Working Towards Our Goal

Hello World!

We just wanted to update you all on our fundraising progress towards our Honduras mission trip!
So far, we've been able to raise money to cover our airfare and that is a true blessing! We are thankful for the support of our Good friend, Anthony Foster, who has allowed us to sell food during his Open Mic events and we'd really love for you to come out to visit and support!

CTS is the name of Anthony's entertainment company, located off of West Wendover in Greensboro. He promotes local talent throughout the triad and Charlotte to share positive music, poetry, jokes and fun! It really is a night of laughs and a cool opportunity to meet talented people and new friends!

Jason Jet, from Charlotte, was the special guest last night. It was a real treat for me, because he and I went to high school together and it was very encouraging to see how successful his music is becoming, not only here in North Carolina, but also throughout the East Coast! Jason, like many who participate in The Mic, shares his talents to provoke awareness of love, life experiences and the pursuit of one's dreams!

We, like Jason and Anthony, also have big dreams: both individually and as a unit. Our dream is to make our mark on this world by giving others hope that they are special, loved and not alone. This mission trip is not a vacation, nor is it simply just another philanthropic attempt to throw humanity a bone. No. It is our greatest effort to love those who feel that they are forgotten and to lift up hope and high spirits in the lives of children who may never otherwise know that they are special.

Thank you to everyone for your giving and support! Please continue to pray for us and we hope to see you at the next Mic for our Honduras fundraiser, January 30 at 8pm!

Thank you again for all your love and support!

~Pearls

Serving Others

There are two types of people in the world: Those who serve and those who need serving. Each can't do without the other. The server needs someone to serve and the one being served needs someone who is available and willing to serve them. In our lives, we can see patterns of when we have played the role of one or there other. It is a balance and a joy to be active on either of the two sides. The server enjoys the gratitude that comes from the appreciation of the served; the served enjoys the selflessness that comes from what the server bestows. And thus lies the impact of Christian living: to be a servant to others and share the gifts that God so graciously serves to us, each and every day!

Yesterday, the girls and I had the highest privilege of serving Greensboro's homeless community through our participation in Service Under the Bridge; launched by the 16 Cent Ministry. Even our guys came out to support! It was a scorching hot day. Sweat dripped from every area of the body and there was not a fan in sight. Yet, it was such a beautiful experience and as I watched the crowds form and offered spoon full of cole slaw, I reflected on the goodness of God! How he loves us all! No matter where we come from, or our economic status, we are dearly loved by our creator!


With blue gloves on and smiles offered, we hugged new friends, shared laughs with strangers, made hot dogs with chili and passed out cold water bottles. Some people gave thanks, others took their food quietly, but regardless of the reaction, it was evident that lives were touched... especially ours!

I was so proud to serve along side my Pearls yesterday! Their love and beauty shone like the stars underneath that dark and uncomfortable bridge. I truly saw Jesus at work within us all and I pray that our Savior was pleased!
I challenge you all to find a way to serve someone this week! It could be in a little effort, like helping a stranger with a task. Or maybe you know of someone whom you could anonymously pay a bill for.
The sky is the limit when it comes to serving, and the reward is everlasting!

If you and your group would like to participate in Service Under the Bridge, or if you would like to come solo, please visit this website for more information. Who knows... maybe we'll see you out there next time!
http://www.16centsministry.org

Serve with your whole heart! Be Jesus in someone's life!

~Pearls

Boxes Full of Love

Every year, around this time, millions of churches, families and homes participate in filling and wrapping shoe boxes full of Christmas gifts for children around the world. These boxes are then donated to Operation Christmas Child, through Samaritan's Purse. This year, Pearls of Hope was among the many who supported such a beautiful and worthy cause. Together, we stuffed toys and hygiene items for a special child in a country or village that we will probably never know about. Our "Shoe Box" party was super fun! We made hot chocolate and cookies, ordered a pizza and laughed along to the sounds of Christmas music and packaging tape!

It was an impactful experience and opportunity to give, not only tangible gifts that we bought, but also extend eternal love and the message of Jesus to a special child and family!

Operation Christmas Child is a beautiful organization, that provides aids to children and their families, internationally. Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries around the world. International headquarters are in our home state of North Carolina, with additional U.S. facilities in Charlotte and North Wilkesboro, N.C. Affiliate offices are in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Hong Kong, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Field offices are located in some 20 countries across five continents.

Samaritan’s Purse seeks to specialize in emergency relief, shelter, water and sanitation, food and nutrition, medical care and public health, HIV/AIDS, and community-based livestock and livelihood projects.The organization aims at service for the church worldwide to propagate "the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ".

We are honored to play a small role in this years shoe box collection. If you feel impressed upon to get involved, we strongly encourage  you to do so! Please visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ to see how you and your church/group can also get involved in this amazing program and outreach opportunity!

Don't Stop Giving!

~Pearls

Helping Hands and Giving Hearts

For 2 months, Pearls of Hope have been collecting items for a women's shelter in our area. Many of us felt the call and challenge to be more giving, to remember the less fortunate and to share with others from the many blessings that we receive, yet often take for granted. It's very humbling to realize that a tooth brush and white socks are items that many people in our own country struggle to acquire on their own.

Scripture says, "Give generously and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." - Deuteronomy 15:10

We so long for the Lord to bless our efforts and our small group. We so long for the Lord to touch the lives of our families and friends and to use us in a mighty way within our community. But, before we can receive, we must learn to love to give. Before we can pray for ourselves, we must practice obedience in serving and giving to others.  We must learn to love our neighbors as ourselves. This truly is the work of ministry!

Please be in prayer for us, as we begin to research other areas in which we hope to have the opportunity to serve and give. Pray that the Lord will be pleased with our efforts and we pray that you will begin to practice the obedience of giving within your own communities!

Give Cheerfully!

~Pearls

PS: please visit the Events Page to see photos from this project! :)