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Al's Outreach Outtakes
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January 2, 2021Happy New Year!
For those of you who regularly read my column, I first want to say thank you. When I receive your feedback, both positive and sometimes, shall we say constructive, I take it to heart. I really do appreciate it. Regularly you tell me about how you appreciate the stories that I provide. I want you to know they are all true and are told because I believe it is important for you to understand the impact you are having, even if only one person at a time. I know I can never express enough my true appreciation for all of you. That is also true. With all of this in mind, I have another story to share with you that happened just a couple of weeks before Christmas and was so uplifting and reaffirming to me I knew I had to share it with you.
Most mornings I get into the office early and my voicemail light is blinking indicating messages are waiting. This particular morning was no different. As I scrolled threw taking names, numbers and notes I came across one whose name I thought I sort of recognized. I was able to return the call later that morning and fortunately connected with the person. She immediately reminded me she was someone we had helped out a couple of years ago. For whatever reason I remembered her, that she cleaned houses, had a couple of dogs and what we had done to assist. I asked how she was doing and what she might need at this time.
“Nothing” she said, “I’m calling because I want to give back. You all helped me when I really needed it. You believed in me and supported me when no one else did. You made a difference in my life in more ways than you can know. While I don’t have much, I have enough and it is because your church helped me. Without your help I would have been homeless. Instead, now I am in a good place and I know there are many who are not.”
I let her know how proud I was of her for doing the hard work that it takes to get back on your feet. I also let her know that God has blessed many of us and that Holy Trinity is a church that cares and that we know how blessed we are to be able to share.
We ended the conversation by talking about various ways she could “pay-it-forward”. Based on our conversation, I know that she will do that again, and again, and again.
This is the ministry that we provide; this is the impact that you have. In 2021
GO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!