The Power of Love

Dear Friends,

“Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. And… Love never fails!” (1 John 4:7; 1 Cor. 13:8)

It’s all about the power of Love working in and through our lives. Love is revealed by our actions. Students in schools across the Gallatin Valley have become aware of a world wide need: Over 7 million children need wheelchairs in poor developing countries. These students have taken on the challenge to ROC their world by using their gifts, talents and hard work to change lives. Belgrade Middle School Students put Love into action by building 36 ROC wheelchairs at the Industrial Manufacturing class, creating beautiful hand painted wooden toys in the wood shop and art classes, and making ROC Doll magnets to raise donations for sponsoring ROC wheelchairs. Chief Joseph Middle School jumped into action by building a wheelchair and sewing wheelchair bags and gift bags filled with toiletries and toys. Children from Amsterdam Church have designed and printed colorful gift cards to raise awareness and sponsorship for ROC wheelchairs.

Youth experience the joy of giving when they watch the wheelchair they have sponsored and built being given and fitted to a precious child. Empowered youth make comments like these: “ I feel like a Care Bear!” “I feel warm and fuzzy inside when I help others” “Now I know that I really can change the world!” The kids have learned that true giving requires a sacrifice. After creating a beautiful toy, necklace, doll, flower pot or clothe bag that they really cherish, each student chooses to give it away to bless others. Loosely paraphrased 1Timothy 4:12 says don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young but set and example by how you live and by how you love.

These amazing youth have set an example for us all by recognizing a great need and taking action to help fill that need. The questions to ponder are: What sacrificial action am I willing to take? How can I use my time, talents and finances to empower and bless children with the gift of mobility? Lets follow the example of these students and ROC our world! Thanks for caring!

God Bless You,

Lee Ann Hanson

Co-founder of ROC Wheels

YEWTHS ROC Program Director