December Newsletter

DECEMBER 2013
December has been a very exciting month. Our trip to West Virginia was delayed a day due to an ice storm. Upon arriving on Monday the 9th, we found everything at the mission in good shape. Jerry had been down and turned the water and heat on and it was very cozy.
Our neighbors were not as fortunate, including Jerry, as their power was out and had been out for several days. We encouraged him and his wife Linda to come and stay at the mission, but since he had a generator they felt that they were fine.
On Tuesday we went to Bluefield to meet the truck from Mountaineer Food Bank to get our first order of food. The temperature was 21 degrees and snowing, the truck was several hours late and the wait in the cold was miserable. Finally when the truck arrived our mixed food pallet was first off the truck. That was great, but the frozen meats were the last. We spent almost 4 hours on what should have been an hour.
Wednesday evening, with the power still out, a family came down to use our electricity for a breathing treatment for a young boy. The next morning they were back bright and early for another treatment except the whole family was along. We invited them for breakfast, and they stayed the biggest part of the day as we enjoyed hamburgers for lunch. Their power came back on and they were happy. It was a blessing that we had power to accommodate them. I guess our next project will be a 20 kw generator for the building to assure us of power to help others as well as to preserve the food in our cooler and freezers.
Saturday was our give away day, and it was cold and snowing which meant the crowd would be slim. It was snow on the ground and very cold. But 87 families, over two hundred people, braved the cold to come and get clothes, food, haircuts and gifts.
We were able to provide gift bags for the children thanks to several churches and individuals. Also the teenagers and adults received a gift bag along with a bag of fruit. Each family was given a food box consisting of a bread product, can goods, produce and meat. Each person received a toboggan that was made by various ladies in our area and two pair of socks from a supporting church.
On Monday we had 13 parents, representing 37 children, come for gifts to help Santa out. What a thrill to be able to spread a little Christmas joy to others.
Many of you have been so faithful in your support this past year, to which we say thank you for remembering this ministry.
Praise the Lord for sending a group of 25 people from Aiken, SC, Clemmons, NC, and Johnston to take care of the distribution of the items.
Remember,”Jesus is the reason for the season.” Luke 2:11; For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Marianne and I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year.