Redeemer Mission News & Stories

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

I am a teacher at Mark Twain Elementary and I have worked with the absolutely amazing Science volunteers for the past 3 years at Mark Twain-Julie and her team have lifted me thru their angel wings. I just watched the video of Beautiful Day and I am crying like a lost puppy! The love and kindness shown thru Reedmer is amazing. The love and prayers that went into that day have lifted my spirit.

I love my job and the families I work with but sometimes, well many times, I feel overwhelmed with life in general when praying for my students and their families, many are just in survival mode making sure they know where their next meals are coming from. I go home exhausted and in tears and frustrated many days when I leave Mark Twain, but not once have I thought about not going back the next day.

Julie and so many began to come in and it was like God himself was in our building. I couldn’t wait to see everyone and just be in their presence during Science Enrichment. God has truly blessed us with Reedmer in our corner! I know words will never explain the love I feel hugging me each time I think of Reedmer, but I want you to know that you truly have made a difference in our community!

Tiffany Ann Morgan
MS Site Tech, Facet Manager, & Team leader Mark Twain Elementary