A Need at Christmas - Diapers

------ Forwarded message ------
From: Muriel Luedeman
mur620@gmail.com


A Need at Christmas - Diapers

Dear Saints,

Over two years ago a small group of saints started daily morning prayers on the Temple Lot, praying for the Kingdom to come, our work in it, the gathering of Israel, and all the walls that separate God’s people be removed. During cold weather we meet at Julie and Hugh Caldwell’s house. God is faithful and has heard our prayers, opening many doors for ministry.

One of the paths of ministry that is developing is the old Second Church on South Avenue, which is now the combined home of two Restoration branches - Restoration Church of Jesus Christ - Central Church, and Gospel Park. Last month, priesthood men, Hugh Caldwell and Kent Pedersen, started knocking on doors in the area around the church to introduce themselves and seeking to help with neighborhood needs. On the first day out, mid-November, Hugh knocked on the door of a widow with seven children, ages 9 months to 17 years. Ladonna Mason talked to Hugh on the front porch and was hesitant to open up at first, saying she was doing alright, but as Hugh and Kent continued to visit with her, they learned she was in great need. Finally she said she could use help paying her utilities. She had lost her night job when she had to sell her car to pay a utility bill. Over the next few days we learned the gas had been turned off, her washing machine was broken, there was no money for formula or food at the end of the month, a house inspection was coming up, and she had no vacuum or cleaning supplies.

Since then, as they prayed with Ladonna and for her, her needs are being met. She starts training for a new job next week, with transportation arranged until she can afford another car. She has signed up with the Neighborhood Network program in her area, which will provide food and other social support and life skills ed. A washing machine and new vacuum was provided her.

Her kids were saying they want to go to church before the elders came to her door, so she has been looking for a place to attend. Central/Gospel Park is a block from her house. The family, including Reuben, Ladonna’s friend, has been attending since the men stopped at her home. Ladonna and Reuben are also coming on Saturdays to the daily prayer circle at the Caldwell’s. They are not familiar with the Restoration at all, and find it a different culture, but they are grateful for the Saints generosity, and happy with what they are learning about the Book of Mormon and the Gospel. Ladonna said God had been working on her in various ways over the past several months, preparing her for a new path, and she feels this is an answer to her prayers. As she and Reuben have been blessed, they want to be a blessing to others. We have assurance that they will be just that as we expand the ministry in the neighborhood on South Avenue, one family at a time.

A luminaria lighting on South Main Street is being planned for Christmas Eve, with warm drinks and snacks afterward, tentatively at Central/Gospel Park. There is a need we would like to supply for Ladonna that night. Diapers – size 2T pullups for her two-year-old daughter, and Size 5 or (King), for her 9 month-old son. Central/Gospel Park has collected funds for Christmas gifts for the family, but this need would greatly relieve the mother’s mind for a good while.

As the Spirit leads, if you can, or know someone else who is willing, to provide diapers for this mother in need, it would be greatly appreciated. And please pray for Ladonna Mason, Reuben, and her children, Ivy, Raymond, Edante, Myonna, Niesha, Blessing, and King as they move into this new path.

If you want more information, contact me at: 816-726-8425 or mur620@gmail.com.

Always at your and Christ’s service,
Muriel Winn Luedeman