New Clothing Given To Missionaries

Living in Europe is very expensive and because the dollar has lost so much value, most missionaries have only enough support to take care of housing, gas and food. There is little left over for the luxury of purchasing clothing.

The ''Christmas in November'' project came about as the result of the kindness of two women back in 1981. The Mickey Johnson Family were missionaries serving in Germany and like our missionaries today, they had to deal with the dollar losing value. Clothing was so expensive that they could not afford to buy anything. They were blessed to have two ladies from their home church visit them. Martha and Maxine brought the family a suitcase full of gifts. Among the gifts was a lovely two piece outfit for the wife. Each time this dress was worn, it represented the love of friends. This act of kindness planted a seed that would blossom some twenty-two years later.

In 2003, through different circumstances, the Lord laid it on the Johnsons'' hearts to take clothing to the missionary wives who would be attending the Mission Possible European Retreat. That first year most of the clothing was used and came from the closets of friends and yard sales.

In 2004, Sister Mary Bell who works at Goody's Clothing and Dr. Linda Pate gladly became involved in getting clothes together. There were many new outfits along with some really nice used clothing. Since Sister Mary worked at Goody's, she was able to alert everyone when the sales were on and she was also able to help by using her employee discount with the purchase of the clothing.

After the European Retreat, Sister Cathie Taylor, who is a member of Grace Baptist of Woodstock, VA, read the prayer letter about the missionary ladies receiving the clothing. Grace Baptist ladies group wanted get involved in helping us collect clothing for the next year.

At the 2005 Retreat, Cookie Johnson, Mary Bell, Linda Pate, and Grace Baptist were able to ship eleven boxes of clothing to Germany. Over 85% of these clothes were brand new. What a blessing to watch the missionary wives browse through the clothing and select items that they needed. Here is a thank you note from Monica who is the wife of one of the Gypsy pastors:

''My Precious Sisters from America: Thank you much for the beautiful clothes that you sent to us 7,000 kilometers across the sea. We are women from Romania (Gypsies) and we pass through many difficulties. Many times we don't have the means to buy food for our children. Because of this, we don't have the possibility to buy ourselves new clothes. What you did for us is a great blessing and when we wear these clothes that you have given us, we will always remember you. Thank you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.'' . . . Ruth 2:12 - - Monica Feteke

It is hard to believe, but the 2006 MP European Retreat was an even greater success. There were at least 370 new items of clothing and many used items for the women. A pastor's wife knew about a couple who were able to get shirts from the Van Heusen factory and give them to missionaries. Through this contact, Bro. Randy Bell was able to get 50 shirts for the missionary men. Bro. Mickey Johnson had cataract surgery this year. After relating stories about the ''Christmas in November'' project, 75 pairs of dark glasses with a carrying case was donated for the missionaries.

Sister Mary Bell has kept Goody's management updated about this project and they are happy that their clothing has been involved. The manager offered Sister Mary a wonderful deal on some summer shoes that were on clearance. Grace Baptist collected five boxes of clothes and also sent several hundred hangers. A man who attends Lupton Drive has a daughter who owns a clothing store. After hearing about this project, his daughter donated items she had on clearance. A doctor's wife overhead a conversation about the clothes at her hair salon. She donated 3 large bags of clothing.

It has been amazing to watch God provide! None of our sources are extremely rich. Each person involved has allowed their heart to be touched by God and they have responded by generously sharing with the missionaries what they have.

In November, each missionary was encouraged to take as many items as they wanted and to also shop for family members or fellow missionaries who were unable to attend. Because the Lord blessed with such an abundance of clothing, at the end of the week, there were still six boxes of clothing left over. Everyone rejoiced that such a large amount of clothing could be sent to the poverty stricken Gypsies of Romania with the Morgan family.

Not only have we been blessed by those who have donated the clothing and items, but we're also blessed to have people who do the heavy labor. Bro. Randy Bell and Bro. Mickey Johnson have helped pack the items, get them to their destination and help unpack and get the clothing ready for the shoppers. Other men like Bro. Gib Wood, Bro. Steve Meyers, Bro. Ryan Johnson, Bro. Mike Nimesheim, Bro. John Radank and Bro. Wayne McCray have received the boxes and delivered them to the Retreat. Without this help, we could not share these items with the missionaries.

The ''Christmas in November'' that we have for the missionaries is an act of love that was born out of a grateful heart. It is also a combination of many people working together for the good of others. Every person involved sincerely cares about the missionaries who attend the retreat. Our goal is to encourage the missionary in their work and to remind them that others care about them. Our gratification comes as we see the smiles on the faces of the shoppers, when we see the clothes being worn by the people and knowing that God is pleased when we love His children.

Matthew 25:40 applies to each giver and each helper: ''And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.''
 

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