I always love to see how the Lord moves in people’s lives, especially after a mission trip to Zambia. One special friend of mine attended Camp LIFE in 2008 — Jean Storm. Jean surprised her children and grandchildren by announcing that she was going to go on a mission trip to Zambia, Africa. Even though initially some of Jean’s grandchildren thought she was crazy and tried to discourage her from traveling all the way to Africa, they realized that their “Gran’s” mind was made up. Her daughter, Cari Mercer, caught her mom’s excitement of living out James 1:27 and signed up to go to Camp LIFE with her. They both experienced an incredible week of ministering to the children in their small groups—just by being the hands and feet of Jesus.

While in Zambia, some of the Camp LIFE participants learned that Jean was a jewelry designer and approached her about designing a special commemorative necklace that would signify what the Lord is doing in Zambia. So, that’s exactly what Jean did. Yet she not only designed a uniquely crafted commemorative sterling silver necklace, she’s doing it all for the kids in Zambia. Each necklace sold sponsors a Zambian orphan for one entire month through the Father’s Heart program. Jean has already sold enough necklaces to sponsor several kids for an entire year–but she wants to get even more kids sponsored.

If you’ve been to Zambia, you know how special this necklace is. It has the country of Zambia in the background with the cross in the foreground. It’s a great conversation-starter as people are curious to understand the significance. Plus, just knowing that your purchase helped a child in Zambia should make you smile.

The necklace is available for both men (on a leather chain) and women (on a sterling silver chain) and comes in both 16” and 18” inch lengths and sells for only $46.

Check out Jean Storm Designs online.

Jean’s already making plans to return to Zambia in 2010 with her husband, Paul, and Cari, plus others!! You know, isn’t that what a Family Legacy is all about?

Just a few weeks ago the following e-mail from my youngest daughter popped in my inbox with little warning.  I found out later that her older sister, Karis, who is 13 years old helped her type it and put in the links, but the words are all Kaleigh’s.

A DOLL FOR ORPHANS

Hi! My name is Kaleigh, if you don’t already know me, I’m nine years old. You’re probably wondering why I’m sending you this email. The answer is I have a MISSION!!! My mission is to buy a doll for Lahema’s house (A home for orphans) in Zambia, you can find more about this house at http://www.legacymissions.org/tree-of-life/ . The problem is, I don’t have enough money, so I need your help!
I want to give these girls a doll, because God has provided me with so many gifts throughout the years, but these girls haven’t gotten many gifts.  This is a way for me to show the love of Jesus to these girls.  One of these girls is one of my best friends, her name is Emma. Emma’s story is really sad, and if you have time I would really like you to read her story at http://www.legacymissions.org/camp-life/emmas-story/. Okay below I have a picture of me and Emma and the doll I’m raising money for to donate to those 12 girls including Emma.

The doll is $95, but I already have $25, so I need $70 more. If you want to donate some money you can mail your donation to me at 338 Tanglewood Lane in Coppell, TX 75019.  Even if you can send just a few dollars that’s fine.  I’ll be buying the doll before I leave for Zambia in May and give it to the kids in Lahema’s House this summer.   Thanks!

If you can’t donate anything please send the message on to a friend who can donate.

Love,

Kaleigh

Even though there were only about 6 e-mails up in the address line,  it wasn’t long before Kaleigh began receiving mail with cash in it from people who had been forwarded the e-mail.  There were children who sent all their allowance and others who gave more.  Soon, Kaleigh received enough money to go purchase the FIRST doll for the girls at the Tree of Life Children’s Village (you can see her with Doll #1 in the picture).  And next Saturday, May 9th, Kaleigh is going back to the American Girl store in Dallas to purchase the 2nd and 3rd doll.  Kaleigh is going to purchasing dolls to benefit the girls in Kristin’s Miracle House (a 2nd home for girls at the Tree of Life Children’s Village) and Lahema’s House.  If you would like to help contribute to Kaleigh’s Mission of giving dolls to the girls in the Tree of Life Children’s Village, please go to the donate page and select the Tree of Life Children’s Village fund –then select Doll for Orphans.  Click here to go right to the Donate Page.

In the spirit of the government’s debate over a stimulus package, Family Legacy has created one that we can all agree on. This stimulus package passed with very little debate and with unanimous support. So, in the spirit of Uncle Sam (Walton that is) we’re “rolling back prices” to the November/December 2008 levels effective immediately. For a limited time ONLY , the cost of a week of Camp LIFE has been reduced back down to $4,000 (2 weeks back to $4,900). This stimulus plan is retroactive for all families and individuals who signed up in 2009 and their costs have been adjusted accordingly.
For this stimulus plan to not saddle our children’s children with a trillion dollar deficit, the prices will revert back March 1 to $4,300. So if you know anyone who has been sitting on the fence to sign up for Camp LIFE 2009, a wonderful window of opportunity has just opened. Some weeks of Camp LIFE have very few spots remaining, while in other weeks there is more room. After conducting an extensive cost benefit analysis it has been determined that the net cumulative impact of this stimulus plan will transform thousands of Zambian children lives for eternity. So don’t miss out on being a part of reaping those eternal dividends.

Serious Note: All joking aside, fuel costs being lower has decreased the cost of a plane ticket. This reduces your travel costs to Zambia and we felt you could use that extra savings to sponsor a few Zambian orphans.

To sign up for the lower price, click here.  If you signed up in 2009, login here to see your new price.

UPDATED DALLAS LOCATION BELOW

Well the time is drawing near to meet with your fellow Camp LIFEers to get ready for Camp LIFE 2009.  Make sure to mark your calendars for the dates below for your city.  Just like last year we are holding meetings in three cities so that you can come to the one closest to you.  Even if you haven’t signed up for Camp yet, you are welcome to come and support those who are going…and who knows, maybe you’ll decide to join us…we are very persuasive.

Team Meeting #1

Austin:  Friday, February 20th from 7 PM until 10 PM
Houston:  Saturday, February 21st from 1 PM until 4 PM
Dallas:  Sunday, February 22nd from 2 PM until 5 PM

Team Meeting #2

Austin:  Friday, March 27th from 7 PM until 10 PM
Houston:  Saturday, March 28th from 1 PM until 4 PM
Dallas:  Sunday, March 29th from 2 PM until 5 PM

Team Meeting #3

Austin:  Friday, April 17th from 7 PM until 10 PM
Houston:  Saturday, April 18th from 1 PM until 4 PM
Dallas:  Sunday, April 19th from 2 PM until 5 PM

All AUSTIN meetings will be held at:

Great Hills Baptist Church
10500 Jollyville Road
Austin, TX 78759

All HOUSTON meetings will be held at:

Cypress Bible Church
11711 Cypress-N. Houston Rd.
Cypress, Texas 77429-2817

All DALLAS meetings will be held at:

Valley Ranch Baptist Church
1501 E Belt Line Road
Coppell, TX 75019

For those of you outside of Texas, we will send you the information about the conference call.  I’ll also post some Frequently Asked Questions about Team Meetings tomorrow so stay tuned…