Rural Mission - Haiku My Heart

Over the years, I have had the privilege of organizing book drives  for the establishment of a Cook Islands library and a winter clothing drive for the children of Afghanistan in the province of Ghor. Each time I did this, I was more successful than I could have hoped and all because of the generosity of people like you. But as much as I loved doing this work, a little voice whispered to find something closer to home. It took a while but finally, I have found that place.

I was successful

Voice whispered, find something more

Assist. Serve God. Be love

for Haiku My Heart

Dr. Darlene is a religious of the Glenmary Sisters - Home Mission Sisters of America. Don and I adopted her several years ago and support her mission work in one of the poorest counties in the state of Missouri, Pemiscott County. Our original attraction, when we learned of Sister Darlene, was based on the fact that the work was centered out of Caruthersville, MO where Don grew up.

As time went by, we were continually impressed with how much Sr. Darlene accomplished with so little at hand. She works with food banks, assistance to the needy for utility payments, after school programs for children, and teaching youngster who are studying for their GEDs.  

Every summer she also supervises groups of young people who come from various urban area high schools to offer their services for two weeks of mission work.  While there, these young people clean homes, yards, repair buildings and residences and work with young children. 

Sr. Darlene truly is charity and love in action and it is her most recent work that has caught my attention.  Here, in her own words is the newest ministry she has undertaken.

I am so excited to share with you about a new ministry we will be beginning here in the county.  As you know, we have a high teenage pregnancy rate and many single mothers.  I have been praying about a way to reach out to these expectant moms and their children.  I have found a place in nearby Hayti, MO and plan to open an outreach center/thrift store that will offer maternity clothes, toddler clothing up to size 6, and baby supplies.  It will provide a way to get to know these young moms and many opportunities to minister to them  I cannot wait to see how God unfolds this new adventure!

My purpose and what I am asking of you is assistance in starting up the stocking of the store.  One of the things they really need are maternity clothes.

For children who are in school, there is a dress code as the schools have the students in uniforms - the need is:  Khaki or black pants and Red, White, or Blue polo shirts.

For babies we need  Bibs, Diapers, T-Shirts, Onesies, Plastic Pants, Booties, Socks, Blankets, Sleepers, Rattle, Baby Wipes, Baby Lotion, Baby Shampoo, Baby Powder.

For this first step in my contact process, I would like to hear back from each you. Donations can be made in several ways however I'm still gathering up the mailing information for direct donations so for the time being, as I have done in the past, I am happy to receive donations of clothing or gift cards (there is a Walmart in the area).  I will box up the donations and send them to Sr. Darlene. 

In the next couple of days, though, I will have a physical address for USPS and UPS mail service so that you can mail items directly to Sr. Darlene if you like.

I look forward to hearing from you.  God is good and through His servants, we can serve Him.

God Bless you,
Annie