Missions trip to Argentina – July 2012 (Won’t you help??)

Dear Family and Friends,                                                                      May 1, 2012

You may be wondering….what is Letty up to now? …….Well……..

There is no greater joy for me than when I am spending time with people/ strangers just loving on them and doing exactly what Jesus would be doing – Loving Others in Truth!!

 I am very excited to share with you the great opportunity that God has set before me to serve Him inArgentinathis summer.  Orange Lutheran High School from Orange, CA and their mission department will be traveling this summer for three weeks in Argentina (June 30 – July 22).  I have been asked to join them as a team leader and help translate for the team. While there we will be ministering in two locations, the capital city ofBuenos Ariesand in a rural village in the south western part of the country, Neuquén.  We will be working with a ministry that operates six schools in the country.  The school in Buenos Aries is in a poverty stricken area and we will be working among the very poor.  In Neuquén we will be building a community center on to the local church as well as serving the kids from Neuquén.  We will have many opportunities to work with the youth of the local villages, introducing them to the good news of Jesus through vacation Bible schools, games, songs and dramas.

One of the things that we look forward to the most as a team is getting the chance to love on the locals and the missionary families we will serve. Many of these children and teenagers are faced with such hardships and evils as poverty, and broken families. We want to show them just how much the Lord loves them and that He has a plan for them, both here on earth and for eternity.

We hope to be a blessing not only to the people of the town, but to the local pastors as well.  And we pray that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, ready and willing to be used in any way. Whether that is by giving our testimony, praying with someone, or even just hugging a child. We ask that you would be willing to join us in prayer over this mission trip. Please pray that we would be able to throw off the “hindrances that so easily entangle us” (Hebrews 11) that we would be a team that is unified in one common goal and purpose. That we would be a people “clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:13) and that we would be able to “press on toward the goal” (Hebrews 11). We know that God is good and in control and has His hand over and in every aspect of this trip. He will put us specifically where He wants us, to share with someone or just show them the love of Jesus. Please pray that even now, the Holy Spirit will begin to work in the hearts of these people and that we will have a bold spirit, so we may show them that real hope is found through Jesus Christ.

There is another specific way to support our team.  The trip cost $3800 per team member.  Will you please consider financially supporting me as I participate with the things God is doing inArgentina?  

• All checks are to be made payable to: Lutheran High School Orange County (LHSOC)
• Memo: Acct. 123 (DO NOT WRITE MY NAME ON THE CHECK ANYWHERE, OTHERWISE IT WILL NOT BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE)
• Mail all checks to:  Letty Gali, 536 Dartmouth Drive, Placentia, CA  92870

Every financial gift that is given is tax deductible.

All donations exceeding $200 will receive a confirmation letter from the Orange Lutheran High School Business Office. For donations less than $200, your check will serve as your receipt.  Please know that no amount is too small!

Thank you for your partnership….We consider it a privilege to go to Argentina to be His hands and feet.

Loving Others in Truth,

Letty Gali & Team Argentina July 2012

 As the song says, “Let me be an instrument to exalt and to extend Jesus’ name globally, as the waters over the sea.”

 “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”  Romans 10:15

ULL Softball and Possible LOT318 Chapter in Louisiana…

As we begin February I want to ask for your prayers for a few up and coming ministry opportunities……

• Feb 4 – Feb 14 I will be in Louisiana

•  Supporting the ULL (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) Softball team.  Over 10 years ago I lived in Lafayette, Louisiana and served as the Chaplain for the Softball team.  Since then I have supported the coach, her staff and team on different levels.  Every Feb I travel to LA to support them as they kick off their softball season.  I also make myself available to the players and serve them as needed.
• This time I am not only going to support the team but I will be spending time in a community that God has placed in my path.  Please pray for open doors for ministry opportunities as I meet the community and share with them God’s love.  My friend, Terry, has already shipped 4 boxes of fleece pull-over for me to give away to the community.  I will never know if this is the next step with me and my Lord unless I step out in faith.

I would love your prayers as I journey with God in LA.  I am excited for the unknown and I know that where God leads He will equip.

I thank God for you and your partnership in fulfilling the Great Commission!!

More to come……

“Angel’s Eyes” Ministry

WOW, what a journey!!!!

Here is our latest news…..At our last visit with our friends we brought 5 large bags of clothing and tooth brushes along with our “Cup of Soup”, hot chocolate and muffins.  Jon, Justin (Jon’s son), Marco, Felicitas (Marco’s mom) and I laid out all the clothing and invited our friends to take whatever they needed.  We spent time just talking with them and getting to know their stories.  We are gaining their trust with every visit which makes them more transparent with us.  On Monday I met “Apache” and he was telling me how thankful he was that we come spend time with them.  It means a lot to them that someone is looking out for them.  I reminded him that God is always looking for them and that He loves them very much.  I asked if I could pray for him and with tears in his eyes he said yes.  It was a moment I will not soon forget.  We had a chance to connect with God in a real way.  This part of my life has become a breath of fresh air and I look forward to it every time.

After our last visit Jon and I began to brain storm these “Great Adventures” and how we can involve others to join with us. It is our desire to challenge you, your family and friends to join us. Tonight Jon is bringing ice cream and homemade chocolate chip cookie to share with the group.  And in a couple of weeks a few of my friends will make chocolate covered strawberries to share with our friends.  Ask God how he wants to use you as we love others in truth.

Just today in talking with Jon he read me a scripture that God had given him:

Hebrews 13:2 – New International Version (NIV)

² Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

In reading that scripture God gave Jon a name for our ministry…….”Angel’s Eyes”.   As we show hospitality to strangers we may never know if we are showing hospitality to angels.  WOW….what a concept to think we may be serving angels!!!

If you want to help us or interested in serving with us please contact me at Letty@LOT318.com or Jon at jon@globalconversions.com

Here are some of our immediate needs:

• Cases of water
• Blankets
• “Cup of Soups”
• Hot Chocolate (individual packets)
• Tooth Brushes and tooth paste
• Egg foam mattress pads (single)
• Hot/cold cups
• Plastic forks and spoons
• Napkins
• 10 x 10 tarps

As needs come up we will add to our list.

Please keep us in your prayers.  We need your prayers more than anything else….pray as God leads you.  AND keep Friday, Feb 17 “Angel’s Eyes” bbq in the park in your prayers. If you want to help with the BBQ please contact Jon: jon@globalconversions.com for specifics.

God’s Blessings to you and your family!!  Remember we are blessed to be a blessing!!

New Beginnings – Homeless Ministry

After an AMAZING night last Monday night in feeding the homeless we decide to revisit our friends again on Wednesday night. This time we invited 4 new friends to join us. I invited a very special friend, Jon, whom I have served with in church settings. His wife and I are in the same Bible study group and we have known each other for over 5 years. Jon has always wanted to feed the homeless locally but the time never worked for him. So, last Wednesday night Jon, I and a few others went out and visited our friends. This time we not only fed them but we sat with them and got to hear their stories. I was so impressed with Jon and how he jumped right in with no fear and started talking with everyone we met. God was so good that as they were sharing their needs we had already packed a few things not knowing they would meet a few of their needs. Praise God we were able to bless them right away. We told our friends we would do our best to meet their other needs.

Here is what Jon had to say about his experience:

“Wow, I am not sure I even know where to begin. Let me start by thanking you for the opportunity to tag along side of you and help to feed the homeless last night. I can’t express in words the joy and fulfillment I felt as we traveled from camp to camp meeting and fellowshipping to the kind people who are at this time struggling with a place to live. The kindness, excitement and thankfulness they displayed to us was just amazing. I am very blessed to have been given the opportunity to participate and I am TOTALLY in and committed as we move forward with this cause…..”

It’s funny how God works….God gave Jon an “AHA” moment right here in our own backyard. Jon had an encounter with God that changed his life and perspective. He sees how God can and will use him to further His kingdom. I also had an “AHA” moment that night. As I was watching Jon relate and get right down to our friends level God spoke to me. God reminded me that He is at work EVERYWHERE!!! Whether we are across the world or in Orange County, CA. we can meet God in a very REAL way. We can have an encounter with God that will change our lives FOREVER!! God’s only desire is that we seek Him and His kingdom and when we seek Him we will see Him in the faces of those we meet.

Oh how I wish I could share theses experiences with you all but I know that we all have the same opportunities wherever we live. Ask God to show you where He wants to use you. If you have a tugging in your heart for a specific ministry – seek it out. Don’t let anyone tell you “you can’t do it” because we can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength. AMEN!!

Please keep us in your prayers. We believe God is starting a movement here and we don’t want to miss it. Jon and I are compiling a list of needs and we will need your help in helping to meet these needs. If you would like to help serve or help meet our needs please let me know and we will be in contact with you.

God bless you!!! We are better TOGETHER!!

Loving Our Neighbors Unconditionally……..

Matthew 25: 34-40

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶I needed clothes and you clothed me…….’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?……………

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

WOW….God reminds me of His Truth time and time again. About a week ago I was spending time with a few students and Marco our Program Director from LOT318. We were talking about doing more and serving our neighbors. As we were dreaming and throwing out ideas Marco and I both agreed that we should go and visit the homeless. Our eyes lit up and we knew that this was a vision from God. We decided that within a week we would go and visit our neighbors.

So tonight….. What an amazing evening!!! Marco, my friend Susan and my 12-year-old neighbor, Alyssa, and I went out into our community and visited local spots where homeless people live. We had no idea who we would meet or what God was going to teach us. We packed a 10 gallon igloo with hot water, a case of “Cup of soup”, 60 packets of hot chocolate w marshmallows and assorted muffins and off we went. (To protect our friends and their situation we will not mention exactly where we went, show any photos or say “real” names) At the first spot – we pulled up and opened our van and began to invite our friends for a hot drink along with a muffin. They were so friendly and open to spend time with us. We laughed with them, prayed with them and shared a meal with them. They asked if we would return to visit with them and we said “For Sure”. One person even asked if we would bring him a Bible. We promised them we would return on Wednesday with more snacks and a Bible. What a great start to our adventure. Our next stop was full of spanish speaking men that loved soccer and Marco began to share with them the latest stats within the soccer world. It was very special for me to watch Marco relate to these guys. We shared a meal with them and told them that we would also return. The next stop we visited 2 ladies – we asked them if we could give them something warm to eat and they quickly responded “Yes”.  As we were leaving we told them “God bless you” and their response was priceless….”God blessed us already by sending you”.  I nearly lost it.  Tears filled my eyes…I looked at Marco and said “That response makes this all worth it”.  These 2 ladies knew exactly who was sending them the blessing….God!!  Our last stop we parked the van and visited with “Bob”.  ”Bob” is a very polite elderly man who just wanted someone to talk with. As we were leaving Marco asked him if he had a coat to keep him warm during these cold, wet nights.  “Bob” said he did not have one that was dry, so immediately Marco asked if we would return to his house where is had a coat he wanted to give “Bob”. We returned to “Bob” with a dry, warm coat. Marco gave the coat to him and “Bob” was very thankful to receive such a gift.  Tonight we met 15 new friends that received God’s love is a real, tangible way….Thank you Lord for the blessing of serving our neighbors.

We them went to eat at a local fast food restaurant and talked about our experience……we all agreed that serving our neighbors is really easier than we think. The Gospel is truly that simple….”Love God – Love Others”. It is our desire to visit our new-found friends at least 2 times a month maybe more. We are open to God’s lead and want to be used by Him.

I challenge you to get to know your neighbors…..God is working ALL around us and is looking for His people to take a stand for Him and serve Him as we minister to others.

Thank you for letting me share tonight’s adventure!! God bless you and please remember to pray for our friends.

El Dia de los Reyes – Three Kings Day Celebration…..

After New Year’s Day, Latin American families still have a very special date to commemorate and enjoy.  On January 6, most of the Hispanic world celebrates El Dia De Reyes, the Epiphany, remembering the day when the Three Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem, arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the Baby Jesus.

So……being a Latina chica and serving a Latino community we gathered the kids from the community and celebrated the arrival of the “Three Kings”.    We had a few Pinatas filled with candy for the kids.  We gave out t-shirts to all the kids and fleece sweatshirts to all the moms that participated.  Afterwards a few families shared a meal and had the traditional holiday bread called Rosca de Reyes.  This is a special bread….burried inside the bread are 6 plastic “baby Jesus”.  The idea is that if you cut a piece of bread and you get a baby  – you provide the next family meal.  It really was a special time fellowshipping and creating memories as one Big family.

Enjoy the celebration:

New Year’s Eve – Celebration with Special Friends…….LOT318

LOT318 is very near and dear to my heart.  A majority of my time is spent volunteering with LOT318 and I can’t believe it’s been 6 years that I’ve been serving on Cypress St in Placentia.  After we returned from Mexico I met with my “family” from Cypress st and together we brought in the New Year.  We started the evening on one side fo the street with Aztec dancers and a bounce house for the kids.  And on the other side of the street we had a DJ and lots of dancing.   We even played “Loteria” (Spanish Bingo) with the kids and adults.  It was truly a  block party to remember.  Around 10pm the fog began to visit us and by 10:30 the entire block was fogged in.  We gathered around a bonfire and just before midnight we prayed together as a community.  After we celebrated the New Year we all shared our first meal for 2012 – Tamales, Posole, Tostadas de Pollo and Mexican Hot Chocolate…….YUM, YUM!!!!!

What a GREAT Ending to 2011!!!  What a GREAT Beginning to 2012!!!  Now we are back to our afterschool Homework Club and weekly Bible studies to our students and adults……  Thank you for your constant prayers for this community.  A community is being transformed with the love of Jesus Christ.  Lives are changing for all eternity!!!   To God be all Glory and Honor!!!!

For more details on LOT318 ‘s happenings please visit:  www.LOT318.wordpress.com

Estado 29 Orphanage – Mexico

“As long as I am on this side of the grass there is plenty to do” – I am not sure where I heard this but I’ve taken it to heart.  For me, there is plenty of time to rest once I’m in God’s presence!!!

Estado 29 has been a special part of my life for the last 15 years.  Just recently I reconnected with them and God placed it on my heart to serve them 4 times a year.  Soooo……I landed in CA on Wednesday, Dec 28th and on Dec 29th I was heading to Mexico with a group of students excited to serve the elders, widows and orphans.  On our way to the orphanage we stopped by our special Taco Shack and had dinner.  About 10 years ago we shared the love of Jesus to the ladies who run the shack and they prayed and asked Jesus into their lives as Lord and Savior. So every time we visit the orphanage we visit them and support their business in Ensenada, Mexico.  After dinner we headed to the orphanage where we spent the night. The next day we went back into Ensenada and visited another friend I met over 10 years ago and they also opened their hearts to Jesus.  Grandma was turning 93 and we brought lunch and a birthday cake to celebrate her 93 years of life.  Later that evening we shared an authentic Mexican meal with the entire orphanage.  Our evening was spent encouraging the Junior and Senior High School students.  We had a double feature “Movie Night” where we bought our popcorn machine, popcorn and tons of candy for them to enjoy the movies.  It was a very special time together watching the “Ultimate Gift” and “Soul Surfer”.

The next day, Dec 31st,  we thought it would be appropriate to have an activity to reflect on the past, present and future.  My dear friend Erin help facilitate while my students had a chance to participate.  We had the entire orphanage partake in the activities.  We had them….

• Past:  Write or draw their favorite 2011 memory
• Present:  Write or draw one thing they are thankful for
• Future:  Spend some time alone with God and seek the Bible asking God to give them a scripture they can claim and hold onto for 2012

After the activity we gave everyone at the orphanage either a t-shirt or a fleece sweatshirt that were donated by special friends.

It was so good spending time with old and new friends….I cannot wait to return in April.

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I want to challenge you too – Spend some time with the Lord and ask Him to give you a verse you can claim for 2012.  The Bible is full of many promises from God.  He has great plans for us and God wants us to join Him in His Kingdom work.

Thanking Him for you and  serving Him,

Letty

Happy New Year!!!!

Hello Friends,

Praying you had a great “Holy” Day this past Christmas   Jesus is the reason for every season!!

THANK YOU for your Year End Donation!!!  I am filled with overflowing love and joy towards you and your faithfulness to His calling.  God bless you!!!

I was back east enjoying time with family and friends.  After a difficult journey with mom this past year it was good to just sit and look back at the hands of God and His goodness to our family.  My sisters decided to start a tradition and for first time my sisters and a few nieces spent quality time together going to the city.  We visited Times Square, Radio City Music Hall and ended our time taking a group photo by the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Family has taken a whole new meaning and I love watching God move in our hearts.

Here are a few pictures of my family……

I am excited for 2012 and all that God has prepared for us.  Please join me in praying for God to use us and mold us more and more into the image of His Son Jesus Christ!!  Let’s invest in people this year…..it’s the BEST return on our investment.

God Bless You, your family and your endeavours!!

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Loving Others in Truth,

Letty

January 1st is Almost Here…..

Dear Friends,

The end of the year is just days away, so if you are considering making a tax-deductible donation to Hill Of Hope, be sure to donate before January 1st!

Year End Giving: I wanted to remind you that it’s not too late to give a year-end gift to Hill of Hope.  All donations are tax-deductible.  Come the New Year I will need to raise $800 of new monthly support.  I have great needs and need you to help me finish the year strong.  I expect great things in 2012 and with your support we will accomplish and meet all that God has for us.  To God be all Glory and Honor!!!

Please make all checks payable to:  Hill of Hope

Mail all checks to:  536 Dartmouth Dr., Placentia, CA  92870

Memo:  SSA-Gali

Remember that all checks MUST be post marked by Dec 31, 2011 (12/31/11)

Letty’s Latest 2012 Calendar is up……Check out what’s happening in ministry……Click on the TOP link  -  CALENDAR

Missions Trip to Orphanage in Mexico:  Please keep us in your prayers.  I am leading a team to Mexico to serve at an orphanage and to celebrate 99 years of life for a “Grandma” I met on the streets of Ensenada 18 years ago.

Here is our AGENDA for the trip….

Agenda:

Thursday – Dec 29th:  Drive to Orphanage

Friday:  Go into Ensenada to buy tacos and drinks and take them to grandma to celebrate 99 years of life. We will also be bringing a cake for grandma.  Birthday party!!

Dinner – Provide a carne asada dinner to everyone at the orphanage

After Dinner – We will spend time with the Junior High and High School students from the orphanage watching a movie or 2 and we will provide snacks, punch and popcorn for everyone. Hot chocolate will also be provided

Sat – Dec 31st:  Morning Reflections on 2011 and Hope for 2012 (Letters to God & art, crafts, etc)for the entire orphanage.  My dear friend Erin and her husband Rick will facilitate this time.

Head back to California

I CANNOT WAIT FOR 2012 AND ALL IT HAS FOR US ALL.  SHARING ALL THAT GOD IS GOING TO DO IN AND THROUGH US IS GOING TO BE AN AMAZING JOURNEY!!!

I LOVE AND THANK GOD FOR YOU SOOOO MUCH – HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

Loving Others in Truth,

Letty