July E-letter
G. Capen
Ever since the idea of
creating Dry Tears Oakland popped into our heads, the fire of motivation
consumed the imperfections of sloth and discouragement. For a while, we kept
moving, working out the technical difficulties, and refining minor details. Once
that was over, however, there was not much to do.
We contacted current friends, and reconnected with old ones, explaining the mission of Dry Tears again & again. We established our place in the cyber world at http://sites.Google.com/site/drytearsoaklandmi and in the realm of e-mail at drytea...@Gmail.com. Soon afterwards, we set up a Google group account. (Dry-tears-Oakland)
Of course, throughout the entire process, we stayed in contact with Connor Cress, a co-founder of Dry Tears. He has been extremely enthusiastic and encouraged by the founding of Dry Tears Oakland. “You [guys] are so awesome and I'm praying for you guys!... Keep up that fire in your heart, and know that what you are doing, no matter how tired you get, is DRAMATICALLY affecting that small kid that doesn't know about the opportunities and life that clean water can bring him.”
Throughout this process, we have received many requests to see what the shirts look like. At the time, we were unable to provide a shirt, or a picture of one, because we didn’t have either. However, this last week, Connor sent us pictures of the bracelets, water bottles, and 2 different styles of t-shirts. Those pictures are now posted on the website. Just type in the address, look for the “Merchandise Pictures” at the top left-hand sidebar, and click. Voila!
We are pleased to announce, that, as I write, Rebecca is sorting the first shipment of merchandise that arrived yesterday. In light of this fact, we are now accepting orders for T-Shirts, water bottles, and bracelets. Please visit our website for price listings, and e-mail us to order.
We welcome and request fundraising ideas, to be posted on our Google Group. We are trying to think of something fall-appropriate. (That is: the season fall, not the “fall” that makes things go “bump” in the night. J However, every idea is welcome. And, while you’re at the keyboard, send us an e-mail ordering a Hungry Howie’s Fundraising Card! With generous offers such as: “Buy a pizza, get one free,” and “Buy a pizza, get 2 liters of pop free,” and, of course, “Free pizza,” who wouldn’t want to get 1, 2, or even possibly 3 cards? They cost about $10.00, but here’s the catch: You save approximately $45, not to mention the brainpower needed to think of an excuse to buy pizza!
And, FINALLY, we are happy to announce a surprise long in the making! On July 12, 2009, Rebecca and I will be doing a presentation about Dry Tears and its mission, at Five Points Community Church during the Sunday school hour, to the Sr. High age group.
Finally, a few praises and prayer requests. Conner Cress, from our Home Base, has arrived back in the States, returning from Africa without the added excitement of guerrillas or machetes or anything. For this, we praise the Lord who made the land and people of Africa.
We pray that God would be glorified in us, in every action that we take. We are also praying for wisdom, words, and the courage necessary to accurately convey a concern for the welfare of God’s sons & daughters in Africa during the presentation @ 5PCC on July 12. We would invite you to pray to these ends along with us.
Thanking you for the support you’ve shown us,
Gabriel Capen for Dry Tears
Oakland