As I sit here on Sunday afternoon I think of my life and where I have come from to where I am going! I had an awesome time in Oklahoma this past week. I so appreciate the Abneys’ and their hospitality. As I was there I was included into their family. 10 grandchildren and 4 children who ALL shared in the excitement of softball and State Championship playoffs. This was exciting to share. Thanks! Family is so important. Loretta & Terry Abney are very blessed.

I love my family and pray that my legacy to them will be a long-lasting reflection of the love that their father and I had. They have no idea how much I miss him when I see families like afore mentioned. Coming home was hard because I came home to an empty house. Treasure your family and your children/grandchildren…this is your legacy. Make memories today because that is what it is all about.

Enough of memory lane! I was so afraid that while on this trip, with my eating habits changed that I would have gained weight. Amazing enough I did not! I find that with the ShapeWay Weight management the body regulates and manages even when you eat a bit more. Isn’t that awesome! I think that is great. It does not mean that one can splurge all the time but with wise choices and an entire restructure of dietary habits the body knows how to deal with the food. God is soooo good as usual. Especially when it is His business!

Time is drawing closer to the Viva Kids trip to the Dominican Republic. With expectations I value the time that I will have with the children and the staff of Viva Kids. I appreciate the opportunity that Exfuze gives to us. Thank you…Rick and Ann Cotton for being a part of the Big Picture.

Pray for this trip over Memorial Day Week End…May 23rd thru May 28th

May 13th is the day that we remember our mothers. My mother is no longer with us but I would like to wish a ‘MOTHERS DAY WISH’ to my daughter and my daughters-in-law. They are the mothers of my grandchildren. Thank you so much for my heritage. May your day be blessed in all ways…from your mom.

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Those who are considered overweight—a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30—have a 4 percent smaller brain and one that appears eight years older than those who are in the normal weight range. People who fall into the obese category with a BMI of 30 or above have 8 percent less gray matter, and their brains look 16 years older than fitter people. Even a 4 percent loss constitutes severe brain degeneration and puts you at a much higher risk of Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases. Source: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

My journey towards improved health has been challenged today. My girls and I are here in Ada, Oklahoma with the Exfuze team here who have been working very hard to promote the ShapeWay Meal Replacement plan. Now this is hard when one is baking 55 dozen cookies to take into the prison. I want to commend Terry & Loretta Abney for giving their time and efforts to support and work with Kairos Prison Ministry. Cookies or not…this is a ministry of giving back to the community by helping those who are incarcerated. Thumbs up to this team who gives and does not stop giving!

The team in Oklahoma has a new name: The OKAPAN Team, because they are modeling themselves after our Japanese Associates. This is awesome. Now on the flip side of the paper, my team from Kentucky is modeling themselves after the Oklahoma Team. We have a new name: The KENOAKIE Team. Give a big ‘thumbs up’ to both teams because they are going to go far!

The product call tonight with Dr. Joe Guarnera was awesome. The plan is to devote the next few weeks to discussion of the ShapeWay Meal Replacement. Tonight was just a beginning. The highlight of tonight’s call was to differentiate between the Liquid nutrition that most of our products offer and the ShapeWay product which is an actual food or meal replacement. The liquid nutrition (Classic, Proformance, Focus and GreenZilla) provides the nutrients or raw materials that affect the vital chemistry of our body and impacts it in such a way that the body heals itself. The ShapeWay product is an actual food or meal replacement that provides the body with 100% of the vitamins/minerals that it needs to begin the day. It is designed with the health strategy that will make a big long-term difference. Dr. Joe impressed tonight 4 main emphases for the ShapeWay strategy:

1. Taking the ShapeWay Shake in the ‘early morning’ provides the body with the protein that it needs to fuel the brain and for about 3-14 hours helps to provide a chemical balance for the body. Whether you want to lose weight or maintain-start with the ShapeWay Shake.

2. Begin to make better choices with you foods. Eat lower glycemic foods.

3. Americans eat too much. Rate the quality of foods you eat as well as the quantity of food.

4. Get to moving more. Increase your activity levels. 3-4 bouts of 15minutes of movement will enhance your health. You do not have to run a marathon.

Good health is a journey not a ‘one time’ excursion. Good health is a long term permanent change in life style. The cost is nominal compared to the management of health problems.

Dr. Joe is available as with Joe Meyers to answer any questions one may have regarding the value and the management of the ShapeWay product. He will be on the product call on Monday nights @ 8:00pm CST. Please try to make this conference/product call and learn more about this wonderful blessing that has been given to us. If you have ANY customers who want to make this call, please tell them how to access it. The information that is presented will be phenomenal and necessary for promoting your business and good health.

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May we remember those who have gone before us!

This is a memorial event in more ways than what meets the eye!

After taking Jessi to work this morning I have spent a quiet peaceful afternoon. Sometimes this is well deserved and wanted. My work schedule this week has kept me busy so having time alone is welcomed.

After my visit with the Ada, Oklahoma team I will be preparing to go to the Dominican Republic. This will be a life changing trip for me. I have been to New Zealand, Australia, and Canada but to travel on a ‘mission’ to help the families associated with the Viva Kids…this is rewarding. I pray that God will use me in such a dynamic way. I offer myself and my talents to be used in whatever way He sees fit. Thank you God for giving me the means and the privilege to be a part of such a venture!

God has been so good to me and has brought me to the present. It is only by faith that I stand now. I was taken ‘aback’ yesterday when I was in a meeting sharing a bit about ShapeWay. I told this person that I was 62 years old and she looked at me sorta funny. She said, “I am amazed because I thought you were only in your 50’s.” This made me feel like my efforts with weight management was paying off! Thank you God for ALL that you have done for me and in me. As I have said before, “the evidence is in the results.”

Enough rambling…see you in Oklahoma next week.

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The sermon today was awesome as usual. Pastor Steve under the anointing brought forth a tremendous WORD. I absorbed the message and I am so glad that God is Graceful. The enemy tries to speak to our minds, to make us believe that God is mad. I know this to be true…because my son in law not so long ago, spoke some very harsh words to me. He told me that I was a ‘bitter old woman’ and have been for the past 10 years! These words come from the ‘pit’ and although I know this to be truth, it hurts. The enemy took this and twisted the knife to try to make me believe that God was mad. I am a child of the King with all rights to the Kingdom. When God looks to me, He looks to the Cross/Jesus and everything changed at the cross. Jesus paid the price for ALL my sins…past, present and future. Do I deserve this…absolutely not! It is by the GRACE of God…undeserved favor because I am adopted into the Kingdom.

I will be headed out to Oklahoma in a few weeks. We are having one of the Regional Exfuze Meetings in Oklahoma City on Saturday 28th followed by the Oklahoma City Marathon on the 29th. It is an honor to be able to participate in both of these events. I am ready for the 5-K marathon as I have been using the ShapeWay product for 6 months now with a weight loss of 38pounds and 23inches. I am a walking testimony of how it works. There are days that I think that it is a dream but I know that I know it is real. I go to church and my friends tell me, “You are looking good”. I go to work and the staff says, “You’ve lost weight”. This may not seem like a big thing to many folks who do not have a weight issue, but to me…it feels great! My health is my greatest commodity … it feels good.

If it were not for God’s Grace I would not have my health. When I was mowing the grass today my neighbor looked and said, “Your health is going well?” Sort of like a questioning statement. My response was absolutely. I want to shout it from the mountain tops because God promises that we can walk in good health. When the enemy tries to attach an illness to us, we have the right to reject it and believe the promise.

Mathew 8:17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES AND BORE OUR SICKNESSES.”

My journey continues each day forward. Spring is here and my family is all in their corners doing their own thing. I wonder sometimes ‘where is the closeness that we once knew?’ It seems that I have more influence with the neighbors and the stranger than I do within my own house. God remains faithful to me as I continue to believe and trust Him.

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I truly have procrastinated doing the blog this week. I have had excuses of work or being tired and all sorts of reasons why I could not do it. Well here I go.

My journey has brought me this far into 2012 where I never in my wildest dreams believed that I would ever get this far. I just knew that the world as we know it would be gone and I would already be with the father. It gets quite lonely here even among the family that associates with me. I have my work family and my church family but I still come home alone. I believe that this is why I work so hard at sharing what God has done for me because this is all that I have…MY TESTIMONY… There will come a day that I am no longer here, but my testimony will remain.

My prayer is that I can affect many people in not only improving their health but in getting their lives on track with Jesus who is the Author and the Finisher of everything. Easter is next Sunday and this is amazing. God has blessed us so much that He actually gave His Son to die on the cross for us. He paid the price for my healing that day and Satan does not have the right to put illness back upon me or anyone. So often we simply accept it without question but I know that I have been redeemed from the curse and want to relay this message to everyone who will listen. BELIEVE that we are redeemed from the curse of sickness (of any kind). We have the blood-bought right to stay strong and healthy all the days of our lives. Does not matter whether you are 5 years or 120years old, we have been redeemed and do not have to put up with it anymore.

I did not get this blog completed in the time frame that I had established… but you know… that is alright. When it becomes a burden to do something, it is not worth it! WOW! Revelation!

I have spoken this before…my health is the greatest commodity that I have. This blessing that God has given me must reach beyond me. I was approached today by a physician who noticed that I was losing weight. His question was inquisitive as he wanted to know how this was happening (sort of). First of all, SOMEONE NOTICED! Second, he was interested enough to listen to me. This is what it is all about! Sharing my testimony of what God has done for me. I find that letting people see my health serves better than speaking. I still work out 3-4 times weekly and eat healthy. This along with the promise of ‘good health’ from the Father is what it takes.

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

I was listening to one of the other doctors today who was speaking about a patient who has multiple physical ailments. She laughed and said, “welcome to the 60’s” as this patient was in her 60’s. I realized immediately that this was the consensus of most people. Once a person gets into their 60’s they must be ‘sick’ or expect ailments to become a way of life. I am 62 years old and I refuse to accept this as a ‘way of life’. I choose to walk in good health as my soul prospereth! I choose to overcome the traditional ‘handed down curses’ that come from our heritage.

We shall overcome

My journey is not over yet. I have another 30 pounds to lose (on purpose) and I plan to be healthy when the Father takes me home. Cancer or age does not have to be the instrument used to take me out of this world. When I have accomplished my purpose and my destiny is fulfilled, I will go home. Have a blessed Easter week and ‘RESSURECTION SUNDAY’.

Till the next bloge… Covenantangel

Bible reading schedule:
4-1: Deut 32-34; Joshua 2-10; Psalms 95-1-1; Acts 10-26;
4-8: Joshua 11-24; Psalms 102-108; Acts 27-28; Romans 1-10;
4-15: Judges 1-13; Psalms 109-115; Romans 11-16; 1 Cor 1-7

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When we think about the ‘land’ we think of a country or such but what is the land? Our spirits are encased into earthen vessels. We are the land! As we see His face and humble ourselves…turning from our wicked ways, He WILL heal our land. WOW…is this revelation or is it revelation?

This has been an awesome week for me in my journey. I allowed the enemy to play havoc with my mind for a bit, and then I was reminded that Jesus gave me…this earthen vessel…the authority and power to tread on serpents and ALL evil schemes. I stopped myself from allowing thoughts to enter my mind and I declared the angels to go before me and do whatever was necessary. I am not perfect and yes I make mistakes, but God will make a way where there is no way. He will open doors where there were no doors. Then I found myself chuckling when He actually did it! WOW…is this doubt? Yes I believe that there is a measure of ‘Thomas’ in all of us but as we walk the path of our journey, we become more focused on the reality of who we are. I know that I am more focused with each obstacle that comes before me.

We were praying for my friend Beverly who had been attacked hard by the enemy. She is back at work; in fact she is now on her honeymoon in Jamaica. God was faithful and answered our prayers. The list in endless on what He has done for me. This blog could not cover it all.

At work this week, I cared for a wonderful patient who has a failing body. You know this earthen vessel does tend to wear out…Especially when we do not take care of it. With the help of some wonderful doctors he is on the way to recovery. Obstacles! They are placed in front of us as warning signs, or stop signs to slow us or turn us around. I know that my diagnosis of cancer in 2009 was a BIG warning sign. What must I do to change was the big question. I shared this with the family of this gentleman as I have many others since. My health is the greatest commodity that I have. It is the greatest tool to fight against the ailing body that the enemy wishes to destroy.

Our bodies are the TEMPLE of the Living God. This is where Jesus resides and we must take care of it.
When I learned that my health was failing I was introduced to Exfuze and the rest is history. I want to share it with everyone. I firmly believe that everyone on the face of the earth should be using the products that we offer. I have used it for over 2 years now. ShapeWay I have used for 6 months with tremendous results. One of my associates posted this diagram on Facebook that tells why I do what I do. All of our products go towards a healthy regimen which results in weight loss. When you lose fat your body begins to correct ALL the disease processes that are working against you. It is a process and does not happen overnight but neither did you get unhealthy overnight…it is a process and a changed way of life.

This is only an example, but I assure you that if you try our products you will become a changed person with a better chance of facing those obstacles a little bit longer. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Let’s grow together.

Continue to share in the revelation of the WORD as we walk each day!

Till Next week or so. Sorry that I missed one but God is still on the THRONE.

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Some people walk through the woods, others walk through the Word.

I begin this blog with the Word, because God has been so good to me. There are not enough words to express His goodness.

Have you stopped to think that this year is flowing faster than it ever has before? At the blink of an eye…time passes us by. Life is too short to miss anything. We must take advantage of every opportunity we have to share our lives with our family and our friends. The joy of life is ‘living it’.

I have tried for many years to lose the ‘extra pounds’ that middle age had added to my body, and since I began taking the ShapeWay product I have actually lost 33 pounds+ and 21”. You cannot imagine how this makes me feel. I walk straighter and taller because I am beginning to feel good about myself. My size has reduced from an extra large to a medium. I have begun walking 4miles at the gym before work in the mornings and this makes my day an awesome one with energy levels increased abundantly. My efforts to share this with those around me seem to be limited because people do not want to spend their precious money on ‘weight management’ stuff!

I have found myself observing people more. When I am at a restaurant, or at the hospital, or walking down the street…I see people and have realized that the majority of those whom I see are ‘obese’. I do not mean to be critical but it is an observation. I have been there but I have made a conscious choice to change my lifestyle. Yes, it is a lifestyle change that must be by choice. My Oncologist found me a couple of days ago and gave me a big hug. He stopped long enough to make mention, “I have not seen you lately. You have not been back to see me…in the office” I told him that I did not need to see him as I was feeling GREAT and had no health issues. He does not seem to comprehend that God has brought me through and my health is in HIS hands. I must take care of this TEMPLE.

I discipline my physical man and feed it to keep it healthy. I also discipline my spirit man and feed it the Word of God each day with my Walk through the Bible. These BOTH go hand in hand to make the person known as Covenantangel. It is only by the GRACE of God that I have been brought this far. What will it take to share this with my friends and family???? I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me through these next few months…as I know time is of essence. Life is too short!

We do not know how long our journey in the world will be. Our name could be called today or tomorrow so life is toooo short to settle for anything less than peace, love and joy. If you cannot get there, stop and take a deep breath and keep walking. It is there, simply pursue it and take it by force.

Work has been very busy lately as the patients we have are very, very sick. Seems as though they are sicker by the time they arrive to us. Staffing is not great and the work load has increased. But, when I stop and think…I have a job as some folks do not have jobs. This is one of the many ways that God has blessed me. I believe that the ‘market place’ is the essence of my ministry. A life lived in the midst of others is the candle in the shadows of darkness. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be a light.

As I turn my clocks up tonight I remember that life overtakes us quickly! It will pass us by if we are not certain of who we are and where we are going.

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

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Challenges often make us realize that we have more courage than we think and that one person CAN make a difference in the world … even if it’s the world of one other person.

I have been sitting here for a bit wondering what to write. WOW…God is always good. I knew last Sunday with the message that Pastor Steve gave that I need to speak to the supernatural. God has always told me to do whatever was within my own power to accomplish a task and He would take over at that point. It then becomes SUPERnatural power! Awesome.

Many times I think that I do not make a difference and then I see the miraculous take place. There should be no surprise when God does what He promises but I always am surprised anyway. I asked all of you to pray for my friend Beverly last ‘blog’ and God most assuredly came through. Beverly has faced her obstacles with much courage and God has opened doors that no man could open. Thank you!

There has been much talk the past few days about ‘storms’. As tornadoes raged through the area it was murmured “this is strange and unusual weather for this time of year”. True but the Scripture says clearly that we would have more natural disasters as the time draws nearer to the end of time as we know it. One can simply read the news papers or watch the evening news and determine that this has become a fact. We can read the skies and say, the rain is coming but we disregard the signs of the times. We must open our eyes and be alert to what the Spirit is telling us. Wake up world…or rather WAKE UP Christians. We are the light of the world. The world will not hear or even listen unless we speak.

At times I sound as though I am rambling but I know we must rise above obstacles in our lives because I know that even in the midst of those tornadoes yesterday I saw sunshine! As we believe in the SUPERnatural power of God, we can trust He will take care of his children. I do not know why people die and people survive but I do know that God is our shelter in the midst of the storm. Whatever happens we must trust Him.

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You know when I spent 8 months in New Zealand, I kept hearing the words, “Evelyn, you must be courageous!” I did not feel that way at all. I felt alone in the midst of a country that I did not know. God spoke to my heart and said, “Evelyn, you know me!” With this, I was able to continue my service there. On the other hand, I wanted to learn more about the word courageous. I wanted to know what other people saw that I could not see. After this week, again I look to the words, courageous and I learn something from it. I found this article from Mark Putnam on ethics and it defines my heart and what I learned so well.

Mark Putnam:
Standing up for your ethical principles takes courage. Courage is the ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear. When you see something happening in the workplace that just doesn’t seem right do you have the courage to stand-up and do something? What are you afraid of…Retribution, disapproval, your image, damaged relationships, or simply the unknown? Courage is about setting aside your fear and taking action for the good of yourself or someone else.

We must have a sense of moral justice in our approach to unethical behavior so it disturbs something deep within our character when we see it…but simply being offended by wrongdoing is not enough. Courage comes in confronting those feelings inside and taking action.

Human nature tells us that if nothing is ever said or done about bad behavior it will continue or get worse. Allowing things to “slide” will eventually take everything else for the same ride. Ethics without the component of courage to stand-up for it keeps it in the realm of heady philosophy and out reality.

Principles of decency, integrity and what is good and right are not to be treaded upon lightly. Ethics is more than just following a set of rules; it is a part of our deeply-held belief system that makes-up the core of our character. It is worth protecting. It is worth stepping out in courage and making personal sacrifices. Whether you think you share the courageous qualities of a hero or not…rest assured that you do.

I cannot take credit for these words, but they speak well of my heart and what I believe. When we know who our source is, then we can stand because the battle is not mine, but the battle belongs to the Lord. He will take care of us we simply must step back and allow Him to do. That does not mean to be walked upon, but to stand firm in the faith, be courageous and be strong.

1Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (NIV)
1Corinthians 16:13 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, (Message bible)

I work at a major hospital in Louisville, KY. Generally speaking it is a good place to work and is based upon strong principles; but as with every business in our society today, it battles major issues. When one deals with multiple people with many backgrounds you can expect battles such as this. The factor of ‘caring’ for one another must not be removed from the equation. Sometimes we must look beyond what we see and understand how we got there. Do not make a judgment call solely upon the facts. As Patch Adams said as his friend held up 4 fingers, “what do you see?” Patch saw a lot more than 4 fingers! Can we see more? Do we look beyond?

I know that there are rules and protocols that we must abide by. Even Scripture says that ‘everything must be done decently and in order’. But on the flip side, Jesus had compassion to the woman who was not one of the chosen people. Are we not to follow the message that Jesus brought to us? We have placed the Swanson Theory of Caring as a tool or a standard of care with our service provided. Let us practice this beginning with our own family/staff/employees.

Standing up for what I believe has weighed heavy on my heart this past week, not only for my friend Beverly, but for my own life in general. Time is so short and Jesus is going to return very, very soon. I want that my family and friends realize that we must have a belief for which we can stand up strong in. This may be all that we have towards the end. The world can take away my job and all my possessions, but it cannot take away my faith. That is MINE.

I wish to leave a legacy of truth, honesty and integrity. Will I make mistakes? Absolutely! As long as I walk in this fleshly body it is imperfect but my heart belongs to the Creator. Those of you who read this article, please pray for Beverly as she needs strength and guidance to walk through the test that she is in. We must uphold one another knowing that on the other side we will stand together.

I will be going to Oklahoma City (via Ada, OK) for the Marathon on April 28th & 29th … not real sure of the details but will have them up later. I look forward to this. I will also be going to the Dominican Republic over Memorial Day week end to join forces with the group to help build a home for one of our families over there. I will visit my child Estarling Herrera who is a child I sponsor with the Viva Kids International. There are many children who have no sponsors. Should you have an interest please contact me and I will facilitate the connection.

STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN

Bible reading for: (please continue to walk through the Bible with me)
Week Feb. 19: Leviticus 14-25; Psalms 53-59; Luke 17-23
Week Feb. 28: Leviticus 26-27; Numbers 1-11; Psalms 60-66; Luke 24; John 1-7

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It has been almost 9 years since my husband whom I lived with 35years was taken home. We shared a lifetime together and it was good. As I move into a new chapter of my life, I find that I feel again. God is so faithful and when we listen to His voice, He will guide us through. I am not as young as I use to be. I do not move as fast as I did in my 20’s, but my spirit is alive and full of life.

Happy Valentine’s Day
The year is moving along and not waiting for anyone. Middle of February-WOW! Where has the time gone?

I have not been working the Exfuze Business as I should due to family drama, but this is changing. Stephanie has already acquired a Metabolic Scale to use in some meetings. I will be purchasing one soon. ANYONE who is interested in learning more about how this works, contact Steph or myself. We will be more than happy to do an assessment and educate you on how the weight management program works. IT DOES WORK!

Regionals are coming up in Oklahoma the week end of April 28th so if you are anywhere in the area, please try to attend. I will be joining Loretta and the team there during that week.

We must not grow slack in sharing about our product. I know that God will make a way where there is no way. My passion for the product has not changed nor have I lost my pizzazz … I have simply been off the beaten path for a short while. I am now climbing back on board.

As I was completing my taxes today, I thought about the Scripture where Jesus said to render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar and unto God what belongs to God. My business is not my business, it belongs to God. Exfuze does not belong to Rick Cotton, it belongs to God. I can pay my taxes, but I will share Exfuze with my neighbors. It is amazing when I did my ledger today, that I gave more of the product away than I sold. This if alright because I know that I cannot out give God. GO EXFUZE!!!!

Rick and Ann have invited ANYONE who wants to go with them to experience the VIVA KIDS Outreach Trip over the Memorial Day Weekend.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012 we will leave from Miami International Airport on a short flight to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where we will join our VivaKids Regional Directors, Dan and & Shana Gower. They have arranged for us to stay at a lovely beachfront all-inclusive hotel. From there, we will venture out to the rural communities and visit the Children’s Centers where our sponsored children attend school. For the first time, eXfuze distributors will rally together and build a new home for a family in our child sponsorship program who desperately need a safe place to live. This adventure is bound to be an experience of a lifetime! All are welcome.

Every bottle of Exfuze that is sold helps to nourish a child. This is what this business is all about. Helping the orphans as well as improving the health.

Rick Cotton:

This was out last team that went to the Dominican Republic. Lives were changed! Join us again.

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