A Grateful Start to the New Year at The Root Cellar
As we turn the page into a new year, our hearts at The Root Cellar are overflowing with gratitude. This season has been a powerful reminder of how faithfully God provides through the generosity and partnership of our community.
In early December, we shared that three generous donors had offered a $26,000 Match Challenge to encourage year-end giving for our ministries in Portland and Lewiston. What happened next was nothing short of remarkable. Together, you met the $26,000 match—doubling it to $52,000—and then went above and beyond by giving an additional $34,000. In total, you helped raise an incredible $86,000.
This provision could not have come at a better time. Throughout 2025, we faced several unexpected and high-cost building needs, including a recent HVAC replacement in Portland totaling $20,000—an expense we had not planned for. Yet even before we knew the full scope of these needs, God was already moving in your hearts to supply exactly what was required.
Your generosity is fueling so many important winter and spring programs: weekly skiing for kids and teens at Lost Valley and Black Mountain, increased heating and electricity costs, English classes, expanded food support for families, job readiness programs, and—of course—the inevitable van repairs that accompany a busy community ministry.
Over the years, we’ve seen God provide through this community time and time again, and still we find ourselves humbled and amazed by the way you respond. Your support strengthens our team, blesses our neighbors, and allows us to continue living out our calling to love God and love our community well.
Thank you for being part of this work. Thank you for giving generously. And thank you for helping us start 2026 with hope, momentum, and the resources we need to serve faithfully in both Portland and Lewiston.
It’s an honor to partner with you.
With gratitude,
Joel and The Root Cellar Team
