Since 1991 we have sought ways to bring together food, clothes, medical supplies and other needed items to be shipped to areas of need. The challenge has most often been warehouse space and enough supplies to fill the containers. This year has been different.
We received three 40 ft. containers of medical supplies in January alone which set us scrambling for space and funds for shipping. Six 40 ft. containers have been shipped this year to Matamoros and Chihuahua in Mexico and to Kosovo as well.
We are aware that shipping containers is not our mission. In fact we are not our organization. Rather, we are a people who love God and our neighbor. In doing so, our hearts are touched by their need and we labor to assuage their suffering. The organization and our non-profit status help us in our mission of caring for each other.
Arriving refugees have usually been without dental and medical care for long periods of time. They are often malnourished as well. Much of our time is spent arranging for dental and medical treatment and driving them to their appointments. Initially trips to the Social Security office, job interviews and Department of Human Services are needed. Later we must address other needs.
Through the years, I have been and continue to be amazed at how our little acts of kindness bind up the wounded and give hope to the hopeless. Every one of your gifts, large or small, is what makes us "love in action". Every day is a day of miracles. God must smile when He sees us work together to overcome tremendous obstacles in order to care for His children.
Every day we labor to meet needs - short food, money, people to drive and people who can give time. It will always be so and yet He beckons us to come and give of ourselves. Please be prayerful about how you can give.
Warmly,
Rae England
Executive Director