Refuge says thank you

The Refuge/Olney Christian Community Center held an Aug. 27 barbecue dinner served by board members and staff to thank patrons for their generosity and apprise them of the center’s work in the community over the past year. The Refuge served more than 1,200 meals as part of its Summer Feeding Program and served 30-60 students daily during its after-school enrichment program, Director Rodney Nantz told the group. Mr. Nantz said it was “an honor” and “a great privilege” to teach the gospel and help support the community’s churches. He was especially moved by the opportunity to teach the word of God to a little girl who attended The Refuge’s summer programs but had never heard the name of Jesus Christ.

“Those things, when you see that type of impact, you see that God is in the story. That God is working in and through this,” Mr. Nantz said.

Board President Lyndsey Miller thanked the group for attending, as they tucked into brisket and sausage catered by Fowler’s BBQ and watched a video presentation detailing the center’s programs for children, which are provided free of charge to all comers.

“I’m so glad we could get together and I just want to tell you how much we appreciate you,” Mrs. Miller said. “We need you more than ever. We thank you more than ever, as none of this would have happened without you.”

Mrs. Miller reminded guests that The Refuge’s yearly fundraiser is on Sept. 8 as part of the Texoma Gives online day of giving to benefit North Texas non-profit organizations. She praised Mr. and Mrs. Nantz and program director Jacqueline Gober for their hard work and inclusivity. “They do it all,” she said. “No one is turned away. Guys, we can’t thank you enough.”