Obedience Reaps Yield for Smoky Mountain Children’s Home
When children of neglect, abuse and abandonment come to us, there are many things that are missing from their life. Some are essentials, such as food, clothes, shelter, medical attention, education and loving parenting. Some are the intangibles that make for a healthy individual.
It has been called the “Pizzaz Factor.” These moments come in many forms from being excited to see us or some accomplishment that was being celebrated. You might remember a grandparent or other family member giving you something special that had been handmade. It was just for you and you could almost sense the love that had been put into the gift. Our children do not have these experiences.These are some of the little things that are missing from their life.
The Women’s Ministry of the Abundant Life Church of God in Valdosta, Georgia with Pastors B. Wayne and Cheryl Hughes made a wonderful gesture to fulfill this in our children’s lives. Bobbie White, one of the members of the church, tells it this way, “I was selling all my quilting fabric at a yard sale when I felt a tap on the shoulder as if from someone behind me and a voice asked, ‘Why are you selling this fabric, when our Children’s Home needs quilts?’ Knowing I could not handle a project like that alone, I tried to forget the voice. But it happened again, I felt the tap on the shoulder and a voice speaking to me. This time I did not ignore it, and I packed up the fabric to bring back home. The ladies of the church came together to cut, piece, sew, and tie the quilts. When all we had were tops, God provided backing and batting for several quilts through unexpected sources. I stepped out on faith and spent $125.00 for more backing and batting. On Sunday, God led a man to donate $100 to the quilt project. This was a confirmation that this was a project led by God. As any need arose, everything was provided and God has shown us that this was His project not ours.” Fifty-six quilts were delivered to the Children’s Home in Sevierville, Tennessee.
The staff of the Children’s Home stood in awe of the beautiful quilts. You could literally see the love and care that was placed in each stitch. Along with the quilt, the children will be told about the sacrifice and time that was spent making each one. For children who have no self-esteem, to have someone spend this much effort, time and money is difficult to comprehend. This winter our children will be covered by the love and prayers of these caring women. That is no small thing.
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The quilters of the Abundant Life Church of God. |
