“Don’t forget the things that I taught you
I’ve conquered death and I hold the keys
Where I go you will go too, someday
But there’s much to do here before you leave
Go tell the world about me”
These beautiful lyrics are from a popular song on Christian radio called “The Commission” by Cain. Jesus knew his time on earth would be brief and he had a lot to accomplish in a very short period of time. He showed his disciples how to love, forgive, teach, heal the sick and how be in service to others. In the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus tells them to go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” So, as the song lyrics say, “there’s much to do here before you leave”. The volunteers at H.E.L.P take the Great Commission very seriously. Volunteers are in service to others 40+ hours a month providing love and healing through the equipment that is loaned out and the listening ear that hears their stories that lay heavy on their hearts. We are indeed obeying the Great Commission and telling the world about Jesus.
Just as the volunteers show up every week, Jesus most certainly shows up before, during, and after H.E.L.P has closed for the day. He is busy working all things out for his people’s good. We received a call from a young lady in desperate need of a hospital bed and anything else we could think of to help provide the best care to her grandmother that she was bringing to her home from a nursing home. The morning she arrived she had two elementary-aged children and one in her arms. She looked tired and distraught. Later she said she hadn’t slept much and had cried most of the morning. “I don’t know how I’m going to do this and take care of my children. But, my grandmother has given me everything and I need to return it back to her.” We spent the next several minutes sitting on the floor together, while I listened and helped her think through the things she would need. While sitting there, a man came in and asked the young lady if she was there to pick up equipment for a family member. He told her I have an electric scooter I would like to give you. She almost started crying. “I called H.E.L.P earlier in the week asking if there were any scooters available but was told they didn’t take them anymore. We knew a scooter would be such a big help, I can’t believe it.” I feel very honored that God allows me and all the other volunteers to be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves. That God allows us the privilege to witness his miracles and play an ever-so-small role!
BIG BIG EXCITING NEWS:
On August 6, 2021, the H.E.L.P. board members signed on the dotted line to become the owners of 3925 Churchville Ave. In order to purchase the land and property, the board needed to secure a USDA Federal Loan for $155,000. It was a wise decision because the interest rate was 2.1250% over 40 years. The major drawback to the loan was the high cost of flood insurance for the life of the loan. The board invited Dan Layman from the Community Foundation to speak to us about how to be good stewards of our resources. We most certainly wanted to be faithful to the community that helped us raise $195,642.72 in the middle of a global pandemic! Dan gave us several ideas for investing the capital campaign money. After careful discernment and prayer, the board decided to pay the Federal Loan in full.
In April, we submitted a check for nearly $154,000 and are debt-free. This could not have been done without the wisdom and guidance of the Lord and the financial support that H.E.L.P. continues to receive on a monthly basis. THANK YOU is not big enough to tell all of you how much we appreciate your support!
New Process:
To make signing in and out easier for volunteers and easier to track total volunteer hours, a new sign-in sheet will be implemented on May 3rd. Enter the total number of hours worked by rounding to the nearest hour.
Grant Update:
Sharon Copali secured a grant from Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) in Richmond. This organization ensures“Virginians of all ages and abilities can acquire the appropriate, affordable assistive and information technologies and services they need to participate in society as active citizens”. VATS provided $18,438 worth of portable ramps called Roll-a-Ramp. These ramps will be installed in conjunction with Sharon’s other non-profit organization, Renewing Homes.
– Regina and Stephanie