Dear Coupon Angels,
To say thank you each time Wildwood receives groceries seems almost mundane. Truthfully,
I just cannot find the words to say thank you to each of you generous Ambassadors of Christ.
As I received the call from Melinda yesterday and met her at Wildwood - first - the amount of groceries was overwhelming!!!!
I had to laugh as I wondered what the deal was on Frosted Flakes and Suddenly Salad (which were AWESOME!!!).
But, bigger than that, I want each of you to know that as I arrived at my office thinking I would spend 30 minutes putting up groceries and go home, well, God had other plans.
As I got out of the car at church to meet the coupon angels and the "ultimate never-ending bags of food",, I noticed a couple of people sitting in a rather dilapidated and very hot car with the windows rolled down.
I had a feeling that there was probably someone inside our church asking for assistance. As I entered, I was met by our secretary who told me that we have 2 "walk-ins" asking for help.
As my 30 minutes turned into 4 + hours, and 2 more walk ins that day, the thought occurred to me how each of you just don't realize the magnitude of your gifts.
I was able to help these individuals through the day with the groceries that you provided. One was an elderly grandmother raising 3 grandchildren on a Social Security budget of $568/mo. and $300. in food stamps for her and 3 grandchildren. (ages 17, 16 and 11). The 16 yr. old Magnolia granddaughter was with her. As I interviewed this woman, the 16 yr. old granddaughter preceded to tell me that her mother was in prison and had been in and out of jail her entire life for drugs. They did not know when she would be out as she recently broke parole and was re incarcerated. As this young girl continued, she very matter of fact told me that it was probably better that her mother was in prison because when she is out, she just steals money and items from her own mother (grandma) and the young girl felt that it was better she not even have a mother in her life.
How sad to have to listen to this woman's own teenager, who she hardly knows, to have to tell me the details of her drug addicted life and the fact that she doesn't even know who her father is. The loss of innocence of this young teenager made a real impact on me as I continued to listen to their stories.
Bless the grandmother who is sacrificing her elder years to try to instill God's word and values in these children so that they don't repeat their mother's path in life. This young girl goes to Magnolia HS with your children, walks the halls and most probably don't even have a clue of the internal pain that she suffers daily.
As I helped the Grandmother and 16 yr. old, the young girl seemed overwhelmed that we would help them out and ACTUALLY GIVE them food and help without knowing them. I told them how it was possible with a wonderful group of women that selfishly give of their time and money called "Coupon Angels". As I prayed with them, it was the young girl who became very overwhelmed and grateful.
Later last night I thought of each of you and your ministry. I wonder if you know the magnitude of the impact that you make? Your may think you are having a social time and sharing camaraderie, but what each of you are a part of is an exceptional Ministry that is helping to change lives. As I reviewed my notes of the day late last night, I began to pray for each of you WONDERFUL ladies that give up your time and money each week to help so very many organizations. You are each Ambassadors of His will and are spreading His word each time you meet and people see you at Starbucks. Each time you roll your carts down the aisles of the stores - gather, exchange coupons and take the time to do the shopping and deliver the food to your list of churches and food banks, you are each part of a miracle. I wonder if you realize the example that each of you set as you shop the aisles with joyous hearts helping others?
Each time you check out, you may not know whose life you are impacting by setting this wonderful of example of being stewards of God and doing His will.
I pray for each of you wonderful ladies - for those of you who may have your own struggles - whether known or unknown - God knows your heart and the burdens that may surround you or your family.
I pray that He keeps each of you in His arms, and surrounds each of you with His Angels to protect each of you and your families. I ask Him to guide you and that each of you may feel His unending love at all times regardless of what unknown concerns you may have any particular day or week.
In closing, thank you, thank you and thank you for your generous donations.
Blessing for a wonderful week!!!
Your Sister in Christ,
Jana Grinnan/Wildwood Assistance Ministries
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" Matt. 25:40 (NIV-Zondervan)
