Wednesday, August 08, 2012

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

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

11 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

That is an inspirational story. What a woman! Good luck with your ventuer You are amazing.

Jeanie said...

What a wonderful story and as Sandy said, inspirational! No maternity clothes here, but I'll see what might be decent enough to share.

DHLOL said...

I need to add that it was not only teens obtaining their GEDs, but also adults. Because of Sister Darlene's work, the need was noticed by the local education system. That system has how taken on the GED classes. Glenmary goes into the poorest areas, after acessing the need. They assist with programs that already exist, establish their own programs and become involved with emergency programs. Sister Darlene is a resource for the local Fire Chief due to her knowledge of the community and organizational skills. Glenmary gives a "hand up" and not a "hand out". Check them out. Glenmary Sisters

carol l mckenna said...

Very spiritual haiku ~ I believe ~ much success in your project ~ (A Creative Harbor)

Spadoman said...

No better work than doing that for which you have heard the calling. I hope to help as time goes on. Needs like these are forever.

Peace

Lea said...

Annie... you are love and this is wonderful. I will see if I have something to send... you listen so well to whisperings... XO

Priti Lisa said...

Taking time to hear your guide and then acting on it is important work, you are amazing!
You haiku is fantastic♥♥♥

gma said...

I have 2 grandchildren on the way....so maternity clothes will be available soon.
xx my Love to you xx

rebecca said...

dear annie,

your haiku is manna to the soul.
thank you for introducing us to Sr. Darlene and her mission work of great purpose in the lives around us. i love each and every time we share stories of charity and support. acts of kindness encourage new acts of kindness, generosity blossoms into more giving and caring.

BrittArnhild said...

What a great post. May God bless you richly!

sandy said...

Annie - good for you - this is a wonderful thing you are doing.