Many years ago, a group...
Illustration
Many years ago, a group of women began sewing small bags and then collecting personal
items to donate to one of the downtown churches that housed homeless people. The
women enjoyed each other's company as they met in each other's homes. They felt they
were making a difference in the lives of those down and out because of difficult
situations.
The pastor, as well as the congregation, thanked these women for all that they did. Martha even has a letter from the governor recognizing and thanking the group for their years of service to the homeless.
Over the years, other women volunteered to help sew or fill the bags with toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, razors, and shaving cream for men. As the years progressed the women got older and sadly were no longer able to continue. It was hard to find other people to take over this ministry.
It was at Martha's funeral during the sharing time when someone stood to speak. No one recognized this well-dressed gentleman. He told of the time when he was down on his luck and lived in the basement of the downtown church for several months. He remembered receiving one of the bags the women sewed and filled. Inside his bag was a hand-written note of encouragement, along with a Bible verse. Tears were streaming down his cheeks as he shared how that act of kindness made all the difference to him. He was thankful for the women's ministry and all the lives they must have touched over the years.
The next Sunday, several people came forward to continue the work Martha began because they realized the difference it made in the lives of those they wanted to help.
The pastor, as well as the congregation, thanked these women for all that they did. Martha even has a letter from the governor recognizing and thanking the group for their years of service to the homeless.
Over the years, other women volunteered to help sew or fill the bags with toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, razors, and shaving cream for men. As the years progressed the women got older and sadly were no longer able to continue. It was hard to find other people to take over this ministry.
It was at Martha's funeral during the sharing time when someone stood to speak. No one recognized this well-dressed gentleman. He told of the time when he was down on his luck and lived in the basement of the downtown church for several months. He remembered receiving one of the bags the women sewed and filled. Inside his bag was a hand-written note of encouragement, along with a Bible verse. Tears were streaming down his cheeks as he shared how that act of kindness made all the difference to him. He was thankful for the women's ministry and all the lives they must have touched over the years.
The next Sunday, several people came forward to continue the work Martha began because they realized the difference it made in the lives of those they wanted to help.
