To the James Foundation Family & Friends,

       It is with a heavy heart that I am notifying all of our supporters that the James Foundation is closing as of October 21, 2011. The Foundation sincerely appreciates the prayers and financial contributions over the last decade that enabled us to serve the widows and orphans in our community. Please know that through your efforts, you have made a huge difference to some of the neediest around us, while at the same time, added to your own treasure in heaven. We do not claim to fully understand God’s plan for our widows, but we do know that this chapter in our Foundation’s history does need to close at this time.

       I would urge each of you to please commit yourself to prayer for the many widows still in need during these uncertain economic times. If you feel led to help them in financial or other tangible ways, I direct you to contact Cornerstone United Pentecostal Church at 540-662-2562 and make your contribution to the “Hands in the Harvest” ministry. Melissa Kerns, the Foundation Executive Director, and others plan to continue serving these widows as best they can through this new channel. A food pantry and clothing locker have been set up for them and donations to both would be appreciated. Other agencies, such as the Salvation Army, also make big differences to those facing financial hardship or crisis.

       Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of the many volunteers who became the hands and feet of Jesus during our fundraising events and service projects. Without all of their tireless efforts, the James Foundation would never have been able to fulfill its charter. I pray for a special blessing from God on all those who have served so faithfully and selflessly.

       Finally, I would like to recognize and thank Melissa Kerns for her tireless efforts on behalf of our widows. Melissa is without a doubt an ambassador for Christ to the hurting and the needy. She has a consuming and infectious passion to minister to our widows and is loved by those whom she has served. For several seasons, Melissa has been the lifeblood of the James Foundation, employing her unique combination of compassion, intuition, intelligence, and tenacity to meet the spiritual and physical needs of dozens of widows. I have no doubt that she will continue to have an impact in their lives going forward.

       Thank you all for your love and support over the years. Please lift up our widows in prayer.

Yours in Christ,