GETTING STARTED:
In 2006, God placed on my heart, a burden for those in need. I felt as if God was pointing me in the direction of starting a food/toiletry bank. At the time, I said, "Okay God…but not now". I really had no idea what God was calling me to, or preparing me for. I kept the idea of a toiletry bank in the back of my mind, just waiting for the “perfect time”. 3 years ago, in 2008, I found out that I was pregnant with our son, who would be born with a severe heart condition and would require numerous open heart surgeries, and a lengthy stay at the children’s hospital in Delaware. In December 2008, Todd was born, and we spent 24 days living in the children’s hospital cardiac unit. At that moment, our lives stopped while the rest of the world went speeding past us. The mortgage was still due and other bills needed to be paid, and of course money was needed to just ‘live’. Looking back on that part of our life, I can see where the support and gifts from our church family really pulled us through a very difficult time.
One of the most important things I have learned over the last several years is that prayer is powerful! But, while prayer is important, and really the basis for our Faith, we are also called to put our faith into action.
If you attended Baby Todd’s memorial service, you would have heard Pastor Dave speak on the topic of “Leaving a Legacy”. When we found out that Todd was sick, the idea of leaving a legacy became very important to us. We constantly prayed healing over Todd, but even more so, we found ourselves praying that God would use Todd’s life, no matter how long or short it was, to influence others.
Our family has been visiting the RMH house of Delaware, every Christmas since Todd has passed. And recently, the idea of a toiletry/food pantry has become more real. I began asking myself, “if we can collect a truck load of items for the RMH, why can’t we do the same thing to help families in our own church and community, in Jesus' name?”. At that moment, God began putting people in my path, and the hurt and need of others became real. With that was the start of a ministry we are calling Todd’s Closet.
Todd’s Closet, with the support of Mercersburg Mennonite Church, will be a toiletry/food pantry that will support and encourage local families in need. Currently our goal is to build a supply inventory of various toiletry and household items, along with a few non-perishable food items. These items will then be bagged and given to help local families.
If you would like to help with or support Todd’s Closet, or know someone with a need, please don't hesitate to leave a comment here on the blog, or send me an email.
I would ask that each of you start by praying for Todd’s Closet: resources/donations, those helping with the ministry, and those being helped by the ministry. Together, may we pass on Todd's Legacy by sharing the love of Jesus!
