We left Wednesday (3/17) for our trip to Lighthouse Baptist Mission in Ivydale, West Virginia, delivering the food and clothes that we had collected. We stopped in Summersville, West Virginia, where we spent the night. After a good night’s rest we continued the last leg of the trip arriving at our destination at 9 AM.
We were greeted by Rick Canfield and the staff of the mission as they were busy distributing the food to those who had already arrived. After unloading our supplies, Pastor Rick gave us a tour of the building which three years ago served as the elementary school for the town. The school closed and the local students now travel to another town. The building was placed up for bids and the church purchased and shared the building with the school for the last year holding services in the gym. This is the first building that the church has owned since it is only a few years old. The building serves as the church and the mission ministering to the community.
We were very impressed with the volunteers who give of their time in helping others, I joined in helping put items in the grocery bags and Marianne helped give them out at the window. We were able to witness first hand a young lady and her children who were new to the community coming in for assistance. Pastor Rick talked with her and then met her needs by giving her some needed groceries and some clothes for the children which came from some that we had just delivered.
What a joy for Marianne and I to be able to minister in this way, but of course it could not happen without help from you and the local churches. The clothes, food, and other gifts that you brought always overwhelms us; God always goes beyond our expectations, and I praise Him for using you to meet the needs. Thank you for your willingness to help us.
Pray for the ministry, as God continues to lead.
Thank you Butler Methodist Church, Saluda, SC; Couchton Baptist Church Aiken, SC; Good Hope Baptist Church Saluda, SC; Philippi Baptist Church Johnston, SC; and Richland Springs Baptist Church Ward, SC.
