Summer is just about upon us here and we are off and running. Summer Lunch Club--where very weekday we provide lunch and activities for the neighborhood kids—starts next week; we take our Girls Only group to Outpost at Calvin Crest on the 11th; our Dakota House camping trip is July 14^th – the 16^th; and our girls and female staff have the privilege of participating in Summit Adventure in August. We are also planning other events that include our new Boys Only group, day trips to the lake, and more.

Many of our kids have never been to the mountains, some have only been there with us, and all of them need and enjoy time away from their chaotic lives at home. Through your help we are able to provide safe and fun atmospheres, expose them to the love Jesus has for them, and teach them that God has plans for their lives that look nothing like what they see around them every day.

We need special funds designated for these activities. Please pray about sending us a donation to enable all of these ministries to go on. You can send a check to our mailing address (please mark it summer ministry… or if you have a specific camp you want to support please indicate) :

Armor of Light, Inc.

5132 N. Palm Ave # 62

Fresno, CA 93704

Thank you for your prayers, support, and contributions. We need and appreciate your help as we love these kids into the kingdom.

His,

Jamie Marie Barker, Director

Gifts for Girls

Every Thursday evening a group of beautiful young women show up at the Dakota House door. They have come for Girls Only, where Irisa and I listen to, laugh and pray with, and speak truth into these girls--our ears tuned to God as He unfolds His love and plans for their lives.

One of the things the girls do is keep a journal. Every week they have a'homework' assignment in which they must answer a journal entry question.

Some examples are:
"Why are you remarkable and wonderful?"
"What is a desire of your heart?"
"How has God spoken to you?"
"When have you seen someone be heroic?"

The answers these girls bring to the group every week are astounding. They have seen so much, and they desire so much more. It is a joy--though often painful--to hear their hearts.

Each week the girls earn a small prize for completing their assignments. Little things that are hugely appreciated. Please consider donating some of these items (or whatever you would like) to be given as a reward for our girls.

Examples of prizes:
nail polish
socks
hair accessories
stationary items
journals/composition books
candy
inexpensive jewelry

Call Irisa at 230-1622 to arrange a time to drop off items. Or consider a money gift designated Girls Only.

mailing address:
Armor of Light, Inc.
5132 N. Palm Ave PMB #62
Fresno CA 93704

Thank you for linking arms with us to love these girls. Through the prayers, love, and support of all of us they have a chance for great and glorious lives lived for God.

His,

Jamie

He Has Risen

The nails on your hands
the nails on your feet,
tell me how much you love me.

The thorns on your brow
they show me how
you bore so much pain to love me

And as the heavens pass away
and all your scars still remain
and forever they will say
how much you love me


So I want to say...

Forever my heart
forever my love
forever my life is yours.

©1995 Calvary Chapel Music (Admin. by Calvary Chapel Music)
All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
CCLI song #452444

new feature!

Scroll down to see our new section:

FROM THE DIRECTOR'S HEART

Filling Up the Food Pantry

Our food pantry is one of the best ways we have to reach our neighborhood. Meeting the needs of the families God brings has opened up many opportunities for relationship. It has brought kids to our After School Club, and their mothers to our Well Women group.
Keeping the food pantry filled is an ongoing challenge.
There are several ways you can help with this--everything from donating money and designating it 'Food Pantry', to showing up at our door with groceries (scroll down and see right side for our Food Pantry list).

Another great way is through the Angel Food Ministry at Northwest Church. For $25.00 you can donate $75.00 worth of good nutritious food to Dakota House. Fresh vegetables, meat, and dairy products... all rare and valuable in the homes of our poorer families.

Go HERE for more information

about Angel Food Ministry.

Welcome to Our Newest Board Member

Dot Powell has been a friend to our neighborhood for many years.

We are so grateful she has joined our board. Her heart, prayers, and wisdom are a blessing to us.

Dakota House meets the Fresno Falcons

Thank you to all of you who
purchased tickets or otherwise supported our hockey night. The kids had a blast. Most of them have never been to a hockey game, or anything at Save Mart Center. Imagine how amazing it was to them.

They were given free posters and had the thrill of getting them signed by the players, got their faces painted, and even saw themselves up on the jumbo-tron. It was quite an event.

On the way home one boy sighed wistfully from the back seat of my car, "This was the best day of my life."

Hats off to Irisa, who put the whole thing together.

Thank you for helping us bring good bright things into the lives of our kids.

Dakota House night at the Falcons

Join us on March 5th at a Fresno Falcons hockey game. We have our own section--great seats for $13.00 each (regularly $18.00). $3.00 from every ticket goes to benefit Dakota House, and kids under 12 get in free!

We will have a booth set up on the main concourse and Dakota House will be featured on the jumbo-tron.

Take the family out for a fun night and help Dakota House at the same time.

Tickets available through Dakota House.
Call 230-1622

girls' night IN

We had a great time at our Girls Only sleepover. No boys. Lots of snacks. Chick flicks. Laughing, talking, being safe and happy. Thank you Jesus. And thank you to the people who donate money so we can do special things for our beautiful girls.

Bobby and Irisa are married!

Congratulations to
Mr. and Mrs. McCool

Please join us in praying for Bobby and Irisa.
They are living at Dakota House,
loving the neighborhood as a married couple...
living out the love of Jesus
and taking a stand in the community.
They need our prayer protection.

Bobby and Irisa--
May God always be present in your marriage
as you walk through each day...
We pray protection for you from the enemy's attacks upon your home.
May your lives be blessed by Him in all ways
and His hand be ever upon you.