Story 2

A Christmas Surprise....

Who would have thought that Christmas would already be over for me by December 14? This has happened due to two unique experiences in the past three weeks. On Saturday, December 1, it was my privilege to be involved in the "Christmas Store," sponsored by the Asbury Singles Ministry, for 142 families. Upon entering Asbury, the children were immediately escorted by an adult (one-on-one) through the Christmas Store (in the CLC) to select gifts for all of their family, to include their parents, stepparents, grandparents and siblings, while their parent/guardian was served refreshments and entertained in another area. Then each child proceeded into the wrapping area to select tissue and bags, to write tags for each family member, and on to the goodie area where they received refreshments, a stocking, a new testament and then they watched "Veggie Tales" before their personal escort returned them to their parents, all in the span of about an hour. The escorts, wrappers and a multitude of other volunteers are already planning for next year’s store after seeing those happy faces and interacting with them!

Then, the week of December 10, as everyone in Oklahoma knows, a power outage disaster hit and Asbury opened their doors to offer shelter to over 500 families.... Jack, one of our custodians said "I am on a mission trip right here" with a big smile on his face. Volunteers went about making our guests feel as at home as possible. Resources were available for them, Santa was there, candy given out, warm food, videos, music, counselors, ears to hear them, hugs, and who knows what else. It was so incredibly organized...Compassion was given and compassion was received...God brought Asbury and community people together to make new friends in this difficult situation, and perhaps cause some others to see what "Giving" at Christmas really means. My life has been forever enhanced and changed, and perhaps one day, my retirement plans too.

If you even think you may have a merciful heart, you may want to find a place to serve so you too may have the opportunity to experience some of the same joy.

Janie Hedrick
Stephen Ministry Leader