| The reason we are passionate about this charity... A Lift Up Org was set up in July, 2001 and became an official IRS approved charity in early 2002 by my father, Frank Petrasek. He felt a calling from the Lord to do more... To help his neighbors and offering them a chance to know God. This was not taken lightly, however, this challenge wasn't started overnight either. As humans we tend to be stubborn, asking ourselves "Maybe it's just me thinking out loud," "The Lord wouldn't be calling me," "I can't do this, no He wouldn't ask me to do it," "Maybe I'm just being crazy." Well, you get the point and have probably felt this way before too. After lots of praying and confirming this is what he was supposed to be doing, Frank began his mission. Spending 80 hours a week on charity work and working a full-time job at night was not easy. We would tell him to slow down, not to overwork himself, but he constantly trusted in the Lord to make a way for him and there was no stopping him. At first the funds came from Frank's paychecks. He would tithe 10% of his check to the charity and give it away. Sometimes in the form of food vouchers to Wendys or McDonalds or as bus passes for someone that looked to need A Lift Up; where ever he felt called to give it, that's what he did. However, Frank NEVER took credit for the gifts. He gave all the glory to God and would let the recipient know that the Lord provided the funds to buy these gifts. Soon friends and family members were sending in money, then Frank began to get requests to pick up items left over from garage sales. Their (dad and mom, Pam) garage filled up with donated items. So they began selling the items at garage sales with all the funds going to A Lift Up. It soon became apparent, when the house started looking like a junkyard, that they needed to open a store. Oh boy, another scary thing, but once again their faith in God opened every door for them. The official thrift store was opened. The building was a 900 square foot storefront and within 3 months, they needed more room, then again, more room. At over 9,000 square feet, A Lift Up Org operates one of the cleanest and nicest thrift stores in Las Vegas, with 10 employees (most over the age of 55) and several volunteers that we love so much! The funds raised are still used basically the same way with a few additions. A Lift Up Org works with other organizations and churches to assist those in need by providing essential-living items to the individuals and families. Requests are also received through the internet, are checked for validity and a determination is made if funds or resources are available to assist those requests as well. Money is never given to an applicant. Generally, needy families are asked to go to the thrift store and pickup furniture, dishes, food, clothing, etc. (Essential-living items) Other times a small portion of an electric bill may be paid, or a grocery store gift card is given, but cash is never given. Ultimately, the reason A Lift Up Org helps individuals is to let them see the Power and Grace of the Lord and to get them involved in a church family. Sometimes people show up that just want to pray with someone. Frank or a volunteer will stop whatever they are doing to do this. Prayer is so powerful in that a sense of peace overcomes the body when you let the Lord in. So that's why Mishmash & Muddle is associated with A Lift Up Org. I am passionate about this mission and believe wholeheartedly in the grace of God and have personally witnessed lives changed by God using A Lift Up, and the miracles God performs in lives. When I lived in Las Vegas I worked a full-time job where I also did lots of fund raising. Since moving to Elko, I haven't been able to do as much as I'd like to, so the opportunity arose for Mishmash & Muddle. The Lord made this store so incredibly easy to open, so I am definitely blessed to operate this store. All fees, commissions and sales benefit A Lift Up Org. To find out more about Frank's ministry, visit www.ALIFTUP.org. |
| MY BELIEF (I am of Baptist Faith) I believe there is one God, eternally existent in the trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is holy and completely worthy of my worship forever. There is no other GOD. He created everything and yet knows us individually. Jesus is the fullness of GOD, who came to this earth as man to die on the cross for our sins. He rose on the third day and covered our sins with His perfect, sinless blood. We are all sinners and must accept Christ as our savior. The bible is the inspired & infallible Word of God and tells us that we receive forgiveness of sins by faith in Jesus Christ, and that God provides salvation by grace alone for those who repent and believe. |
| Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. -Matthew 5:16 (Revised Standard Version) |
| 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Romans 12:12; 1 Peter 1:3; Jeremiah 32:17 Through Jesus, I've given you access to living hope! Absolutely nothing is too difficult for Me! Assuredly, Your God of All Hope |
| One of the most important responsibilities in the Christian life is to care about others, smile at them, and be a friend to the friendless. -James Dobson |
| We fill our schedules so tightly that we rarely take the opportunity to be amazed by God. The spare time we do have we usually use in ways that distract ourselves from the reality of life. We do not live our lives in wonder at what He has made because we have been distracted by what we have made. Today maybe we need to take a moment and look for Him. Stop and gaze at the beauty He has made. Slow down and ask Him to reveal His glory in the midst of our ordinary lives. Pause and remember all the things He has done for us. I don’t think God planned for us to live our lives consumed by meaningless trivia and yet still be bored. I think He created all of life to allow His children to live in a constant state of wonder. May you live today being fascinated by your God. -Todd Agnew Devotional www.toddagnew.com |
