Another Blessing in Action
Annette Fregosa
Dear Clayton Community Church,
My name is Annette Fregosa. I'm 45, divorced, and have two boys, one 23 and one 16. I live with my youngest son, Bob Tindall, in Concord. I'm the CEO of my home and I'm on Social Security Disability due to my bad back. This has been and is a blessing in disguise, for I've been able to be home and do all I can with Bob to ensure him being a great Christian man.
Bob was premature born over 2 months early, weighing 2 pounds, 4 ounces. I was told he was going to die continually. I prayed and had the world praying for him. He came home when he was 2 1/2 months old. The Lord is so faithful and saved him. I know God has a "divine" plan and purpose for him.
I came to CCC and began Women Of the Word (on Hospitality), on Oct 20, 2004. The following night Bob began Five 17, the youth group. When he came home he said he wanted to go to church here. That Sunday I began bringing him here. In January, 2005, I came to church here with him. When I came out I looked up at Mt Diablo and seen "Steps to Heaven", I knew I had a new Home church.
On January 30th, while I was on the Womens Retreat, Bob began helping in pre school during 9am service. I became a greeter and took all SDS classes. Bob was in the Talent Show in February and soon after Mariko asked him to join the Worship Team on the choir. In March Bob went on the Mexico Mission Trip and was baptized. I have so much gratitude, appreciation and love towards CCC, thank you.
I began my "park outreach" after getting the $100 Blessing. On July 3rd I had my testimony:
The day before I received the money I went to a silent/movement retreat. Anyone that knows me knows this is not easy for me. I didn't realize I could hear the Lord if I just kept my mouth shut. But I wanted to be an obedient servant. My first task was getting the $100 blessing. After praying, I had seen a party in the park in His name. My friend, Michelle O'Conner, her kids, Ben, Caitlin, Bethany, Bob and I, we began with prayer asking God for help and guidance. Bought Bibles, pencils, games: bubbles and ring toss. Had crafts for the children to do: decorate with stickers and stamps- cross and dove magnets, book marks with scripture, cross necklaces and bracelets. We passed out gummy bears. On June 21st we went to Cowell Community Park. Set up craft table, games and boom box. We sent Bob and Ben to invite parents to bring children over. We told everyone we were, "Celebrating Summer and Sharing God's Love” The people came, 42 the 1st day and 67 the 2nd day (6/23)
We prayed over them. Our kids made crafts and played the games with the kids. They asked this Muslim child if he'd like to be saved and said he'd have to ask the Lord in his heart. He looked up and said, "Hey you come on in" and pounds his chest. A little 7 year old girl said she knew nothing but prayed. There's a hunger out there that we need to feed.
Out of the 109 people, 33 were interested in VBS, 5 in WOW and 6 families looking for a church. The Lord is faithful He provided us with all we needed.
The parents were extremely appreciative and thankful. Most seemed jaded and told nothing free-God's love is free!
We'll continue to go to the park once a week until we have no supplies. I encourage and challenge all to Share God's Love with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers; at the grocery store, at a ball game, at the park. Also, all invited to join us. Thank this church for this opportunity.
Beginning July 5th, Bob and I go to Cowell Park every Tuesday at 12:30pm, minus the O'Conner's. Beginning July 19th, Molly Williams, her 4 young daughters, her friend Carrie and Carrie's daughter have come to the park with us. First just observing, and then doing more and more weekly, they're very excited. I love having them with us.
We invite all to our Church, VBS, and Hot Summer Nights. The month of July I had 120 people total. 9 interested in VBS, 2 in WOW, and 2 families in church.
Lois said some signed up for VBS and said they were from the park. It's great to see some of my seeds actually sown! I've received supplies from CCC, women in my small group, and some church members after hearing my testimony. John Wright gave me the left over tootsie pops from July 4th that I pass out still. He said he'd fund and find the money somewhere. With all that I received I've been able to budget about $45 a month.
The month of August I had 95 people total and the month is not over. 1 interested in WOW and 1 family in church. I did give 5 kids their first bible. The past 3 times out I've had 12 repeats.
Today's happenings, 8/23/05, 4pm: It was only Molly, her 4 daughters and I; minus Bob, Carrie and her daughter. This is how it's going to be starting September. We'll continue to go. We've added painting, coloring to our crafts, painting the girls fingers and toe nails and/or braiding their hair. 31 people came, only 2 repeats. One little girl asked Jesus into her heart (as she was getting her toe nails painted), 12 interested in Labor Day Derby and one family in church. There's been 355 people total since I began this park outreach, minus 38 repeats, that's 317 different people, amazing. You can not help but feel joyful and closer to the Lord when leaving the park.
Bob and I may not have monetary riches, but we do where it counts with the Lord! We have are time to offer, and enjoy volunteering whenever possible. This is the closest my walk with the Lord has ever been, and this is mostly due to CCC. Saying, "thank you" seems so small, compared to all you've done and given us, but it comes from the bottom of my heart. I'm extremely proud to be a part of this church family.
God Bless,
Annette Fregosa