Newsletter October 2007
Volume 12 Issue 9
Philippians 4:19 I will supply all of your needs...
Let Me Introduce… Charlotte Buchy, Volunteer
I was brought to the Main Street Mission over eight years ago by the Holy Spirit. I don’t mean the Holy Spirit specifically told me to volunteer at this particular place. He just impressed upon me to volunteer time outside my local church for some group or organization that was serving Christ. I actually became aware of the Mission’s existence through our son who was compelled to perform community service there for vandalism. At the time we had returned from two years in New Zealand and I had time to devote to volunteering. When I went back to work I held Wednesday’s open as my volunteer day at the Mission.
The pressures of the world, of course, can easily take up all our time, or so Satan would have us believe. When my daughter started selling Avon she asked if I wouldn’t give up every other Wednesday afternoon to care for my granddaughter while she made her deliveries. Over the years the Mission has experienced tremendous growth in volunteerism and service to others. Marilyn and Gary are always gracious to allow volunteers to come and go as they please. I give my tithe and some offerings to the Mission as I believe they are God’s hands. I know the Holy Spirit will probably direct me elsewhere someday, but for now—I would really miss not spending a few hours each month there.
Charlotte Buchy
Daily at the Mission
In this issue, I’d like to share with you what happens on a daily basis here at the Main Street Mission. It amazes me how many people I still meet who support us, know about us, tell others of our services, yet still don’t fully understand all that we do, have, and are.
As a nonprofit who receives no government or United Way funds, we are supported by Jesus through you. We serve a mighty God, and though some have not understood from a business perspective how we survive, we have been here for 13 years. We get many donations from people who show up with something in their hand saying they were led by the Holy Spirit to bring it in, it may be a check, or something else, and it’s always right on time. One time there was a coat brought in while a man was eating dinner and had just said all he needed was a coat to keep him warm. Not surprisingly, it fit perfectly.
Quill Talk from the Editor
When Gary said he wanted a monthly newsletter, I was excited because I’m a writer, I love to run my mouth, and have been known to over-fill a page. I thought the Christmas season was a busy one, yet I still managed to meet my deadline. I made it six months without breaking a sweat, then summer hit! And this summer anyone who’s been around the warehouse has sweat their share, but I digress.
Many of you may not have met Tom, our warehouse manager. He’d been with us several years and took care of many things around here. Things we didn’t even know, because they just got done and no one had to worry about them. He left July 13th to enjoy retirement. We will soon see how much he truly did as the holidays approach and our busier giving/receiving season hits. I immediately filled the gap until we were able to find a permanent replacement. Since then, I decided I liked the food side of the warehouse and have kept that responsibility.
New to the Mission is Martin Loera, who has been a blessing. And, our existing people have stepped up to see that things are being done. So, it’s taken many of us to fill Tom’s shoes, and the holiday work is fast approaching. I passed on my volunteer coordinating, and am sorry to say have gotten behind in newsletter writing.
Debby Flauta
Aluminum Cans
WOW! Aluminum cans have been coming in on a regular basis. Thank you for all your cans! The money they bring in is helping greatly to meet the needs of the Main Street Mission and the people we serve.
Are you having a family reunion, church social, scouting event, or birthday party? It’s easy to use an extra trash can or bag and separate aluminum cans for recycling. For me, the challenge begins with seeing how many I can collect and donate. My awareness of cans is increased and I begin seeing them everywhere… in parking lots, store and park trash cans (which I collect) and along roadsides which I’ve not always been able to gather. Wouldn’t it be great if each family could walk around the block and pick up cans/trash? Not only would we be making our environment a prettier place, we’d be helping to feed, clothe, and shelter the needy.
What’s Coming Up…
The holidays are approaching…
We will have our Thanksgiving food box distribution at Russellville First Assembly of God Church on Monday, November 19, 2007. Registration will be held from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. After a brief praise and worship service, we will dismiss everyone to their vehicles so they can receive their food boxes. This is the night we distribute food to 600 families with the help of many volunteers through the church. You can help with donations of regular size canned vegetables, hams, and turkeys. This is also the night for families to sign up for God’s Gifts. God’s Gifts supplies parents with toys for their children. These are the toys received from many supporters throughout the Arkansas River Valley. Any new unwrapped toy will go toward this effort to provide needy parents with an enjoyable Christmas for each of their children.
The River Valley Motorcycle clubs will have a toy run the Saturday following Thanksgiving. They have done this for the past several years and we thank them for their support and the MANY toys that this drive provides. You are welcome to join them at Kroger on South Arkansas, and ride to the Mission’s warehouse on 2nd Street. Or, join us at the warehouse, and welcome them in, then share in fellowship and holiday cheer.
December brings Christmas Wish — letters will begin running in The Courier November 24th through December 9th. These are letters that parents write and send in asking for help to provide their children with a Merry Christmas. Families in the Arkansas River Valley then adopt and purchase gifts for the letter of their choice. The gifts will need to be dropped off at the Mission by December 12th.
Look for us at a live remote with River Valley Radio sometime in December. This remote gives everyone the opportunity to donate toys, food, or money to the Main Street Mission and help all those with needs in our area.
MSM Board of Directors
Founders/Directors
Gary & Marilyn Williamson
Fellowship of Christians
Dr. Travis Aterbury
First Baptist Church
Greg Standridge
Russellville Christian Center
Melissa Krueger
Not Representing a Church
Bonnie Haines
The Journey
Jeff Shields
Russellville First Assembly of God
Cheryl Scott
Steve & Denise Williamson
Flat Rock Assembly of God
Ed Evans
Board Advisor
Dr. Karl Sandberg
Public Relations
Sheila Hunt
