5 Oct 7 Friday
Good morning. It’s that time of year again when
Mustard Seed Jersey asks the public to consider packing a Christmas shoebox for
a needy person in Romania.
You can get our appeal leaflets are available at
Parish Halls and Les Quennevais Sports Centre or visit
our website.
Last year was the first time we went to one
particularly challenging village. The community lived well away from the main
road, along muddy tracks. The dwellings had no electricity,
and the water supply was a stand-pipe serving 4 or 5 dwellings. No cars, not
even evidence a horse and cart. Most had no permanent work and when casual work
was not available fed their families by scavenging on the city rubbish dump.
This had to be one of the coldest but most
satisfying and rewarding shoebox distributions, for without a shadow of doubt
we were giving to people in the greatest need.
We followed behind the truck listening to
instructions. “A man, a woman and 3 kids – 2 for the 3-6s and 1 age 1” then we
took the appropriate boxes to that dwelling and went back to the truck for the
next instructions.
The people seemed dazed. It was the first time
they had received shoeboxes and they couldn’t understand why these strangers
were giving them something for nothing. It was as though they thought it was
too good to be true. If we go back this year I am sure it will be different, more
evidence of joy as they will know what to expect.
I went home from there, tired and cold but
profoundly grateful for the difference we had been able to make. It is my hope
and prayer that this year’s appeal will also bring hope and joy to those in
need.
God bless you, have a good day and please be
thankful for the good things we have.