Nola's Wine, Paint and Do Something Great

On Monday, December 14th Nola's Salon opened the doors wide for guests that came to paint in honor of a local ministry dear to my heart, Rahab.

RAHAB is a ministry devoted to rescuing and restoring women who are trafficked into sexual slavery and exploitation in Akron, Ohio.

I had the pleasure of painting with founder Becky Moreland that night, along with many other friends that wanted to give back through this event. My home church, Grace Church, partners with this ministry in their efforts to help our local women. Becky's ministry beginnings are a testament to her love and trust in the Lord. In 2002, armed with nothing but homemade business cards and prayers, Becky Moreland headed out to the streets of some of the roughest areas of Akron, Ohio to share the love of Jesus with the women she'd meet. Since then, RAHAB Ministries has served tens of thousands of female victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Whether it's through providing basic necessities, mentoring, or safe housing, RAHAB is a constant example of the Gospel to the women we serve.

I teamed up for the event at NOLAS Salon since we all share a desire to help RAHAB in their mission. They gave us the space and contributed to the food and beverage, as well as decked their halls for guests! Salon owners Kelly Rapp and Denise Riley began NOLAS (which is salon spelled backwards) in August 2002 . Denise says this of the salon, "I treat our salon's reception area like it's my living room, I want our clients to feel as welcome here as if they were a guest in my home". And the atmosphere for our Christmas gathering was a reminder of her talent in making everyone feel warm and welcomed. What I also love about NOLAS is that my long-time friend and co-owner Kelly Rapp is a visionary, known for her great cuts and expertise in hair coloring and highlights. I can always expect the best from Kelly, and the salon's team of passionate, out-going professionals. I encourage everyone to give their salon a try. Visit: NOLAS online or call 330.869.0602

Our musicians that night were Andrea Orchard and her husband, Mark. Andrea has been pastor at 62:12 since it’s beginning in October 2013. She is an ordained Priest in the Dioceses of the Great Lakes and is currently working on her Master of Divinity degree from Knox Theological Seminary. Over the past 10 years, Andrea has served in many ministerial capacities, including Director of Children's Christian Education and Contemporary Worship Leader, with multiple congregations in Northeast Ohio. She also brought along her daughter, Abbey. Abbey was available that night to take orders for "Bravelets," a company that gives $10 per purchase back to specific ministries when you purchase jewelry. There is now a way to order Bravelets to help RAHAB in the future. Place an order and part of the proceeds will benefit the ministry. My husband and I both bought Bravelets, and we love them!

Additional sponsor was Mark Young of Mark Young and Associates, Stouffer Realty. Mark has been a full time Realtor since 2007 and been involved in the purchase and sale of over 275 transactions, totaling over $30,000,000 worth of real estate in Northeast Ohio. Please visit him online for testimonials and more. You can reach Mark at 330.247.2462 or via myoung@stoufferrealty.com for all of your real estate needs.

As always, I feel honored to be a part of a community that cares. I am so glad that around Christmastime the event managed to pull together additional funds for our friends at RAHAB. Thank you for all that helped to make the night possible!