December 2025 Newsletter
Mary, age 32
Several of our volunteers were out with the flu, so out of an abundance of caution we canceled December 27/28 filling bags and outreach.
We plan to go out soon and will post a recap of 2025.
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
5th: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 81 helping us help others
7th: *******MUST READ story by team member Sheryl Poyer *******
8th: Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in Los Fresnos, Texas
24th: Assisted Desoto Police CARE Team with clothing and more, for an needy 18 year old living in a motel with his mom.
27th: Meet T
29th: Meet Mary
30th: Outreach to 33 needy men and women
30th: Prayer list
Jennifer Pennebaker, Christina Camp, and Beverly Dingess, with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 81 drop by with a check for Bob’s Bags. We appreciate their support!
December 7, 2025
The following is a stewardship moment given by Bob’s Bags team member, Sheryl Poyer.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds
of prayers and requests. With this in mind be alert and ALWAYS
KEEP ON PRAYING FOR ALL THE Lord’s people.
Last Sunday, I had the privilege to go with the Bob’s bags team to
visit the unsheltered in downtown Dallas. I am ashamed to admit
that I am not a “regular” with the bag distribution team. It is very
emotionally upsetting to me to see the overwhelming needs of what
some may consider “the least of these”. I want to be emotionally
stronger so that I can be of more service to God’s people. So, I do go
with the team on occasion if Bob really, really, needs me.
So last week, we had five cars, absolutely stuffed with 100 bags,
clothes, shoes, sleeping bags, under garments, and several more
necessities. We lined up the vehicles along a curb and as I looked
around, I only saw a couple of folks. We got out of the cars, opened
up the back hatches, and prepared to hand out the bags, and before
we really got started, we had a line of neighbors in need extending
down the length of the block and very quickly we ran out of
everything we had brought with us except for a pair of 4X men’s
underwear. Bob and BIL Bob even gave the hats off of their heads!
My job that day was to take down the names, ages, sex, for everyone
we served along with any prayer requests they had. And then hand
them a bag. When I asked One of the gentlemen in line for his prayer
requests, he told me he wanted me to pray with him for a job, right
then and there! So, I stopped for a few moments, put one arm
around his shoulders to pray. As I bowed my head and closed my
eyes and focused on God I became so powerfully overwhelmed with
the many needs and God’s presence and emotion that I could hardly
squeak out a prayer. But I squeaked through it and offered up his
request to God along with prayers that God would stay close to the
man and pour out his love on him.
I had a second opportunity to pray with a woman, and the same
thing happened, when I put my arm around her, I was again
overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. Their needs, their hope, our
amazing God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit with us on a
freezing cold day on the streets, surrounded by poverty, along with
the grateful hearts for the blessings they were receiving.
I wish I was stronger; I want too to be stronger; I don’t want to
appear weak while sharing God’s good news, because my spirit is
strong to help and serve when He needs me and leads me.
Bob’s bags is just one of the many ways our church is “A companion
in the journey” to others. Reaching out in love to our neighbors.
God’s ministry needs your generosity and as we pray may He lead
you to give as you are able.
DECEMBER 8th: Out of our abundance, we were able to share underwear, shirts, socks, and rain ponchos with Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in Los Fresnos Texas.
DECEMBER 27th: Meet “T”, living on a park bench!
Team member Cristen met “T” while walking her dog. Cristen shared a Bob’s Bag, sleeping bag, blanket, pants, and shoes.
DECEMBER 29th: Meet Mary
While at the church on Monday, we saw a lady walking down Main Street with a blanket wrapped around her. I called out “Do you need a coat?” The lady stopped and said “yes”.
We invited her in out of the cold weather and met Mary, aged 32.
Mary was poorly dressed and hungry. She was homeless, and had spent last night sleeping in a Firestone tire company truck that one of the workers left unlocked for her.
We gave her a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf, along with two complete sets of clothing, socks, and a new pair of shoes. We added a sleeping bag and blanket.
Officer Hernandez with Duncanville P.D.’s RISE unit came by and offered to take her to a shelter after a quick interview.
Mary declined and was on her way.
Please pray for Mary.
MARY
DECEMBER 30th: Bob and Tom make a quick trip near downtown Dallas.
We had no problem finding men and women in need.
Hats, gloves, socks, blankets, sleeping bags, water, food packs, and a warm McDonald’s hamburger was much appreciated by 33 men and women.
Tony, age 62
Damon, age 53
Danette, age 64, and her dog named Girl
DECEMBER 30th: Prayer list
Tony-62
Jesse-68
James-65
David-56
Damon-53
James-62
Willie-72
Danette-64
Ronald-65
Steven-62
Shawn-43
Robert-62
China-64
Ben-32
Brie-45
Black-65
Cordario-38
Mr. Mimm-65
Jame-60
Five-23
Arthur-54
Harper-54
Brook-69
Joseph-54
Brandon-62
Latitia-39
Jazmine-30
Azmia-56
Mary-72
Robert-56
William-55
HOW CAN YOU HELP??
Winter weather is especially brutal for our homeless friends.
Funds to purchase our regular supplies, as well as warm socks, shoes, underwear, blankets, hats, gloves, and sleeping bags would be much appreciated.
Thank you for helping us serve the needy.
We, as believers, have a role in fulfilling Christ’s mission on earth. By showing love, compassion, and service to others, we strive to embody His hands and feet, actively doing His work in our everyday lives.
Bob’s Bags is a 501 (C) (3) public charity
Federal EIN: 39-3657449
A Ministry of:
First Christian Church of Duncanville, Disciples of Christ
203 S. Main St. Duncanville, Tx. 75116
bobsbags.org
Bob Cawthon- bob.cawthon@gmail.com