Residents of Widows Ministry Center Hand-Make Christmas Cards for Troops
Sevierville, TN– Excitement is still running rampant from last year’s Operation Christmas Blessing where 2,000 hand-made Christmas cards were prepared by the ladies of the Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center.
“Encouraged by the letters they received back from our service men and women, the ladies have already completed Operation Christmas Blessing for 2012,” stated Dr. Coleman Peacock, Director of the Widows Center. “Their goal this year was to produce 3,000 heartfelt, hand-made, and anointed Christmas cards for our troops, letting them know that we appreciate their sacrifice for our country and that we are praying a blessing over them for God’s protection and safety.”
Residents of the Widows Care Ministry Center prepare Christmas cards for troops.
Peacock said the boxes of special cards were delivered to the Church of God Chaplains Commission in Cleveland, Tennessee where they will be shipped directly to chaplains on duty overseas. Before Christmas, the cards will be hand delivered by the chaplains to our service men and women.
Director of the Church of God Chaplains Commission, Dr. Donnie Smith said, “Last year’s project was a great success, and we were delighted when Dr. Peacock contacted our office about repeating it—but with an increase in the number of cards to be made. Three thousand cards, each one meticulously made by hand, is a feat for any group to undertake, but the residents of the Widows Center painstakingly detailed each one, working for several months to complete their goal. What an act of love!”
Dr. Richard Pace, Endorser and Coordinator, Vocational Chaplaincy Ministries, stated, “Our troops get many cards and letters during Christmas, but most are generic, off-the-shelf materials. Although they appreciate the cards and letters they receive, they seem to cherish those made and written with a personal touch. To receive hand-made cards of such beauty and thoughtfulness is a gift they treasure and keep in their lockers. The anointed prayer cloths go with them on every mission and remind them of those praying for their safety and quick return home.”
Widows Ministry Center resident, Donna Hicks, instigated the project last year and has directed it with the aid of other residents of the Center. Donna states, “It means a lot to us to have the opportunity to honor our troops overseas. We can’t do much, but we can pray for them and let them know that we care about them and their safe return home.”
Hopefully, this Christmas will be special to our troops overseas, and even though they can’t be at home with family and friends, they can feel a touch of home through the special cards of love made for them by a group of ladies who are praying for them.”
