Please share this page with anyone whom you think might be able to help
March 16, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our dear friend, Bethany Ross, a fellow servant of Christ, lives in Kingston, Georgia. Recently her home burned to the ground leaving eleven people homeless.
Bethany, her husband, their six children, as well as Bethany’s parents and Bethany’s birth mother have all been displaced by this fire. The home was insured and will eventually be replaced. People in her church have supplied meals and had provided a home for them to live in, but that home was only available for a limited time. Last night Bethany told us that they have spent the past three days in three different hotels.
I am not writing to ask you for money. Money is easy to give. We can all skip a coffee or snack this week and pass a few dollars along to the hurting. That’s easy. First and foremost I ask you to join me in praying that God might display His greatness by making a way where there seems to be no way for the Ross Family. And I am writing to you because I don’t know anyone in Georgia that can help Bethany and her family, but you might. I believe that God loves to work through His Body, and I have faith that God has providentially provided one of you with exactly the right contacts to meet the needs outlined below.
BELOW ARE SOME WAYS WE CAN HELP THIS FAMILY:
“distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”- Romans 12:13 *
The Ross Family has been in 3 different hotels in the past 3 days. They are currently residing in the Kingston Georgia area – between Rome and Atlanta (click here to open the map in a new full-screen window) and they would like to remain somewhat close to that vicinity. If you know any brothers or sisters (or ministries) that could help out the family with lodging in the area please contact me directly or let us know through the contact form at the bottom of this page.
“No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.”- 1 Corinthians 12:22 *
One member of their family has some mental challenges that require special care. They are trying to admit this person to a facility that could provide the needed care, but it has been made difficult since all ID was burned up in the fire. They found a place that will help even without ID but that place is currently at capacity. If you know of anyone or any organization that might be able to help we would appreciate it. Other than prayer, I believe that this is the Ross family’s most pressing need at the moment.
“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you…”- 1 Samuel 12:23 *
Please pray for all of these concerns and for strength in dealing with the grief and stress that comes with such loss.
They also need prayer because their insurance company has not made this tragedy easy for them. Please pray for the company agents and decision-makers to show understanding and empathy during these difficult days.
“For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality.”- 2 Corinthians 8:12-14 *
As I spoke with some of you about the Ross family, you agreed not only to join me in prayer, but you reminded me of the Macedonian churches as you eagerly expressed your desire to help the family financially. May God bless you.
If God is leading you to offer financial support there are two ways you can do that:
Donations can be made directly through my church, Real Hope Fellowship.
If you choose to donate through the church please send donations to Real Hope Fellowship, 1270 Manor Boulevard, Lancaster PA, 17603.
1270 Manor Boulevard,
Lancaster PA 17603.
Please make your checks payable to Real Hope Fellowship.
Donations made to Real Hope Fellowship are tax deductible.
100% of donations received by the church will be sent directly to the Ross Family along with an additional gift from the church.
If you need an electronic way to give to Real Hope please contact me and we can discuss that.
OR You may donate through GoFundMe
A friend of the Ross family has set up a Gofundme page through which you can support them.
Click here to go the GoFundMe page (opens in a new window)
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 *
Discouragement is a difficult battle to face alone. Sometimes we really need an encouraging word from brothers or sisters. It can be very sweet to know that when we are in the valley there are those who are climbing the mountains to carry our needs to God’s Throne.
If God moves you to send a card/note (to Real Hope Fellowship, 1270 Manor Boulevard, Lancaster PA 17603) or an electronic message (through the contact form below), we will happily forward it to Bethany and her family. I’m sure the Ross family would greatly appreciate the encouragement.
“…he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
- Proverbs 11:25 *
That was a lot of information. Thank you for taking the time to read this far.
I’d like to leave you with a little bit of knowledge about the woman you will be helping.
Bethany has been a friend for many, many years. She was my wife’s college roommate and was the Matron of Honor in our wedding ceremony 18 years ago. She is an excellent student of Scripture and has a lifetime passion for sharing the life-transforming (and community-transforming) power of the Gospel. Over the years she has ministered God’s grace to my family.
Bethany currently serves Jesus as the U.S. Director for Global Hands of Hope, a ministry committed to breaking the bonds of poverty through economic development, cultural renewal, Christian education, medical care, and the protection of vulnerable children. These goals are accomplished through the work of the Suubi school, church & medical clinic, providing hope to the community of Bukeka, a village nestled in the beautiful hills of Uganda.
Click here if you would like to learn more about Global Hands of Hope and their work in Uganda
Any prayers, information, contacts, encouragement, or help you can provide are deeply appreciated.
On behalf of the Ross family and my own family, we thank you. May God refresh and bless you for your kindness.
Love in the Lamb,
Pastor Shawn Smith
Please share this page with anyone whom you think might be able to help
* Scripture taken from The Holy Bible: New King James Version. (1982). Thomas Nelson Publishers