Garland For Ashes

Garland for Ashes was birthed in August of 2005 after the devastation in the United States Gulf Coast caused by Hurricane Katrina. Our purpose is to supply encouragement to people who are suffering from poverty of  spirit.  Our passion is to help people learn to walk in victory and no longer as victims. We provide a simple way to reach out with Christ's love to those who are hurting. Garland for Ashes is spear headed by Leslie Schonfeld, as a member of the Women's Ministry Team of Christ the King Church, Oxford, MI.

Garland for Ashes derives it’s name from Isaiah 61:1-3 NAS
The Spirit of the LORD GOD is upon me Because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD and the day of vengeance of our GOD; to comfort all those who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting so they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD that he may be glorified.

What we’ve done:
For the past three years we have supported members of the New Orleans Police Department 2nd district station with cards and gifts.  We do not want them to think we have forgotten that they are daily struggling to rebuild their city.  We love the people of New Orleans.
We sent two teams to New Orleans to help gut houses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
In May of 2008, we held a “Garage Sale for Water”.  All the proceeds from this event were donated to Hope for Tomorrow International to dig wells in villages that were without potable water.  We raised $1500 by selling other people’s junk!  That, my friend, is a God thing.

November 2008:  Support CTKC Youth Group "30 Hour Famine" for World Vision. These kids earned $3000 to fight poverty in Central and South America.

September - December 2008:  Angel Tree at CTKC.  Providing gifts and Christmas party for children of incarcerated parents.

May 2009:  Garage Sale for Hope for Tomorrow International.  We raised $2000+ for this Missions organization.

July 2009: Christmas in July Collecting nonparishables for Oxford/Orion FISH.  We can especially use: dish soap, any cleaning products, tissues, toilet  paper, feminine products, toothpaste, juice, canned fruit, Hamburger Helper, mayonaise/salad dressing, mustard, chunky-type soups, cereal, rice, Chef Boyardee-type canned pasta

Fall 2009:  Angel Tree.  We provide presents for 80+ children of incarcerated parents through Prison Fellowship International

Please see the Events page for future projects planned.

Why we do what we do:
"Thank you for the prayers.
Also, thank you for the cards. I passed many of them out yesterday and the women were very thankful.. It was a very kind and thoughtful gesture, especially as they prepare for (Hurricane) Gustav.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. And thank you once again for all your support." -Chaplain Joe Cull, NOPD

Contact Leslie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it