Jessica Kelso

Lack of writing lately = way too much I want to squeeze into one post!

A couple of weeks ago our pastor came to us with an envelope and asked if we would use the money inside to just go out and bless someone in the community. However we wanted, no strings attached. So after a couple of days wondering and praying about how we were meant to use the money, I came across the website for a non-profit organization called Broken Chains Ministry. They offer a helping hand to people who have recently gotten out a jail and are just getting back on their feet. On their website they had a list on donations needed, so we took the money and doubled it with our own, went to Walmart and loaded up on the main necessities. Towels, kitchen gadgets, hair brushes, shampoo. Along with cleaning out our closet and donating a whole huge bag of clothes. We were so excited to be able to help out and felt this was the ideal way to do it. It was something that hit really close to our hearts. We have seen first hand how hard it can be for people getting out of jail trying to start over. Society is not very quick to give them a second chance. Broken Chains Ministry is a huge advocate when they have nobody else and I absolutely love that. Our Pastor Jason came to us and a few others early to see how all of it would work out. So last Sunday he announced to the church that everyone would be receiving an envelope when they leave and it would have anywhere from $1 to $100 in it and just told them to do the same thing he told us, to go out and be a blessing to the community. I’ve absolutely loved reading and hearing about what others have chosen to do with the money. Access Gives Back is the website that has been created for everyone to write about what they’ve done. It was huge for us in realizing that you can give small and really make a huge impact. The local newspaper heard about what Access was doing and wanted to do a story to publish on Easter. Us and our friends Ian and Heather were interviewed and we’re really excited about how it turned out! You can view the article here. I thank God every day that he has given us a church that just wants to serve and be a blessing to others.

Today has been absolutely lovely! This morning Access had two services and my parents joined us for the first one, and I worked in the nursery the second one. It was really nice having my parents there and they seemed to enjoy it. Later on, we are having my family over for Easter dinner. You’d think I should be in the kitchen cooking and preparing but thankfully my parents are doing most of that. I’m still not very confident in cooking enough food for 8-10 people and getting the house ready and looking nice. Stresses me out a little too much! Maybe one day I’ll get better at that.

Kevin’s family reunion was this weekend and we are a little bummed about having to miss it. Trying to save money and prior commitments we made for this weekend left us with no way of going. Though we’re really looking forward to getting to spend time with his brother’s family this week since they will be staying with his parents.