A vision and a manger

About 4 years ago, a close friend of mine had a vision. It was a vision she had already experienced in Nashville, Tennessee. Now she wanted to see this vision happen in Columbus, Ohio. She followed her heart and over the last three years, hundreds of men, women and children have had presents on Christmas morning to unwrap. Each present was purchased with money from someone in the family. Friends…welcome to “The Manger”.

The vision of The Manger is that adults that are going through a tough time financially will still be able to provide Christmas for their family. Each member of the family will receive three gifts. Total cost to the adult is $2 per person in their household they are buying for. So, for example, a family of 5 will have 15 gifts for a total of $10. The individual has a sense of pride in providing Christmas gifts while only experiencing a minimal cost. The gifts are new, in a box and well above the price paid. They are also wrapped by hand before the family even leaves the Manger. It is beautiful.

Last night my family and I served alongside people from Churches all over NW Columbus at the Manger. The crowd there to serve was overwhelming. I’m so proud of my friend for following her passion, her heart and her vision. If you are interested in donating your time, gifts or financially, EMAIL ME. The Manger runs each night this week and can always use more gifts and financial support.

What vision have you had that you can make happen? 

 

Change For A Dollar

Domains and Stuff….

A few quick updates about what’s going on around our crib and on the interwebs. It’s no secret we’re a rather “digital” family. Our first born was sure to catch the bug sooner or later too. Last year for Christmas he received an iPod Touch and, one year later, continues to amaze me with his knowledge of that device. I often ask HIM for help when I get lost on my iPhone.

It’s only fitting that as we close out 2011, “The Boy” would launch his own blog. We set it up just a few short days ago and he’s already posting updates regularly. He is making it his own which is very cool.

Heather continues to post as her crazy busy schedule allows on her blog too. Tomorrow an article that she wrote for an author will be featured on that authors site. How about that?!? So proud of her ability to keep so many plates spinning and still find time to be a rock of faith in our home.

Check out both sites and you’ll be glad you did.

To sum it all up -

Austin’s Blog – austinaconrad.com

Heather’s Blog – heatherlconrad.com

Final chance to support Team Vedaste

I received an email tonight from Hello-Somebody that the official deadline to get in our orders is December 12th. You all have been amazing in helping to support Team Vedaste. I thought I would post one final reminder if  you had been waiting to make your purchase. Now is the time. I don’t have an exact count, but I have been amazed at how many people have purchased a watch to support this great cause. To all of you, I say “Thank you”. Honestly. Thank you.

If you still wanted to purchase a watch, you can click on THIS LINK. Remember, it is important that you enter the name “Vedaste Iyamwremye” in the “Notes To Seller” section upon checkout. This way Vedaste will get the credit towards his year of food and education. I’m so honored to have had this opportunity to partner with Hello Somebody.

Thank you all again.

What are you doing Saturday?

I know we’re all busy. Believe me we understand busy. Especially on a Saturday. However the message of Christmas is too huge to not find a few hours to make contact with those in our community. This Saturday, December 10th @ 10:00am “Team Conrad” will meet at the Panera Bread at Mill Run to distribute 2000 door hangers for Rock City Church all around Hilliard. We could sure use your help. The more feet on the street, the quicker we can get done and back to our Saturday activities. Email me for more details and thanks in advance for your help!