced real estate. We saw a house yesterday for sale, and they were having an open house so I walked in out of curosity. They were asking $600,000 for a house that would bring about $90,000 in Conway South Carolina. Thank you for taking a moment to encourage us!
December 9, 2015
  • 2
Allie Ponzo
Allie Ponzo Ah, yes, I was even further south in the North County area of Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Escondido and down the 15 freeway area.  Ya know, I never know if someone replies to my messages unless I go back and research it and look for one. Is that normal?  Used to get an email when someone responded or replied so I would know but I never know unless I go back to find one. That's how o found yours. I won't know if you respond to this one either unless I come back to this news letter and look for one unless of course you email me directly, lol.  
December 11, 2015
  • 2
Patricia Thomas
Patricia Thomas God Bless you and your family as you travel.  Thank you for the many encouraging words you share regularly.  Merriest Christmas and Happiest of New Years!!!
December 18, 2015
  • 1
Trish Hicks
Trish Hicks Pastor Dion, Where is your online church located? I don't see anything anywhere,unless I am looking right past it, at some point.but where would i be able to see what it is like and what it entails.     may God bless Trish
December 28, 2015