Posted 1 year ago Comments
One of the projects tackled during Beautiful Day was what we called the “Special Project House.” We assisted a family that had all their windows broken and the home “peppered”. Our intent was to help clean up the glass, wipe off and vacuum up the pepper residue, and take all their clothes and linens to the laundramat for cleaning. This project was much more involved than we anticipated, and it turned out the child that lives in the house (Jessip) is mentored at Mark Twain Elementary by Redeemer member Gary Yaeger. Here is a message from Gary:
When we signed up for the Mark Twain Beautiful Day I was of course put on mulch detail because I just happen to be gifted in that department. We finished up early and Rick called to see if Sue and the crew at the house needed any help. When we pulled up I saw the house and wondered why we were even attempting to clean it, it looked about ready to fall over. Then Jessip came walking out with a big smile on his face and gave me a hug- he looked as happy as I’ve seen him since I’ve known him. Jessip doesn’t say much most of the time, he’s already learned to be guarded about things in general. But he grabbed his half sister and introduced us and proudly told me this was his house and led me in to see his room.
He had no idea what was going through the minds of everyone there- we were all trying to imagine why any child should have to grow up under these conditions. But Jessip and Phoenix were proud and happy to have all these people helping them and they couldn’t believe their good fortune. I’m thinking God wanted us to get a close up view of what real poverty is, and how He equips children to deal with it through their innocence. God is obviously not finished with us and Jessip’s family, and when He lays His plan out I know we will be ready to respond. God bless you for His work that you do and God bless Redeemer for answering His call.
Gary
