December 2009

Southern California’s

Christian Legal
Aid Office

Representing “the least of these”.

Cowboy Breakfast Big Success

We praise God for the success of the Outdoor Cowboy Breakfast held October 24,2009. More than 75 people made time on a Saturday morning to come out to support the Christian Legal Aid Office and they were rewarded with a wonderful morning of weather, music, breakfast and fellowship.  An extra special praise and thanks goes out for the many volunteers who made this event possible including those special volunteers from Vice President Ken Chinn’s home church. Robert Heller arranged for the music entertainment and did a lot of the “heavy lifting”.  The volunteer western musicians including Rusty Richards accompanied by his son and daughter, Patrick Smith on his accordion were enjoyed by all in attendance.  In fact, Rusty, a Son of the Pioneers, used the occasion for a mini family reunion with several of his extended family members in the audience.

In addition to the music and breakfast our guests were treated to a silent auction including 132 items ranging in value from $20 to $440 plus four “priceless” tickets to a Jay Leno Show taping. The financial blessing of the generosity of our guests and volunteers allows the Christian Legal Aid Office to operate for nearly a full month.

Thanks to all of you and to God for this provision and for continued blessings.

CLAO President Aurora Harris announces her engagement!

We wish them many years of happiness and all of the blessings our Lord can give for their union.

CLAO Provides Blessings

If you are reading this you know that the Christian Legal Aid Office is not all about Cowboy Breakfast or fund raising events.  Fund raising is necessary to pay for supplies, court costs, a part-time staff attorney and a part-time intake paralegal.  Office space, administration and many legal services are donated by supporters like you.  Following is a very short story about one woman, whose real name is not used, whom we were able to help together.

Carol was in a horrible head-on automobile accident in 2003.  She did have Power of Attorney established and her bills were paid as a matter of course.  Somehow a $58 natural gas bill for one month was not paid, however.  When the past due bill was assigned to collections, Carol was not notified or, at least, has no recollection of a notification.  Part of Carol’s recovery has included several months in the hospital for and in rehabilitation for short-term memory loss and other issues.

Carol contacted the Christian Legal Aid Office after she was denied service by the Gas Company while she was attempting to move to a new apartment.  The $58 gas bill has grown to a $711 debt now in collections.  The Gas Company wants the debt paid before new service can start.

After hearing Carol’s story, the Gas Company was willing to allow Carol to enter a payment plan.  That plan required an initial payment of $350!  Although Carol does have a job now, she did not have the first payment the Gas Company demanded.

One of our volunteer attorneys and Board member Paul Lorelli agreed to work with Carol and the Gas Company to resolve this matter.

We give thanks…

All of us at the Christian Legal Aid Office are thankful for your support through this very difficult year. The blessings that we are able to provide truly come from you. Without your support, both in prayers and in financial support, the CLAO would cease to exist.

We pray for an even stronger year in 2010. We pray for our country to have health and prosperity. And we pray that you are richly blessed throughout the New Year.

If it is at all possible, your continued financial support of this ministry will allow us to serve more and more people in need, the “least of these” in Orange County, with legal services.

Would you prayerfully consider a year-end gift to the CLAO? The enclosed return card and envelope make it easy for you to give.

Thank you and God bless you from the Christian Legal Aid Office.