Storytime Bloghttp://www.ehands.orgTue, 22 May 2012 14:01:37 GMTWed, 31 Aug 2011 15:54:25 GMTThank you from Angela - to the Hands communityhttp://www.ehands.org/angelaMon, 29 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMTDan Georgopulos Hands - Without your help I wouldn't be able to go to my weekly appointments.  I have injections, therapy, physical therapy and installation procedure all every week.  Without your help, I wouldn't be able to take my daughter to girl scouts or my sons to their band/orchestra concerts.  I wouldn't be able to seek work or make it to my human serice appointments and last but not least, i wouldn't be able to visit church's while the kids and I look for a church home where we can fit in at and feel safe.  It is hard not having family around and me being so sick buy you make things easier!!

]]>http://www.ehands.org/angelaThe Journeyhttp://www.ehands.org/the-journeyTue, 08 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMTJuli HobinIn our journey of walking with single parents and widows, we often see a glimpse of the kindness and the glory of God displayed in the women we encounter.

We recently met with Cathy*, an amazing woman of courage, strength and hope. Cathy shared part of her story with me – a story of profound loss, abuse and abandonment. She is a single parent of three teen age children; an enormous undertaking for anyone! When she met me at our car shop for her initial interview, Cathy brought her dog Charlie along with her. Charlie also came from a background of abuse and abandonment. Charlie goes to work every day with Cathy as a “helper dog” to those who live at the facility for mentally challenged adults where she is employed. We talked about the joy the residences receive from being able to love for and care for Charlie during the day. We talked about what she is learning of the love of God for those who have been abandoned and abused as she gently cares for her dog, and offers him safety, security and hope. Safety, security and hope – these are basic needs of the human heart.

Many of the clients we serve come to us with the daily need of safety and security appearing to be out of reach in their broken lives. When they walk through our doors, it is our prayer that we are able to offer the women and their families hope. First through car repair, and then through continued relationship with our support groups for single parents and widows. As Cathy is learning to trust God for her safety and security He is healing her heart and restoring her life. That is our prayer for everyone we meet – that they will experience the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort in tangible ways through the ministry of Hands of The Carpenter.

Please join us in being the expression of God’s love to the widows and orphans of our day.

]]>http://www.ehands.org/the-journeyWomen Caring For Womenhttp://www.ehands.org/women-caring-for-womenFri, 14 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMTJuli HobinRecently Hands of The Carpenter served two different clients who work for other organizations that serve single parents and widows in need! Cathy* works with Jefferson County on a part time basis with children and youth of single parents; Mandy* works for a Christian outreach in the inner city of Denver which cares for the single parents and families of their neighborhood. Both women are single mothers. It is always a delight to serve the women the Lord brings our way; there was an extra measure of joy to serve other women who serve the widows of our time. Both vehicles needed brake repairs; one car was in desperate need of new tires, and the other needed work on the steering column. As we visited with each woman, they realized that even though they care for women in difficult situations, they themselves need support and encouragement. So, they both are going to join our women’s group beginning this month!

Women walking along side women – learning to trust in God, and care for each other – what a beautiful ministry to be a part of!

]]>http://www.ehands.org/women-caring-for-womenA Widow In Needhttp://www.ehands.org/a-widow-in-needThu, 23 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMTJuli HobinLeslie’s* husband died four years ago this month. She has three small children, ages 7, 6 and 4. With very little family support she has struggled to find a way to make ends meet. Her children have suffered physically, emotionally and mentally since the death of their daddy. For a short period of time, as Leslie was working and going to school, the children went to live in another state with relatives, as Leslie was not able to care for their basic needs of food and clothing. Leslie came to us in desperation – isolated and feeling fearful for their future.

As we visited with her and shared God’s heart and compassion and comfort for the widows and orphans of our day, she began to have hope. Her Jeep Cherokee was in need of radiator and heater repairs. With no heat in her car, she had been worried about the cold winter ahead. Hands of The Carpenter was able to repair her car so that she is able to feel safe and secure when driving her children. Just as important, we were able to invite her to join our growing group of women which meets twice a month – so that she can begin to develop a community of support and encouragement with other widows and their children.

What a privilege it is to care for the women and the families God sends our way. Please pray for them - that the Lord’s provision and protection for them becomes the foundation they may rest upon; that the body of Christ becomes a real, visible example of the love of God, which changes everything.

]]>http://www.ehands.org/a-widow-in-needHands Storytime - Heat and brakes - necessary during winter!http://www.ehands.org/heat-and-brakesWed, 24 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMTJuli Hobin*Shannon came to Hands of The Carpenter by a referral through her own employment – Department of Human Services for the city of Denver. She is a single mother of three children, seeking self sufficiency through a full time job. She has a heart for serving those in need, so it was our joy to be able to serve her and bring hope to her family through needed car repairs!

When Shannon first came to us we were unable to assist her. After the generosity and support of so many who attended our banquet on November 5th, we were able to replace and fix her rear window defrost, heater, and front brakes. Shannon was so very thankful! She is going to join our women’s group the next time we meet in December.

What a privilege it is to walk with those who are also walking with others in need. Thank you for the love of Christ expressed through the way you care for so many!

]]>http://www.ehands.org/heat-and-brakesFirst Car Clinic In The New Shop!http://www.ehands.org/octclinicThu, 14 Oct 2010 01:16:26 GMTJuli Hobin Four times a year Hands of The Carpenter hosts Car Care Clinic for our clients and single parents and widows in the community. This is a time where time and many talents are freely offered to change the women’s oil for free, and do a 52 point inspection on their vehicle. This past weekend we had the privilege of hosting our first clinic at our new auto repair shop in Lakewood (pics are on the right of the blogs).

Over 25 volunteers served, including students from D’Evelyn High School. Besides servicing the cars, students were painting the shop’s office and adding to the joy of helping God’s people. One of the women who came to us for the first time was *Martha. Martha is a precious woman, almost 90 years old, full of life and gratitude. She was deeply touched by the kindness and love shown to her while waiting for her car. Her husband passed about 7 years ago and her car is one of the main tools she has to remain independent. It is also the tool that gets her to water aerobics class every week!

It is our hope and prayer that as we continue to care for the widows and orphans in the Lakewood area, that the Spirit of God will be experienced in real and tangible ways throughout the community. May we all be a light that shines with the love of Christ where ever we go.

]]>http://www.ehands.org/octclinicGathering and prayers of thanksgiving for the new shop!http://www.ehands.org/shopprayersThu, 09 Sep 2010 16:04:11 GMTJuli HobinIt was a time of celebration and rejoicing. It was a time of gathering together and giving thanks and praise with grateful hearts to God for His provision for Hands to be able to operate our own trustworthy and reliable automotive repair business to expand our reach in helping single parents and widows in need.

On Friday, September 1st, board members, and many of those who have walked with us in prayer and faith and support came for a time of prayer and breaking bread together to bless the ministry and work of Hands Automotive (for now called Colorado Auto-Tech.) Prayer was lifted up for our new staff – Ray and Sean; for all who enter for their own car repair needs, and for the single women who will come looking for hope and care. We prayed for the community is which we will serve – We prayed for wisdom and protection. Above all, we worshipped with humble hearts the God who has provided more than we could have hoped or imagined.

Please stop by and visit the new shop – a six bay service center providing a full range of auto motive repair and maintenance services to the public. Your auto repair = hope and care to someone in need. Thank you for sharing in our joy!

]]>http://www.ehands.org/shopprayersJuly 17th Car Care Clinic Sets Records!http://www.ehands.org/clinic-sets-recordsThu, 22 Jul 2010 17:10:14 GMTJuli Hobin
 

Hands of The Carpenter hosted our largest Car Care Clinic this past Saturday at Lookout Mt. Community Church. Four times a year, we serve single parents and widows with a Car Care Clinic. The clients receive an oil change, along with a 51 point vehicle inspection, all free of charge. We have been hosting these for 6 years now, and there is a strong possibility that this will be our last one to be held at this location, as we are hoping to move to our new auto shop soon!

The Car Clinics are about more than just changing oil. I’m not sure who is having more fun – the volunteer mechanics – who have a friendly competition going among themselves on which team is the “best” - or the clients being served – as they visit over coffee and pastries, sharing life stories, and encouraging one another. Perhaps it’s the children as they run inside for one more donut, and then back to the playground for more excitement and play. This specific clinic, it may have been Dan and Brenda Georgopulos, watching and wondering in amazement at all the Lord has done throughout the years with a ministry that began with much prayer and a cell phone.

I am a single parent. I am deeply touched every time my car is serviced, so that it will run safely. I am just as touched by the more than 20 volunteers who give of their time and commitment on a Saturday to serve. I am touched by the women and children who come – and get a taste of God’s goodness through the simple act of having their oil changed. I am grateful for the care that you offer to those in need. Thank you – to everyone who has served, or donated needed equipment and oil products. You truly are the hands and feet of Jesus – lightening the burden of those God calls us to journey with.

]]>http://www.ehands.org/clinic-sets-recordsMore than brakes!http://www.ehands.org/brakesThu, 15 Jul 2010 22:47:58 GMTJuli HobinCindy is a recent widow. Her husband passed away in January after a long battle with cancer. She has 3 children at home – 2 of them with serious health issues of their own. With their constant need for medical attention, Cindy tries to work several part time jobs that work with her children’s schedules. Because of her grief and stress over the death of her husband, she found herself pulling away from family and friends, and isolating herself from any real sense of community. Cindy came to us with a need to get the brakes replaced on her Dodge Dakota. As we visited, her deeper need was for a place of comfort and support. Some of the clients of Hands of The Carpenter have begun to gather once a month – for just this purpose! They encourage one another, and build each other up. They pray for one another and help carry one another’s burdens. As friendships are being formed, these times together are becoming vitally important to each woman and their children who sometimes attend.

Yes, we were able provide to HOPE to Cindy that began with her brakes, but just as importantly, however, we were able to invite Cindy to our next time together. She is looking forward to joining us in July. Thank you for your support of Hands of The Carpenter! Lives are being changed because of you and your generosity. May God bless you, as we serve single parents and widows together.

]]>http://www.ehands.org/brakesLost and found!http://www.ehands.org/lostThu, 15 Jul 2010 22:51:12 GMTJuli HobinBeth is a widow, living on Social Security. She is diabetic, and has other related health issues. She has raised 5 children on her own, and now is an actively involved the lives of her 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren! Her car was having difficulty shifting, and seemed to skip gears at times. She was hesitant to drive “up the hill” on her own for our initial meeting, so a friend offered to accompany her. They got lost several times trying to find our office, so another neighbor volunteered to come as well to help with the directions. At last, all arrived safely! As we visited in the lobby, our next client arrived for their appointment. As God would have it, the two clients, along with the neighbor, knew each other, and their friendships were re-established. God’s timing and God’s ways are perfect – if either of the clients had arrived at different times, their relationship might not have been reunited.

This is encouraging as we seek to journey with the many single parents and widows He allows us to serve. Beth’s vehicle was diagnosed with needing a new speed sensor. Through the generous gifts of our donors, we were able to repair her car. She is now able to get to her various doctor’s appointments, and visit her family members in a safe automobile. Thank you for the many ways you support Hands of The Carpenter – God is always at work in all of our lives. How exciting to be walking the life of faith together!

]]>http://www.ehands.org/lostComing to America - Coming to know Jesus!http://www.ehands.org/comingFri, 07 May 2010 15:54:47 GMTJuli HobinFran* came to Hands of The Carpenter in need of car repairs. A beautiful woman from Africa, with a most gracious spirit – Fran came with hope and joy and expectation. She came to America with only the clothes on her back, hoping to leave behind a desperate life. She cleans residential buildings as her profession, and is dependent on her car to get to the various locations. We were able to fix her automobile needs, and through this contact, a relationship is being built. Fran is Muslin - and says Jesus comes to her in her dreams! She has a hunger and thirst for the truth, and often speaks of wanting to know “your Jesus.” Through the generous donation of one of our supporters, we were able to give Fran a bible – and encouraged her to start reading the book of John. She said she keeps her bible by her bed, and is committed to reading it every night. Fran is very involved in our support group for single parents and widows, and is hosting our next gathering. She can’t wait to open up her home and share her African coffee with us! Fran’s son Daniel joins us for our women’s get togethers, and often supports and encourages those women who he senses are struggling. We are so grateful for the opportunity to share Jesus with Fran – and will celebrate with the angels when she calls Him her own!

]]>http://www.ehands.org/comingTrue worship meets desparationhttp://www.ehands.org/worshipFri, 07 May 2010 15:50:44 GMTJuli HobinPaula* is 33 years old. She has been in a relationship for 20 months – 17 of those being very abusive; both mentally and physically.

Paula contacted Hands of The Carpenter in her desperate need for a car of her own. She is currently working, and did not feel as though she could leave her living situation until she had a dependable vehicle, so that she could remain self-sufficient, which includes transportation to her job. Periodically, Hands will receive a generous donation of a car. So we began to pray that the Lord would provide a vehicle for Paula. As we waited upon the Lord, which required patience – especially for Paula – we experienced His goodness and unfailing love once again! Last week a car was donated to Hands. Not only was this automobile in perfect condition (despite being a 1997 model) but the owner had filled it with a tank of gas. This is true worship and the walking out of our faith – straight from the Father’s heart for single parents and widows. Today we were able to give the car to Paula. After she got her temporary plates, and with a police escort went and got her belongings, Paula is going to be able to begin a new life. This might not have been possible without the obedience and kindness of the one who donated the vehicle.

May we all have ears to hear and eyes to see where the Lord is leading us to join Him in serving those around us – and may we have joy in being a part of His journey with those in need.

]]>http://www.ehands.org/worshipHomeless to college!http://www.ehands.org/homeless-to-collegeSat, 20 Mar 2010 15:30:03 GMTDan Georgopulos Cindy (name changed) is a single mother of a two-year-old son and learned about Hands from the website. The mounting pressures a single mother faces financially caused her and her son to be homeless for six months until they were able to secure an apartment through the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. Cindy is attending college full-time to become a pharmacy technician. Her car needed the master cylinder replaced for the clutch. She knew the likely repair costs involved and was careful to make sure it would be worth our investment before asking for assistance. It is our privilege to walk with single parents such as Cindy, who are seeking to achieve self-sufficiency for their family Her car was fixed just a couple of weeks ago!

]]>http://www.ehands.org/homeless-to-collegeA story of Courage, Perserverance & Desire to Succeedhttp://www.ehands.org/courageMon, 21 Dec 2009 23:39:24 GMTDan Georgopulos Susie heard about Hands of The Carpenter through KLOVE.  She is a single parent of three children – the youngest is still living at home – a 10 year old daughter.  She has two grown sons.  Susie is divorced after many years in an abusive marriage.  She is attending Red Rocks Community College full time to get an accounting degree.  Susie lives with her aunt and uncle.  She hopes to save enough to eventually live on her own, and to create a better life for her   children and herself.  Susie exemplifies courage, perseverance and a desire to succeed.

 The brakes on her car are failing, and her set of tires are tread –bare, making it dangerous to drive her car to get to school, the store, etc.  When we met her, the registration for her car was not current so we prayed with her for that provision.  Immediately after we prayed her brother called, offering to pay for the registration!   We saw God’s faithfulness and perfect timing at work in her life.  Her car will go to one of our trustworthy repair shops so that she will have a safe      vehicle to drive in time for Christmas. Thank you – it is because of your generosity and prayers that we are able to offer hope to women such as Susie.

]]>http://www.ehands.org/courageShouting with JOYhttp://www.ehands.org/shouting-with-joyTue, 15 Sep 2009 16:04:03 GMTDan Georgopulos Recently we heard from a client we had previously helped with needed car repairs back in 2004.  She is a single mother due to divorce from an abusive marriage.  She is involved in various outreach ministries – in her own words … “I believe in my heart of hearts I use this truck in doing what I believe GOD wants me to do.  I have moved a lot of people, help with our local food bank and pick up people for church.  I often let my pastor use my truck for his ministry.  Please pray about helping me again at this time so that the work of the Lord can continue.”

Her brakes are down to the rotors, and in desperate need of replacing.  Her truck is her only transportation to work.  Our client is in a Christian band, and she recently told them she would not be able to join them any longer as her truck was not safe to drive.  When we let her know we would be able to help her replace the brakes, she shouted with joy!  She had just been praying that the Lord would provide all of her needs.  This definitely included the practical needs of car repair.

The community of Hands of The Carpenter was able to provide hope and encouragement to our client.  What a blessing to be able to be the heart of Jesus to those He has called us to minister to.  Thank you for the many ways we walk together passionately serving those God has placed in our midst!  

]]>http://www.ehands.org/shouting-with-joyThank you from a single motherhttp://www.ehands.org/thank-you-from-a-single-motherWed, 03 Jun 2009 20:03:09 GMTDan Georgopulos I am a single mother of three beautiful girls.  I have truly been blessed in my life, but I had a particularly bad set of circumstances hit me recently.

On September 23 of last year, I found myself suddenly unemployed due to cutbacks at the company I was working for. On September 25, my car stopped running. Needless to say, I was devastated.  I contacted Hands (for the second time, by the way), and between conversations with Joe and Dan , I was able to get the clutch repaired in my vehicle and later when another issue presented itself, again you all were there to help!

I have been blessed before, but never as much as with Hands of The Carpenter. I am truly grateful to you all, and wish nothing but continued success and blessings in the future.  May God’s beautiful light continue to shine on you!

There are a number of stories, poems, videos and songs on this website to provide encouragement to us all in the blessing that is ours in giving to and receiving from the women and children we serve together.

]]>http://www.ehands.org/thank-you-from-a-single-motherHow many lumps?http://www.ehands.org/how-many-lumpsFri, 19 Dec 2008 05:37:25 GMTDan Georgopulos A few days ago we met a single mother who has taken more than her share of lumps lately.  A few years ago, she fled her home while facing a hurricane down south.  She spent time in a shelter in Colorado whle looking for a job and a home.  She landed a good job and was recently able to move her family into a home - along with a friend and co-worker. 

Shortly after moving in they realized the person they had rented it from was a fraud and not the owner of the property as they had been led to believe.  He disappeared while they were at work with the money they had given for rent.  Now the real owner needs rent money which is having to be paid from food money and other essential sources - including Christmas money.   

Another "lump" hit her after that.  Now, the brakes on her 12 year old car were too bad to drive on so she had to park her only car.  Thankfully, her employer had heard of Hands of The Carpenter and told her to try giving us a call.  She did, we had the opportunity to meet with her shortly after and are now honored to be in a position to help.

Our community of 'Hands' is helping her now and getting the brakes fixed, providing a safeway card and may be sponsoring her family for Christmas.  Wow - it is truly a gift for us to be working together in this way...thank you all for your support, encouragement, engagement and most of all...your heart.

]]>http://www.ehands.org/how-many-lumpsA Year Of Losshttp://www.ehands.org/a-year-of-lossMon, 08 Dec 2008 09:18:39 GMTDan Georgopulos In May of this year, a friend of Hands of The Carpenter referred “Norma” to us. As I met with her it was very clear that she was a strong woman yet her heart was weary and hurting.

In the past six years, Norma has lost three very important people in her life—her mother, her husband, and then her father. Each of these losses took a toll on her, yet each loss occurred so close to the previous one that she had been unable to adequately grieve. It was especially hard for her to spend two years by her husband’s bedside during his illness with cancer. Norma was forced to leave her job during that time and it was necessary for them to sell all they had to pay the medical expenses. After his death, and 30 years of marriage, she realized that she was too young to qualify for ongoing social security benefits. She is left without an income, looking for work, and living in one room of a friend’s basement.

Norma’s immediate need was automobile repair. Her Subaru had steering problems, cooling system problems and brake problems. With the provisions we had through our supporters, we were able to make these repairs! She continued her search and found a job!

There are 22 other widows and single moms right now who are waiting for our help. HoTC, like many other ministries, is facing the crunch of our current economic times, as well as the summer/fall lull of financial giving. Please consider playing a part in helping us provide assistance for these immediate needs. We thank you for being on this journey alongside us!

]]>http://www.ehands.org/a-year-of-lossIs That A Bubble In That Tire?http://www.ehands.org/is-that-a-bubble-in-that-tireMon, 08 Dec 2008 09:14:56 GMTDan Georgopulos Last weekend we held our second Car Care Clinic of the year. Twenty volunteers performed oil changes, car inspections, added fluid conditioners, and visited with thirty wonderful women and enjoyed coffee, fruit and pastries — all in just 4 hours!

As one widow was getting ready to pull away, a tire inspection found a large bubble on the outer sidewall of her tire. After hearing of the discovery, a member from another team quickly brought his jack over to help get the car jacked. The bad tire was moved from the front to the back (so it would be safer for the time being). Joe arranged for two new tires the following Monday and got her back on the road in a safe car. Just a few days later, she was offered a job that we prayed with her about!

This seemingly simple discovery kept her from having a blowout and possible accident on the highway. The car clinics exist for that reason. Many of our clients do not have someone to perform preventive maintenance and they simply cannot afford to pay for it.

In August or September, we will begin using our newly acquired trailer to take these car care clinics on the road. We’ll go to local women’s shelters, homes for single mothers and their children and other organizations that help single parents and widows in different ways than we do. All of this is because of your support. Please pray that through this new outreach we are able to touch lives, teach some basic automotive skills and be a blessing to everyone we serve!

]]>http://www.ehands.org/is-that-a-bubble-in-that-tireNo Brakes!!!http://www.ehands.org/no-brakesMon, 08 Dec 2008 09:09:09 GMTDan Georgopulos Three weeks ago we received a call from one of our newer partners—a local shelter for battered women and/or homeless women and their children.  They had a single mom staying in their facilities who needed our assistance.

She owns a 15-year-old car in poor condition.  The repairs needed were extensive so we found a mechanic who would work on it in our parking lot for the cost of the parts.  When we picked up the car in Lakewood to drive it up to our offices in Genesee, our jaws dropped.  We were advised to be careful driving the car because it had no brakes.  I couldn’t even bring it to a stop at the gas station’s pump to add fuel without shifting the transmission into park. The drive up I-70 (top speed of 40 mph) was scary!

Why would anyone drive a car that has no brakes?  It is better that I drive it than allow her to drive it with her five children (ages 3-12). She had been using the car to search for jobs and to get her children to school. They had even been living in it for a time before finding the shelter.  We continue to be amazed at the sacrifices many single parents and widows make!

This morning I drove the car back to Lakewood with a new brake system and other repairs made.  The repairs will help keep them safer on the road during their time of transition.

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