04/29/2026
📣☀ FUN RUN!! ☀📣
Looking for a fun family activity that supports a good cause? Join us for the Strides of Love 3K Fun Run on June 13th at 9:00 AM at Tallman Meadows Park in Parker.
Southeast will be there with a table to support the cause and funds from this race are used to help support our care portal ministry. Here is a recent story from our Care Portal Ministry:
"Recently I responded to a request for two girls, ages 15 and 16, who had been removed from their home due to neglect and malnutrition. Their caregiver—an older sister who unexpectedly stepped into this role—was in need of food and clothing to support them. I was able to connect with the family directly and deliver gift cards.
I invited the 15-year-old to our church youth group. Her teenage sister is currently in respite care, so she wasn’t able to attend. Even though her caregiver didn’t expect her to stay long, she ended up remaining for the entire evening—and even wanted to stay longer. That alone spoke volumes about how safe and welcomed she felt.
During the event, we had ice cream from Cold Stone. Her caregiver later shared that she had never been allowed to have ice cream before, so this was her very first experience with Cold Stone. What stood out most was that she held onto her ice cream for over two hours. By the time she came out of the study, it had melted. When I gently reached to take it, she said “no”—she didn’t want to throw it away. At that moment, it became clear this wasn’t just about dessert. It was about finally having something of her own—something she didn’t want taken away, and she ate every bit of it, even melted.
The next day, her caregiver reached out and shared that she would like to start attending our church. She and her husband have been part of a very small church, but she has been feeling very lonely and overwhelmed. As a young mother to an 18-month-old, now also caring for two teenagers with significant needs, she is carrying an incredibly heavy load.
Our women’s pastor has since connected with her and is helping her get involved in a mom’s group and other women’s gatherings. It’s encouraging to see support forming not just for the girls, but for the caregiver as well.
This experience has been a reminder that while meeting tangible needs is important, what often makes the deepest impact is consistent, relational support. Creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and valued—especially after instability and loss—can open the door to real healing and hope.
It’s a privilege to begin walking alongside this family and to support them in a way that extends beyond immediate needs toward lasting connection and stability."
Thank you all for your continued prayers, love, support and compassion for these precious children and helping to keep families together.
For more information reach out to Ronnie Sutherland at [email protected]
