Spring 2020 Newsletter- sorry for the terrible set up of the newsletter- our computer broke and I could only type it in this format ;(
In the midst of this COVID 19 pandemic, there was a question in our minds as to the food distribution that we do, that was coming up soon. Would the need the people of Aguilar have for food be greater than the possibility of exposure to the virus. Our hearts desire is to serve them and at the same time protect them. We strongly sensed that we were to move forward with the food distribution taking every precaution available. But another question hung out there. Would we have enough volunteers to make this happen? Especially since I am limited yet in what I can do.
It was planned to have “social distancing” by no one coming into the building. Instead the mayor offered to block the street and it would be “drive up” only. When one of the county commissioners heard of what was happening and our need for help, he began seeking volunteers for us. There is a road dept shop in town and the 3 men that work there live in Aguilar. When they heard of the need their response was “this is our town, we will take a vacation day and help”. At first their supervisor said no. But when the commissioner spoke to him it changed to not only can they take the whole day and do this, BUT the county will pay them their regular wages!!!! To us it was a clear sign that God’s hand was in this and it was His plan for this to happen. Still not knowing how many volunteers we would have, we began unloading the truck at 8 am and volunteer after volunteer started showing up. Amazingly enough we had to turn a couple of them away until later when we had something for them to do.
Being inside our building putting meat in the carts to be given out, I missed giving hugs, handshakes and praying with people, but Mary was out at the cars getting names and numbers and splashing Jesus on them. The day went amazingly smooth with having mostly new help and a different way of doing it. God is so good! We weren’t sure how many people would show up, but so many came that we ran out of boxes made up and had to make more. The county boys after it was all done told me “that’s hard work, we haven’t worked that hard in a long time”.
We don’t know what tomorrow will bring but this month God blessed the people with an abundance of food. Our prayer each month is that they will know that the God who provides this food for them also desires a relationship with them and to be the everlasting bread for them.
Hip replacement surgery was delayed until Feb 18. All went well and I am in the process of regaining strength and moving back to normal walking. Mary has been a wonderful nurse as well as all the other things she does.
We brought Bill's parents to stay with us during this time as they were pretty much locked down within the retirement apt they are living. Please pray for them as it is hard being away from their familiar surroundings.
We continue to pray and seek God's guidance as to how He want us to see our world and its many needs during this time. We do more phone calls, shop for those who shouldn't be out etc.
As we approach Resurrection Sunday and celebrate our risen Savior, I am reminded that according to John 20 the disciples found themselves in a "stay put" situation, obviously for a different reason but certainly there was a great deal of fear among them. BUT as "Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you". And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples therefore REJOICED when they saw the Lord. Jesus again said to them, "Peace be with you!" No matter what the situation - the storms of life Jesus says to YOU - PEACE be with YOU!!! May you see Jesus and embrace the words "Peace be with you"
Bill & Mary Glidden, Field Staff, InFaith, An American Mission
137 West First St | Walsenburg,Co | 81089 Ph: 719.738.2487 | www.infaith.org