Festival of Trees and Lights

Jesus Loves Me....this we all know in Troop 3130 and hope all that saw our tree at the Festival of Trees and Lights know now too.

The weekend of Nov 18/19 was this year's Kosair children's Hospital Festival of Trees and Lights. The Festival is a major fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital. Hundreds of organizations decorate Christmas trees and wreaths which are then sold with proceeds going to the Children’s Hospital. AHG troop leaders decided last spring to be involved in this worthy cause. They also decided to dedicate the tree in the memory of 3 year old Sami McDonald following her drowning in May. Her sister Becca is an American Heritage Girl.

As Sami’s favorite song was Jesus Loves Me, that simple statement of truth was chosen as the perfect theme for the tree. Angel ornaments were handmade by girls in the Pathfinder, Tenderfoot, and Explorer squads. Pioneers and Patriots made a gold and white paper chain on which they wrote the words to “Jesus Loves Me”. A darling skirt was made of white fleece with a child’s handprints all around and the words “Yes, Jesus Loves You…”. The troop made the angels at a meeting in October; they were childlike and lovely, just like our girls.

The tree was humble yet powerful. This was problem by the fact that it was chosen among the over 300 trees to be featured on the channel 32 morning News Show. Stephanie Virg, her daughter Courtney, Rhonda Curtis and Debi McDonald (Sami’s Mom) gladly accepted the invitation to come at 6am on Thurs. morning for an interview. But it almost didn’t happen…

As Jim Bullitt came over to start the interview he read Sami’s story in the Sam’s Rock brochure. (Sam’s Rock is the ministry started by Sami’s mom following Sami’s drowning.) Being emotionally overcome, Mr. Bullitt walked away and said he didn’t know if he could continue the interview. A very special moment was had as Mrs. McDonald was able to witness to Mr. Bullitt about God’s faithfulness in helping her family overcome life’s tragedies. She also assured him that God wanted this interview to take place and that they were, with God’s help, going to be able to do it. Everyone remained emotional, but God was faithful and the show went on.

They appeared for just a few minutes in an interview that told about the mission of AHG and the love of our Savior. As the cameras went back to the studio the news anchors were also noticeably touched.

Thousands attended the Festival of Trees and Lights. From our tree they were able to learn more about AHG, about Sami and “Sam’s Rock”, and most importantly, about a faithful savior who loves them.

We thank you Jesus for the blessing of being able to be used in any small way for your glory.

Click here to view the video clip from the Festival of Trees and Lights.