Thursday, November 10, 2011
Summer & Fall Newsletter
Here is our first Newsletter about the happenings with Snivleys on a Mission. Please take some time to read our Newsletter Newsletter Link
Monday, October 17, 2011
Walk by Faith
Walk by faith. That is something we have been working hard to do this past year. We would like to share our journey of coming on staff at CrossRoads Missions. It has definitely been God led and we are working hard to continue listening and being obedient to Him.
We first experienced CrossRoads Missions at our church in Richmond, VA hosting a Help Build Hope project. After talking with the coordinator for our build day, I was quickly interested in learning more about CrossRoads and how this might fit in our life. After making a visit to Louisville, KY and meeting with the staff we felt called to CrossRoads. We didn’t know how we would raise the support for my salary but soon realized, if God wanted us here who we were to deny him to work in our lives to make this happen? How could we not listen to this calling to CrossRoads Missions?
Quickly doors, started opening up once we decided to trust God and this journey He was calling us too. Our church in Richmond gave us a seed offering to support the mission work with CrossRoads and that is exactly what it was. After that, Anne received a job offer with a non-profit in Louisville and then I learned of two family members that would support us. As you can see, the seed offering from one church helped get the ball rolling and we could see God’s hand in paving the way to Louisville and CrossRoads Missions.
After moving to Louisville in April 2011, Anne was working as a special events director and unfortunately now is no longer with the non-for-profit that helped pave the way for us to move to Louisville. While Anne is sad to no longer be with the non-profit that brought us here, she appreciates the opportunity to now travel with me on Help Build Hope events and to also provide some of her grant writing and development skills to CrossRoads.
After Anne and I got married we moved to Richmond, VA where I worked with teens at a YMCA for three years. With the help of my wife and our church in Richmond, I began to feel the tug in my heart to return to ministry. I am thankful Help Build Hope came to our church and with God’s help have found a place where I can serve Him and help His people.
We are still working on raising support and we hope after learning a little more about our story you will consider supporting my wife Anne and I. Now with Anne not working, we are in even more need to finish raising the last portion of the support we need and truly believe God will provide.
We first experienced CrossRoads Missions at our church in Richmond, VA hosting a Help Build Hope project. After talking with the coordinator for our build day, I was quickly interested in learning more about CrossRoads and how this might fit in our life. After making a visit to Louisville, KY and meeting with the staff we felt called to CrossRoads. We didn’t know how we would raise the support for my salary but soon realized, if God wanted us here who we were to deny him to work in our lives to make this happen? How could we not listen to this calling to CrossRoads Missions?
Quickly doors, started opening up once we decided to trust God and this journey He was calling us too. Our church in Richmond gave us a seed offering to support the mission work with CrossRoads and that is exactly what it was. After that, Anne received a job offer with a non-profit in Louisville and then I learned of two family members that would support us. As you can see, the seed offering from one church helped get the ball rolling and we could see God’s hand in paving the way to Louisville and CrossRoads Missions.
After moving to Louisville in April 2011, Anne was working as a special events director and unfortunately now is no longer with the non-for-profit that helped pave the way for us to move to Louisville. While Anne is sad to no longer be with the non-profit that brought us here, she appreciates the opportunity to now travel with me on Help Build Hope events and to also provide some of her grant writing and development skills to CrossRoads.
After Anne and I got married we moved to Richmond, VA where I worked with teens at a YMCA for three years. With the help of my wife and our church in Richmond, I began to feel the tug in my heart to return to ministry. I am thankful Help Build Hope came to our church and with God’s help have found a place where I can serve Him and help His people.
We are still working on raising support and we hope after learning a little more about our story you will consider supporting my wife Anne and I. Now with Anne not working, we are in even more need to finish raising the last portion of the support we need and truly believe God will provide.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Where Have We Been?!
We just realized we haven't updated everyone for about a month. My how time does fly!
We are getting settled into our new house. Not too many boxes left to unpack. It's mostly books and Christmas decorations. We get to decorate our house for Christmas this year! How cool is that!
So here is where we are....
Brian continues to fund raise and the good news is, is that he is at 50%!!! The generosity of people giving humbles us both....so thank you! Brian has been meeting regularly with CrossRoads staff to get caught up and where various projects are and where he will be needed most once he is on board. He attended their last board meeting and met the board members and also is a fan of a place called Homemade Pies and Ice Cream. Anne does agree the ice cream is AMAZING but can't confirm about the pies. (Yes, Anne still does not eat pie). Brian is finding his rhythm with this dynamic group and is even more excited to get on board. There is plenty of work to be done and we are re-affirmed each day this is Brian's calling. Pretty amazing!
Onto other good news for Brian, he has accepted a part time job with the YMCA's middle school camp so he will work out the summer with them. He starts next week. Should be a good time and it's also a great opportunity for Brian to make a strong relationship with the Y. Could there be some partnering between the Y and CrossRoads......to be continued.
It's still not too late to give! Any gift helps and 100% of your gift will go to Brian. Help us reach that 100% by the August 15th!
Anne has been working hard at the Alzheimer's Association. Since starting she has been traveling minimally once a week. That is more than originally planned but that is a-okay. She is meeting her staff, community leaders and volunteers throughout all Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana. She is loving the challenge!Anne has already attended 1 Gala event with another one June 3rd. To learn more about her organization go to www.alz.org/kyin. Anne's Alzheimer's Association is planning 12 major walks all over the Chapter area so she will be even busier come August, September and October.
The dogs, Pork Chop and Zeus and our cat Pancake are loving all the space they have to play and well, take their daily naps in. All three can be found stretched out in a sun spot. They love it!
We are looking forward to having family and friends come see how new house and to celebrate all of life's fun it has to offer! It will be great having everyone who can come, be together.
Thanks for your love and prayers. We will keep pushing forward!
We are getting settled into our new house. Not too many boxes left to unpack. It's mostly books and Christmas decorations. We get to decorate our house for Christmas this year! How cool is that!
So here is where we are....
Brian continues to fund raise and the good news is, is that he is at 50%!!! The generosity of people giving humbles us both....so thank you! Brian has been meeting regularly with CrossRoads staff to get caught up and where various projects are and where he will be needed most once he is on board. He attended their last board meeting and met the board members and also is a fan of a place called Homemade Pies and Ice Cream. Anne does agree the ice cream is AMAZING but can't confirm about the pies. (Yes, Anne still does not eat pie). Brian is finding his rhythm with this dynamic group and is even more excited to get on board. There is plenty of work to be done and we are re-affirmed each day this is Brian's calling. Pretty amazing!
Onto other good news for Brian, he has accepted a part time job with the YMCA's middle school camp so he will work out the summer with them. He starts next week. Should be a good time and it's also a great opportunity for Brian to make a strong relationship with the Y. Could there be some partnering between the Y and CrossRoads......to be continued.
It's still not too late to give! Any gift helps and 100% of your gift will go to Brian. Help us reach that 100% by the August 15th!
Anne has been working hard at the Alzheimer's Association. Since starting she has been traveling minimally once a week. That is more than originally planned but that is a-okay. She is meeting her staff, community leaders and volunteers throughout all Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana. She is loving the challenge!Anne has already attended 1 Gala event with another one June 3rd. To learn more about her organization go to www.alz.org/kyin. Anne's Alzheimer's Association is planning 12 major walks all over the Chapter area so she will be even busier come August, September and October.
The dogs, Pork Chop and Zeus and our cat Pancake are loving all the space they have to play and well, take their daily naps in. All three can be found stretched out in a sun spot. They love it!
We are looking forward to having family and friends come see how new house and to celebrate all of life's fun it has to offer! It will be great having everyone who can come, be together.
Thanks for your love and prayers. We will keep pushing forward!
Monday, April 18, 2011
We Are Here!
It is hard to believe but we have finally made it to Louisville, KY! Well, we have been here a little over a week now but have not had access to internet to bring everyone up to speed as to our whereabouts. After an afternoon and evening of loading the truck, a little nap that night, Anne getting up at 3:30am to fly back to Richmond, cleaning and loading the odds and ends, Anne's flight being delayed, we finally left Richmond and headed west. She was in my car and I was in a 26 foot Penske Truck. I am not sure who had the better end of the deal as she had the 2 dogs with here, I just couldn't go faster than about 65 mph. We got to our new house at about 11:30 Saturday night, unloaded a mattress and went to bed from sheer exhaustion.
With the help of great friends and amazing family we had the truck completely unloaded in about 3 hours on Sunday. Mom and Dad stuck around for a few days to help unpack boxes and put things away. Dad and I installed the microwave, made side rails for our new head board and foot board and made in typical fashion MANY trips to Lowes.
After being here a week it is hard to believe we are actually here! No neighbors above us stomping around late at night. No dog owners who don't pick up after their dogs poo. Just a house with just us!
So now what? Well, I am happy to be in Louisville, and am excited to be this close to CrossRoads. But, I can not go on staff until I have raised all of my support (salary). CrossRoads Missions Inner City, is ready for me! There are currently over 30 projects that just need people to come and serve. I am excited about the current situation of having so many projects available. However, I am needed to be able to develop important relationships with both the local churches, businesses and organizations.
Why it Matters? More than 11,000 people in the Louisville area find themselves without a place to call home and over 80,000 are struggling day to day while living under the poverty level.
If you have given to CrossRoads on my behalf, THANK YOU! It is your gifts that put me that much closer to being able to help make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
If you have not given your donation yet click here. You will be taken to CrossRoads Donate page. There you will be able to print off a monthly automatic withdrawal from your account. It also explains how you can give a one time gift as well.
No gift is too small. Every bit helps and now that I am in Louisville, I am asking all of you who have not given to please give. Your gift will be used to provide HOPE to people who have none.
With the help of great friends and amazing family we had the truck completely unloaded in about 3 hours on Sunday. Mom and Dad stuck around for a few days to help unpack boxes and put things away. Dad and I installed the microwave, made side rails for our new head board and foot board and made in typical fashion MANY trips to Lowes.
After being here a week it is hard to believe we are actually here! No neighbors above us stomping around late at night. No dog owners who don't pick up after their dogs poo. Just a house with just us!
So now what? Well, I am happy to be in Louisville, and am excited to be this close to CrossRoads. But, I can not go on staff until I have raised all of my support (salary). CrossRoads Missions Inner City, is ready for me! There are currently over 30 projects that just need people to come and serve. I am excited about the current situation of having so many projects available. However, I am needed to be able to develop important relationships with both the local churches, businesses and organizations.
Why it Matters? More than 11,000 people in the Louisville area find themselves without a place to call home and over 80,000 are struggling day to day while living under the poverty level.
Purpose
CrossRoads Missions desires to partner with area ministries and organizations to improve the standard of living, raise expectations, and find hope in the grace of Christ for families in urban areas. We do this by developing long-term relationships with members of the community through community outreach activities while leading facility renovation and remodeling projects. Our goal is to provide opportunities for people to learn about the “felt-needs” of the residents of the Inner-City, including the homeless and underserved.
If you have given to CrossRoads on my behalf, THANK YOU! It is your gifts that put me that much closer to being able to help make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
If you have not given your donation yet click here. You will be taken to CrossRoads Donate page. There you will be able to print off a monthly automatic withdrawal from your account. It also explains how you can give a one time gift as well.
No gift is too small. Every bit helps and now that I am in Louisville, I am asking all of you who have not given to please give. Your gift will be used to provide HOPE to people who have none.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
It's Really Happening.....We're not in fantasy land anymore Toto
I know this is a long posting, but I wanted to share with you the adventure from this past weekend with CrossRoads and Help Build Hope.
This past weekend our home church, Chester Christian Church, participated in Help Build Hope for the 2nd year. HBH is one of the ministries of CrossRoads Missions were I will be working in Louisville. I was overcome by so many emotions that it has taken me this long before I could write about it.
Friday I met our Associate Pastor and Brian Gioe, from HBH, for lunch and after lunch we went back to the church and prepared to pre-cut all the lumber for the house. We had 3 different saws cutting and wood and it only took us about 2 hours to pre-cut the wood and label and sort the different sizes.
Brian (Gioe) had asked me to come help him Saturday morning so we met for Breakfast were only champions eat, Waffle House. We got our game plan on and headed back to the church to set up the buckets with hammers, squares, nails and tape measures. We put out 20 stations, in anticipation of about 100-125 people coming to build. After some inspiration about being the Salt of life and the Spice of God, people got their blueprints and lumber started flying off the stacks. It was so cool! I walked around making sure that the OSB was square on the exterior walls and if people had any questions I would answer them. All the work from this point on was done by hammer and nail. There are no power tools (other than the router to cut out the windows and doors), just hammer and nails. It is such an awesome noise to hear, listening to the hammers echoing in the parking lot. Looking around and seeing people of all ages working together, mom's and dad's with their kids, all working together to meet the needs of someone in the community. The youngest hammerer I saw was 3 years old. Not the most powerful nail driver but sure was the most persistent! There were other carpenters there who volunteered to come out and over see the different groups and make sure that everything was happening the way it was supposed to.
As the walls came together they were brought to an area of the parking lot that was marked out for the exterior walls. They were placed in the general vicinity of where they would be erected. After about 2 1/2 hours, the walls were completed and we began erecting the walls to the house in the parking lot. It was so cool to see the work that had been done come together like a giant puzzle or lego's set. The house was up and we were pulling out of the parking lot by 2pm.
Sunday morning rolls around and I met Brian and Arthur(an elder at our church) again at the place for champions, Waffle House and we just talked about Saturday and how amazing it went. We also chatted about what I will be doing in the Inner City as well as what is being done in Maytown, KY.
We went to church and just before the offering time Aaron introduced Terry, from the Powhatan Habitat got Humanity. He came up and talked briefly about seeing the house being built on Saturday and how it touched him. He then introduced the mother and daughter that will be receiving the house. To be able to put faces with the house that was built was amazing. The mother had grown up in an unstable home, was in 18 different schools by the time she was in 10th grade. This home was helping her break a cycle and allowing her to provide stability for her daughter. Emotions overwhelmed me and the rest of the congregation as well. I was then brought up and presented with a check from the church as a 'seed gift' and CrossRoads is where I will be heading and being sent out from Chester Christian Church as a missionary. I left for a little bit during the service and came back when everyone was outside writing blessings, prayers and scriptures on the house in the parking lot. That is when it hit me! I will be doing this....like it is no longer an idea or goal. I will get to do this, as my job, as my ministry. I will get to meet the needs of people and lead groups week in and week out. This is REALLY happening!
It was amazing because I had invited one of the construction guys who I had met and worked with Friday and Saturday to church since I regularly did not see him. Well he came to 2nd service! After, 9 baptism's....yes 9, we took down the house and loaded it onto a flat bed truck, wall by wall. Brian and I took it up to the Powathan Habitat and met some guys who unloaded it. I drove the truck back to the rental place and came home to finally sit and shut down.
Later that evening, I received an email from a supporter letting me know that they were going to support my ministry. With the amount committed by the donor and the check from church it put me right at having raised 20% of what I need to raise for my salary. In less than 12 hours, 20%! Only God! I lost it! Tears of joy, unbelief, and trust streamed down my face. This is really happening! We are moving to Louisville, we are trusting God to provide for us...and He will...and He has...and He will continue to.
It is amazing that I have been introduced to Jesus in a way that challenges me in EVERY area of my life. I am being challenged...and I am trusting!
This past weekend our home church, Chester Christian Church, participated in Help Build Hope for the 2nd year. HBH is one of the ministries of CrossRoads Missions were I will be working in Louisville. I was overcome by so many emotions that it has taken me this long before I could write about it.
Friday I met our Associate Pastor and Brian Gioe, from HBH, for lunch and after lunch we went back to the church and prepared to pre-cut all the lumber for the house. We had 3 different saws cutting and wood and it only took us about 2 hours to pre-cut the wood and label and sort the different sizes.
Brian (Gioe) had asked me to come help him Saturday morning so we met for Breakfast were only champions eat, Waffle House. We got our game plan on and headed back to the church to set up the buckets with hammers, squares, nails and tape measures. We put out 20 stations, in anticipation of about 100-125 people coming to build. After some inspiration about being the Salt of life and the Spice of God, people got their blueprints and lumber started flying off the stacks. It was so cool! I walked around making sure that the OSB was square on the exterior walls and if people had any questions I would answer them. All the work from this point on was done by hammer and nail. There are no power tools (other than the router to cut out the windows and doors), just hammer and nails. It is such an awesome noise to hear, listening to the hammers echoing in the parking lot. Looking around and seeing people of all ages working together, mom's and dad's with their kids, all working together to meet the needs of someone in the community. The youngest hammerer I saw was 3 years old. Not the most powerful nail driver but sure was the most persistent! There were other carpenters there who volunteered to come out and over see the different groups and make sure that everything was happening the way it was supposed to.
As the walls came together they were brought to an area of the parking lot that was marked out for the exterior walls. They were placed in the general vicinity of where they would be erected. After about 2 1/2 hours, the walls were completed and we began erecting the walls to the house in the parking lot. It was so cool to see the work that had been done come together like a giant puzzle or lego's set. The house was up and we were pulling out of the parking lot by 2pm.
Sunday morning rolls around and I met Brian and Arthur(an elder at our church) again at the place for champions, Waffle House and we just talked about Saturday and how amazing it went. We also chatted about what I will be doing in the Inner City as well as what is being done in Maytown, KY.
We went to church and just before the offering time Aaron introduced Terry, from the Powhatan Habitat got Humanity. He came up and talked briefly about seeing the house being built on Saturday and how it touched him. He then introduced the mother and daughter that will be receiving the house. To be able to put faces with the house that was built was amazing. The mother had grown up in an unstable home, was in 18 different schools by the time she was in 10th grade. This home was helping her break a cycle and allowing her to provide stability for her daughter. Emotions overwhelmed me and the rest of the congregation as well. I was then brought up and presented with a check from the church as a 'seed gift' and CrossRoads is where I will be heading and being sent out from Chester Christian Church as a missionary. I left for a little bit during the service and came back when everyone was outside writing blessings, prayers and scriptures on the house in the parking lot. That is when it hit me! I will be doing this....like it is no longer an idea or goal. I will get to do this, as my job, as my ministry. I will get to meet the needs of people and lead groups week in and week out. This is REALLY happening!
It was amazing because I had invited one of the construction guys who I had met and worked with Friday and Saturday to church since I regularly did not see him. Well he came to 2nd service! After, 9 baptism's....yes 9, we took down the house and loaded it onto a flat bed truck, wall by wall. Brian and I took it up to the Powathan Habitat and met some guys who unloaded it. I drove the truck back to the rental place and came home to finally sit and shut down.
Later that evening, I received an email from a supporter letting me know that they were going to support my ministry. With the amount committed by the donor and the check from church it put me right at having raised 20% of what I need to raise for my salary. In less than 12 hours, 20%! Only God! I lost it! Tears of joy, unbelief, and trust streamed down my face. This is really happening! We are moving to Louisville, we are trusting God to provide for us...and He will...and He has...and He will continue to.
It is amazing that I have been introduced to Jesus in a way that challenges me in EVERY area of my life. I am being challenged...and I am trusting!
Moving....Ain't no Thing....Yet
Yep, we are moving! Hard to believe when we started this blog it was just a dream. Now it's coming through!
Anne starts working for the Alzheimer's Assocation April 1st and will head to Louisville March 31st. Don't want to be late for her first day! While she is working hard, Brian will be backing up the rest of the Snivley's treasures and taking care of our little zoo (a.k.a. the Pork Chop, Pancake, and the latest addition Zeus). Anne will fly back one-way to Richmond on April 9th, load up the car with dogs, cat, and treasures and the drive begins! Brian is being a trooper and loading the moving van April 8th. He gets the honor of driving a big U-haul type truck 8 hours and through the mountains. We have a feeling this moving adventure will be just that, an adventure! Be on the lookout for that update.
Once we arrive with the help of family and friends we will unload April 10th and work on getting settled into our new house. That's right we have entered the grown up world and have bought a cute 3 bedroom 2 bath house. So, when you come visit you will have a place to stay.
Last week was a great week for Brian's fundraising. Amazing because we were really struggling and getting discouraged. Brian has been asking and making contacts. Well, a few of them came through just last week! He is about 30% to his goal. Amzaing how we can see God's hand in all of this.
We will continue to trust HIM and see where HE takes us!
Thank you for your love and support!
Anne starts working for the Alzheimer's Assocation April 1st and will head to Louisville March 31st. Don't want to be late for her first day! While she is working hard, Brian will be backing up the rest of the Snivley's treasures and taking care of our little zoo (a.k.a. the Pork Chop, Pancake, and the latest addition Zeus). Anne will fly back one-way to Richmond on April 9th, load up the car with dogs, cat, and treasures and the drive begins! Brian is being a trooper and loading the moving van April 8th. He gets the honor of driving a big U-haul type truck 8 hours and through the mountains. We have a feeling this moving adventure will be just that, an adventure! Be on the lookout for that update.
Once we arrive with the help of family and friends we will unload April 10th and work on getting settled into our new house. That's right we have entered the grown up world and have bought a cute 3 bedroom 2 bath house. So, when you come visit you will have a place to stay.
Last week was a great week for Brian's fundraising. Amazing because we were really struggling and getting discouraged. Brian has been asking and making contacts. Well, a few of them came through just last week! He is about 30% to his goal. Amzaing how we can see God's hand in all of this.
We will continue to trust HIM and see where HE takes us!
Thank you for your love and support!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Here We GOOOOOOOOOO!
Happy New Year!! We are excited for 2011! We are gearing up our fundraising efforts to start serving at CrossRoads Missions by this summer. In the near future, we will be contacting you individually to ask you to prayerfully consider giving a gift to support Brian's mission work.
You can give TODAY in one of the following ways! It's easy to do, just designate your gift to Brian Snivley's Support.
Give on-line at http://www.crossroadsmissions.com/new/donate.php
Give by mailing in a gift! Please make checks payable to CrossRoads Missions.
CrossRoads Missions
Attn: Brian Snivley Support
3231 Ruckriegel Parkway, Suite 111
Louisville, KY 40299
Monthly Bank Draft Option - fill out the form to set up an EFT athttp://www.crossroadsmissions.com/new/pdf/eftform.
For more information contact Brian or Anne! Thank you for your prayers, love, and support on this new adventure!
You can give TODAY in one of the following ways! It's easy to do, just designate your gift to Brian Snivley's Support.
Give on-line at http://www.crossroadsmissions.com/new/donate.php
Give by mailing in a gift! Please make checks payable to CrossRoads Missions.
CrossRoads Missions
Attn: Brian Snivley Support
3231 Ruckriegel Parkway, Suite 111
Louisville, KY 40299
Monthly Bank Draft Option - fill out the form to set up an EFT athttp://www.crossroadsmissions.com/new/pdf/eftform.
For more information contact Brian or Anne! Thank you for your prayers, love, and support on this new adventure!
www.crossroadsmissions.com
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