November 17 – “GUM Ball”

Well, I started my research into a new health insurance policy.  I haven’t actually hit the official “apply” button, but I did find one policy that will only raise the premium by about $800 instead of over a thousand like I thought.  The only other option I can see is going on that government database and seeing if we qualify for the government subsidized version.  That one kind of scares me with all the “what-if’s” surrounding it. Like what if that whole process gets repealed by the next congress?  Then I’d probably have to start all over again.  I am just really thankful that the church has been so good about providing the premium as a benefit. 

Speaking of the church, we got to attend the GUM Ball the other night.  I know.  Sounds weird, right?  It actually stands for Galveston Urban Ministries.  It’s an organization that has been working in Galveston’s poorer areas for about four years now.  Seaside has tried to be involved in their Christmas ministry each year.  I’m very impressed with the philosophy behind their method.  Instead of just giving away presents to kids, which is fine and all, they are concerned about the long-term development of self-esteem and a sense of responsibility in the parents and grandparents.  So they collect new toys from sources like Seaside.  They then set up a toy store in one of their buildings manned by volunteers.  Then parents can come into the store and actually be involved in purchasing items for their children at a reduction in price down to 20% of its original value.  Every year they receive any number of thank-you’s from parents for allowing them to pay for the Christmas gifts for the kids.  They don’t feel like they are taking charity that way.  The organization also does work with children and youth every week, and even provides training classes for adults in many areas.  Seaside’s other connection has been to provide a place to stay in our retreat center for many of the groups that come to Galveston to do mission work with G.U.M.  Kudos for commitment to Josh Dorrell and his staff for the work they do.

Psalms 9:18 says, “But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.”

Father, thank you for the ministry of G.U.M.  Surround them with your favor and honor their efforts.  Amen.