By Julie Ward
A Google search on “KTVZ Bend Gods Closet” will bring you the news spot done for two clothing distributions held in October and November where the Lord brought 57 families and 132 children to the Cascade Church where 20 volunteers met them with open hearts to fill a need. Working for 2 years during covid, these volunteers collected lightly used clothing and obtained heavily discounted end of season new clothes with member donations. It was a labor of love to collect, wash, sort and move clothing bins from the church to two 12 ft x 40 ft metal shipping containers on the property purchased for God’s Closet storage.
Lois Bass, Director of the local chapter of this nationwide Adventist ministry, was filmed and reported “As Christians we love everyone and especially, we love our community of families with children who are struggling during these difficult times so we felt this is an opportunity for us as a church to reach out into the community.”
Aside from the media, families came to us via signs on the street (we’ll do many more next time). We had them complete a form when registering asking them of their interests or needs. 15 asked for children’s programs, 16 for Bible studies, 10 for prayer done on site and 9 for vacation Bible School. Evangelism through used clothing—what a blessing to find and fulfill more of God’s commissioned work!
As a significant amount of clothing remains, God presented us with a phone call from the Oregon Child Development Coalition Protecting Oregon Farm Workers in Madras where we will coordinate with the Madras church to present the clothing. We are praying this will be brought to fruition through His guidance. When God says, “Go,” we face one of life's greatest decisions. When God says, “Go,” we must face our fears. . . our excuses. . .and ourselves. When God says, “Go,” it's time to answer His call wherever it leads.
Our church was richly blessed to see new faces come into our church and now pray for continuing opportunities to show them God’s love and plan for their families to have Him in their lives today and to learn of their eternal home to come.
