People can help make a positive difference in their community.
The public is invited to participate as we all come together to support an organization in the community that needs help.
The first Make a Difference Community Mission Day was Saturday, June 28. People painted the exterior of the main building of Restoration Ranch. More than a homeless shelter, this new community ministry helps people restore broken lives.
On Saturday, Aug. 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., people will paint the exterior of the Cross Ministries thrift shop, located just north of town on Highway 69.
The mission statement of Cross Ministries is “to reach out into the world with the love of Christ by caring for the physical and spiritual needs of those oppressed by poverty and despair.”
In the words of Director Mike Sitzman, “We accomplish this mission by networking with other organizations in the U.S. and around the world to donate medical supplies and equipment and assist with transportation and mission teams. Locally, we partner with various relief agencies and churches throughout Iowa to assist those in need. We also partner with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as a recycling center to divert solid waste from landfills. Spiritually, we offer a Bible study program, individual counseling, and most importantly strive to lead by example as a witness to the love of Christ.”
The Cross Ministries Thrift Store building is in need of exterior painting.
Osceola Farm and Home contributed a discount on paint and Highway Lumber gave a donation of painting supplies (brushes, drop cloths and more).
Casey’s General Store on north Main Street contributed ice, Fareway donated water, Robinson’s True Value contributed the loan of a giant cooler to put the ice and water in.
Kale’s Funeral Home and HyVee gave their assistance in getting the word out online.
Here’s how you can participate:
Go by Osceola Farm and Home and donate one or more gallons of paint ($32/gallon with their 20 percent discount). Tell them it’s for the Make a Difference Mission Day at Cross Ministries. They know paint specifics.
Come help paint. Work will probably get started by 9 a.m. Bring a lunch if you like, as well as friends and neighbors. Come for an hour or the day (or anything in between).
Lend step ladders. Call Mike Sitzman at Cross Ministries if you can lend these.
If you have other questions about these projects, call Dr. Al Adams at 641-931-0567.
Also, save Saturday, April 25, 2015, on a calendar for the next Make a Difference Community Mission Day.
People will be forming teams and going door-to-door collecting food for the local food pantry. Stay tuned for details.
Together, the public can make an amazing difference in people’s lives and in the community.