by Spencer Daniel
Our Advent Mission Focus this year is the Pride for Parents Store at The Encouraging Place in downtown Raleigh. The Pride for Parents Store accepts donations of new, unopened toys to then re-sell at low, affordable prices to families who would not usually be able to afford toys at Christmas. If you would like to participate, you can bring a new toy to the box in the lobby at Church of the Apostles. The deadline to drop off toys is Tuesday, December 17.
When Reggie Edwards, Executive Director of The Encouraging Place, called to tell me that she had the “perfect” service opportunity for me I thought that she was joking. How can I run The Pride for Parents Christmas Store? Last year I only served in the store by pricing and organizing the toys. I had never seen the store in action. But through prayer God led me to say, “Yes!” And what a perfect service opportunity this has been for me! I have seen God’s mighty hand in the store in so many ways.
When Reggie Edwards, Executive Director of The Encouraging Place, called to tell me that she had the “perfect” service opportunity for me I thought that she was joking. How can I run The Pride for Parents Christmas Store? Last year I only served in the store by pricing and organizing the toys. I had never seen the store in action. But through prayer God led me to say, “Yes!” And what a perfect service opportunity this has been for me! I have seen God’s mighty hand in the store in so many ways.
One specific way that I have seen God’s work is through the
faithful volunteers. We have many of the
same repeat volunteers shift after shift and day after day. We have volunteers that are willing to offer
their guidance and service to their community with happy servant hearts. There are four women that stand out in my
mind. They are always early for their
shifts (sometimes beating me there!) and stay to ensure that every last toy is
priced and placed on the shelf. They
pray for the store before it opens, offer hugs and prayers for shoppers, and
always have a smile on their faces. I
have been blessed by their words, hard work, and dedication to the store. They are truly living out God’s plan and
serving the store with a heart for God’s people. They have been such an example for me, and
everyone else at Pride for Parents, of how to treat everyone who walks through
the door with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

The Pride for Parents Christmas Store has also been a huge
blessing to me. I have been able to see
God’s work in action – in the people serving and shopping. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve
the people of Raleigh through The Pride for Parents Store. And I am thankful that Reggie called me with
the “perfect” service opportunity.
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