We're Hanging In There

Hello Friend,
I hope you are doing well during this unprecedented time in our world. It’s now, more than ever, that we need to hang tight to our foundations of faith, and keep our minds and hearts focused on good and healthy things – in every aspect of our lives.

Before we get into Handlender updates, I’d like to share a few comments regarding COVID-19.

First, my sincerest condolences and prayers to all of the families across the globe who have lost loved ones to this disease. May God give you strength to press on amid grief and tragedy.

Second, a heartfelt thank you to:

• Pastors & leaders who have the terrific responsibility of sharing the Good News, while guiding, supporting, and encouraging so many people who are looking to you as an example of what it means to endure and persevere during calamity.
• Every first responder putting themselves at risk, and every employee of essential businesses dedicated to saving lives. Thank you for sacrificing time with your families, and your own health in some cases, for the lives of others.
• True educators everywhere who are working tirelessly, yet creatively, to provide students with sound education through distance learning. You are doing a fantastic job, and the world knows you don’t get paid nearly enough!
• Every organization & individual striving to meet the basic needs of the homeless, poor, and underprivileged communities. Your compassion, kindness, and selflessness is deeply appreciated by Handlender more than you know.

Third, a few reminders and tips for the current times:

P.s. If the shelter-in-place orders have you in a bit of a funk, this local Church offers some great advice on how to keep your whole self healthy!

And Now, Handlender Updates!
You can probably guess that things have been slow, considering this pandemic. Adjusting to the stay-at-home orders has required us to place some things on hold, and others on a snail's back. But, we’ve not stopped. We’re exploring creative ways you can use Handlender while still practicing social distancing and honoring the health and safety practices recommended by the CDC.

While we sort that out, you can check out our Member Give Aways page, where you’ll see a few new items, plus a library of books! Remember, these are free items, so if you see something you like or need, claim it!

MEMBER ZONE!

We’ve added a COVID-19 support section, which displays non-perishable goods for those who may need them most.

Here’s where YOU can help.

There’s only a few items available right now, but hopefully with your help, we can beef up this section. If you have items that you’d like to donate to Handlender to support those without food (or clothing), please contact us.

We will arrange a safe method to pick up the items, and we'll post them on our site. You can also choose to give a monetary donation towards this effort. We can purchase items on your behalf, and post them in the support section.

Lastly, if you are in need of assistance, please request a hand. Our members are still willing to help out with services that can be done with zero-contact.
PSSST! NON-MEMBERS!  If you need a hand, you can register right now. It takes less than a minute! ​

On the growth front, we’ve connected with a small group of entrepreneurs and a couple additional networks willing to support Handlender. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the people and businesses that are willing to help us move past the “start-up” stage.

I know it's a large task, but the doors keep opening.

And, it’s quite motivating to interact with others who believe in the mission of Handlender! We’ll definitely keep at it. And little by little, we’ll see the rewards of our effort.

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'Til Next Time

That’s all for now, dear friends. We’re going to keep pressing forward because we believe there are many others who are just as excited as we are to experience “The Power of Giving, and the Comfort of Receiving.”

As I mentioned at the beginning of this newsletter, hang tight to your faith. Just like you, my social media accounts, news broadcast apps, and emails are being flooded with all sorts of information about COVID-19. Some updates are helpful, but most are not. And in some cases, it’s become difficult to know what is true and what isn’t. But for me, the real Truth is found in Jesus Christ, and that’s what I intend to hold on to. I hope the same for you.

As always, thank you for being a part of the Handlender network!