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Church steps up to help neighbors in need
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - November 04, 2009)
Church steps up to help neighbors in need
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Members of the Morning Star Friends Church in Munson Township turned out in numbers last weekend to lend a hand to one in need.
"We believe the church exists to help our neighbors," Wendy Thompson, the church's administrative coordinator, said. "We believe we're called to help each other."
With that thought in mind, about two dozen church members turned out early Saturday morning, armed with rakes and mowers, to help a woman who has fallen on hard times.
Mrs. Thompson said that is nothing new for church members. Last October, she said, about two dozen church members gave up their Saturdays to help another local family that needed help with their yards and homes. "We even had little kids, who helped rake leaves," she said.
This time, Mrs. Thompson said, Munson Township officials turned to the church after learning how one township resident had fallen on hard times. She said the location of the person being helped is being kept confidential to protect her privacy.
"It is another person affected financially in these difficult times," she said. "It's a very sad story."
Mrs. Thompson said she made a trip to the home with others in preparation for the work that was to follow. She said that when the homeowner saw the outpouring of support from her neighbors, she came and gave Mrs. Thompson a big hug.
"It was a heartfelt thanks," she said.
Too often today, Mrs. Thompson said, people who are facing difficult times feel they are alone and the same is true for the homeowner helped this past weekend. "She doesn't know where to turn," Mrs. Thompson said.
Despite calls for rain on Saturday, she said, the church members would be out there to help. "Regardless, no matter what," she said.
Mrs. Thompson said those who volunteer to help do not expect anything in return other than the satisfaction of knowing they could ease the pain someone is feeling at this time.
"It's an honor to do this," Mrs. Thompson said. "I think this is what God calls us to do."
If anything, there may be something for those who turn out, she said.
Their work may inspire others to lend a hand when others are in need, Mrs. Thompson said. "It will set a good example for others to follow," she said.
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