As the owners, publishers and founders of Country Line Magazine Sandra and I made a decision not long after we began this adventure. We decided that we would never use the magazine to tear somebody down, we would never accept questionable advertising and we would give the glory and the honor to God. Over the years there have been many long days, time away from our kids and hardships we have struggled with. Most small family owned businesses do. We have also had some incredible moments and a lot of fun.
About five or six
years ago we began a ministry for kids. Again, incorporating our passion for
kids, the outdoor and the Lord, Kids Outdoor Zone was born. The ministry takes
primarily, but not only, kids without dads on outdoor adventures. We also train
men and women in churches to do what we do and they too come alongside kids
they know and mentor them in outdoor adventures. And it has grown.
One of the most
amazing and rewarding things that comes from the magazine is when a single mom
tells us she found out about the ministry in those pages and brought her son.
That through that connection his life has changed, that he accepted Christ,
that he found a male role model or friends in KOZ.
Because of the
support of the advertisers, and the readers, the lives of kids are changed.
Forever. Each year we send out a letter to the folks who have donated to the
ministry looking for support to take it through the end of the year and into
the next. It is because of the generous support of those who see the vision of
KOZ it is possible.
We would like to
offer the letter to you this month and if you are so move, please help us in
the quest to train more mentors and to make sure there is "No Kid Left
Inside".
From TJ &
Sandra Greaney: Kids Outdoor Zone,
I wanted to cry.
I wanted to beat my fist against the wall. I wanted to take him up and rescue
him when I heard the story. A little boy who was left at home while his mother
enjoyed the beach with her newest boyfriend on a long weekend said he really
did not care. He said he was fine and that he was used to it. He just wished he
had not missed KOZ that weekend. He is 11.
That is the
story we hear over and over again. The stories of the kids make a KOZ leader
strong in their pursuit of their hearts. Even a small glimpse of a kid's
rescued heart brings exhilaration, satisfaction and a joy that is hard to
express in words. It has wrecked, for His good, even the toughest leaders.
Because of
your support this year we have impacted more kids than ever before with
life-changing experiences in outdoor adventure and through committed mentors.
The stories include so many victories. A boy stepping up and mentoring another
younger than he, both from fatherless homes. Girls weeping with joy and
claiming an empowerment they have never known then accepting Christ as the
Father they have never known. Incredible, and the stories go on and on.
As the
Christmas season comes and year-end giving is upon us we would like for you to
consider the impact your support provides for KOZ kids. The needs are many --
growing the program, curriculum, training leaders, gear, trailer, land.
The
majority of the kids who come to our camps, adventures and meetings have little
or no financial means. Most have no father nor male role model at home. Their
lives consist of broken promises and abandoned dreams. It is the support of our
donors that has made KOZ available to the hearts of thousands of kids and the
adult leaders who care for them.
"I
don't know how to thank you. My son has come back to me. KOZ is what he needed,
and I am so grateful for those men. Thank you, God, for KOZ,"
explained a mom after summer camp, tears rolling down her cheeks.
We know God
is the foundation of this program. Matthew 7:24-27: “Therefore
everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a
wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose,
and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it
had its foundation on the rock."
If you
would like to meet and talk about possible land donations or other ways you can
support the program, please call me personally: (512) 789-3838.
Donations can be
made with this envelope or online at www.KidsOutdoorZone.com
Thank you.
In battle
for their hearts,
TJ Greaney
Founder, Kids Outdoor Zone
Founder, Kids Outdoor Zone
