Hello marvelous humans! Are you ready to hear the amazing things God has been up to through our ministry lately? Let's catch up on all The Smile Project has been up to the past few months, shall we? :) In April, we were blessed with the opportunity to do a project for an amazing young man named Walker who is currently battling childhood cancer. We were so honored to have the privilege to come alongside and encourage him! We had an amazing turn out for this project and knowing we were able to bring some sunshine to Walker's journey blessed us so much! A huge thank you to everyone who contributed. :) Next up in May we did a project for an incredible family who has faced a lot of difficulties this year, from losing relatives and sickness to other discouraging hardships. We knew a Smile Project would be just the thing to lift their heads and remind them that they are not alone and of how loved they are. And that's exactly what it did! The entire family was so thrilled and encouraged as they received each card. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to each person who sent something - it meant the world of difference. In June, we did another similar project where members sent cards directly to our recipient (thus our lack of photos). This was for an amazing and beautiful mother of one of our members who has faced many discouraging and saddening life struggles this year. This project was a complete surprise coordinated by her daughter and we were more than thrilled to shower her with cards of love! We would love to share with you the testimony she wrote to us about how her project impacted her life... "My daughter found this ministry a few years ago and found it a perfect fit for her gift of encouragement and love of all things creative! She has participated in many Smile projects, and I was delighted to actually be the recipient of a Smile Project! It was SO timely. I have been facing a lot of struggles, then along comes the Smile Project encouraging me every other day or so with loads of scripture, encouraging words, stickers, small gifts and even a monetary gift from another mom who has been in my shoes! The best thing, though, is the body of Christ coming together no matter the age and sharing God’s truth to one who felt without hope and alone. I felt so blessed, loved and cared for beyond measure! Many thanks to those that participated in my Smile project! I am humbled and grateful!" This blessed our hearts immeasurably to read! All the glory to God for the lives we are able to impact and change through this ministry. The way God works is truly incredible. In July we were honored to do a project for the sweet Shephard Family who had just recently suffered the devastating loss of one of their children. Our hearts broke hearing the news of their loss and we knew we needed to lift up this dear family. Look at the incredible turnout we had for this project! The Lord is so good. Being able to bring comfort and to uplift this family, even in the smallest way, really blessed us to be able to do. One of the family shared a message with us we'd love to pass along to you all as well... "Thank-you so much for the package to me and my family. We all loved it, and we're very thankful. It brought us to tears. The littles especially loved the stuffed animals. Thank-you for all the little treats and kind notes and the time you put into that box. We all loved that." A huge thank you goes out to everyone who made this project possible! Each of your beautiful contributions makes a huge impact on it's recipient. Our August project was for an incredible young lady named Bethany who has been facing some difficult health struggles. We were so excited to surprise her with a package full of happiness and smiles! Look at that beautiful turnout! We know it truly encouraged this beautiful girl because she sent us a note that she'd like us to share with you all... "I wanted to write to let everyone from the Smile Project know that my wonderful project arrived this afternoon. It was so sweet and thoughtful of all of you to think of me. What a joy it is to realize that I have more sisters in Christ who have been praying for me. I enjoyed reading each of the cards from each person with some including a sweet little gift tucked inside. I cannot tell you how much this means to me. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This was such a blessing!" From the bottom of our hearts we want to truly thank each of you who contribute to our projects. This is why we do what we do. To encourage and uplift as many people as possible and show them how truly loved they are by God and others, and remind them that they are never alone. Lastly we would love to share a new, super special outreach mission we started for the first time in August! Our brand new local community positivity outreaches are monthly outreaches put together by our co-founder Olivia in her home city. Our very first one was her handing out sunshiny notes of encouragement that read, "You make this world a brighter place :) "; and they were a hit! Check out the slideshow down below of some of the beautiful smiles we had the honor of bringing to some beautiful human beings! As time goes on, we hope to expand and grow to reach even more individuals through our local community outreaches.
And that's a wrap! We are blessed beyond measure to be able to share how God is using The Smile Project in mighty ways to change lives across the country. None of this would be possible without the grace of God, and your generosity, prayers and notes of hope. Each of you are world changers and being able to change lives together with you is the greatest gift. Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Great things God has done and will continue to do.
2 Comments
April Bell
9/25/2022 07:25:23 pm
You are my Sunshine my beautiful Olivia. Thank you for all you do for others, may the Lord richly bless the Smile Project and all the recipients to come. So many need a smile and the Lord is working through you and others to bring His glory to others in need.
Reply
Edward Bell
9/26/2022 11:12:14 am
This is amazing. God’s words are so powerful and to spread all the love and encouragement makes a difference. Sometimes that “smile” is exactly what someone needed to change their life forever. The work you are doing is not just for today but for eternity. Love you Olivia and thanks to everyone for being a shining light.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Olivia BellUpdates about our latest projects and all the Smile Project news put together by our co-founder. Archives
April 2023
|