A Thank You Note

What began as a revelation to assist those in need
with food and clothing, from a Budget Travelers' Magazine,
to one of the poorest counties in the U.S. (Owsley County, Kentucky)
led to a divine circle of giving and receiving of God's blessings.

It all started when long time friend, M. Kimbro, was touched with
compassion on seeing two Black children without shoes on the pages
of the Budget Traveler's Magazine. She called and said " We have to do something."
I  readily agreed we ought to do something but needed to first make contact
with a church or organization who would welcome our help. That was not an
obstacle and after a telephone call we were in touch with the
Emma Quire Mission Center, an Owsley County Food Ministry of the
Booneville First Baptist Church.

Beside me, Kimbro was only able to recruit one other person, W. Tucker,
among her wide array of friends. When I talked to my friends they looked
puzzled and behind the look they were obviously thinking "are you crazy."

Our plan was simple, to collect food, clothing, and money donations and deliver it.
I concentrated on collecting money from College Hill Community Church
members, and the Peace & Social Justice Ministry. M. Kimbro involved her
Hunters' Glenn Community and friends. No one I asked declined to contribute.

The day finally arrived, September 30, 2008, I accompanied M. Kimbro to pick
up a leased van. But before I departed, it occurred to me to look up the
Sheriff's name and telephone number in Owsley County and give to my neighbor.
The irony of three Black women going on this mission trip became apparent.
It was my first time meeting Tucker. She had considerable experience with
Red Cross Disaster Relief. After packing the van we were on our way.
It was a beautiful day, beautiful drive. M. Kimbro drove all the way.

Before entering the mountains, and losing cell phone connection, I quipped.
We better stop and call our host to mark our location where we were last seen
and heard. The ladies at the church assured us that they were awaiting our arrival.
And indeed on arrival, they had prepared a wonderful meal and were quite
congenial.

Housing had been arranged at a motel owned by the church. Our big surprise
was there were no Blacks in the County. Everyone we encountered that evening
when we went to a local restaurant for dinner, walking distance from the motel,
said they knew who were and why we we were there.

The second day, thanks to the generosity of the donors, we were blessed with
the opportunity to share the gifts we brought with the people, before our
departure, some had come down from the hills.

Special Thanks To:
Brother Jerry Lacefield, pastor, First Baptist Church, his wife Susan, the dedicated
volunteers. God is at work among the people of Owsley County.

"You are the light of the world... let your light shine.
   Mat 5:14