On Christmas morning volunteers from Mitchell Swaback Charities went to serve the homeless with Phoenix-based Along Side Ministries. Along Side Ministries is a prison ministry who mentors and helps individuals make a stable life for themselves and their families. Along Side wanted to minister to the homeless by serving breakfast and passing out clothes. In addition, Mitchell Swaback Charities put together 150 care bags that were passed out that morning.

The morning started out with breakfast being served to many individuals and their families. After breakfast they made their way to a truck load of clothes and toys that were donated. Volunteers helped find sizes, encouraged, talked, prayed and shared the love of Christ with them. In the background, one could hear Seth Kleeberger leading some in worship and Christmas songs. It was quite a blessing to see so many individuals being blessed that Christmas morning, the day our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was born. We look forward to doing this again next year in both Chicago and Phoenix. Thank you to all who contributed to MSC to make these care bags a reality.

There's a story about the black jacket being worn by Bobby, pictured with Pastor Bill Borinstein. Bobby, a homeless man, came looking for a jacket to keep warm. Many of the volunteers were helping Bobby find a jacket that would fit and serve his purpose. After the search came up empty Nicolee Thompson, Mitch's sister took the black jacket she was wearing and gave it to Bobby. It was a good fit. This simple black jacket wasn't just any jacket; it was Mitch's jacket that Nicolee had kept after Mitch went to be with the Lord. This black jacket was a simple reminder that Mitch was there that day with us, cheering us on and literally giving the coat off his back to help someone else.

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Bobby wearing Mitch's Jacket

What a blessing 2009 has been for MSC; let us remember some of this year's highlights. To recap our progress on our three major projects; we are overwhelmed to announce that each project has been successfully completed! The renovation of Tabitha House, a women's and children's shelter in Chicago, the entire construction of The Mitchell Swaback Athletic Center, in Elgin, IL and helping to complete construction of the orphanage in Peru have all had a huge impact on their respective communities as they move forward to bless others. To put these three projects into perspective a total of $2,200,000 has been paid out to complete these three MAJOR projects in the past 5 years since MSC has been in existence. Not only was funding raised for these projects, but countless volunteers through the years showed up, and we could not have done any of the work without YOU!

Also, in 2009, we had a group of 8 individuals complete the first MSC summit of Mt. Baker in Washington. This event was another fundraiser to raise more funds in order to help those who can't help themselves. In addition to funding our major projects, we were able to hand out grants to: DuPage County PADS, Holding On To Hope Ministries, Kids Alive International, Leadership Resources, The Darrell Gwynn Foundation, Walk in the Word and Warm Blankets.

Most recently, a few more volunteers were able to make this past Christmas a little sweeter for some by teaming up with another organization and passing out 150 ‘care bags,' clothes and food to homeless individuals living in Phoenix. Finding big and small ways to give back is what MSC is all about and our prayer for 2010 is that we can continue to do the work the Lord has allowed us to do.

We are excited for what new projects and avenues MSC will be able to join forces with in the New Year! We ask that you keep us in your prayers as we continue to seek to bless others as we remember Mitch and all of his boundless energy! Stayed tuned and Happy New Year!

2009 was a wonderful year for Holding on to Hope Ministries. Bill had many speaking engagements across the country; new connections with local ministries, and the publication of Bill's book, Shattered; One Man's Journey from Sexual Abuse were a few of the highlights of this past year.

The word about the hope for abuse is trickling out as the Lord opens doors. 2010 will be another year of strengthening the foundation of the ministry. There are so many opportunities we will be sharing with you as the days go by. Keep Holding on to Hope in your prayers along with the Mitchell Swaback Charities. The HOH website has a list of this year's accomplishments along with goals and prayer needs for 2010. www.holidngontohope.org.

Thank you to all who have supported us this year. We look forward to great things in this new decade.

Sunday 2/15/2004

God taught me not to rejoice in successful service — the great secret of joy is that you have the right relationship with God.