Looking for a Fall mission trip? Here on the gulf coast we stay in shorts and flip-flops a good while after many folks in the country have bundled up for the changing season. August, September, and even into October, the weather remains so hot we wonder if it will ever cool off again. God promises “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22.
As much as we welcome the cool weather that serves as a reprieve from the summer heat, the bitter cold that eventually comes, brings hardships for many in our community who live with limited resources. Purchasing all new winter outfits proves cost prohibitive for a lot of people, especially the elderly and those with small children.
Lakeshore Baptist Church, through our Mercy House ministry, seeks to supply those in need with winter clothes. The Lord has blessed us through generous donations of clothes throughout the year. We have stuffed them away in the warehouse in boxes and bags. Its now time to pull all those winter clothes out of storage, sort through them, and make them ready for those who could use the warmer apparel. Long sleeve flannel shirts, sweat shirts, sweaters, jackets, overcoats… to be honest, I’m not sure what is in all these boxes labeled “WINTER,” but its a lot.
This week, Mrs. Bea who oversees the distribution ministry, asked if I would send out a plea for some extra hands. We could really use some help, especially between now and Thanksgiving as we bring out the winter stock. We also have a section of the warehouse full of used toys. We would like to bring those out as well, for those who might like to go through them for Christmas. This would be a wonderful project for a Sunday School class, small group, teens, or even a family to make a trip down to Lakeshore. Several days, the weekend, or even just a day trip down to the coast would be greatly appreciated… and feel free to bring your shorts, its 73° and sunny today.
