This year the committee of the Ladies Fellowship at Concordia Lutheran Church, Duncraig, Western Australia decided to make up care packs to support people who may be going through difficult times. Little did we know that the Corona virus would precipitate the need so quickly! But God did!
The groundwork had already been laid and, with the cooperation of the greater church community, assorted items ranging through lovely, practical, edible, cute, and quirky were soon donated.
A member in isolation volunteered to make up the parcels. A list of people was made up and the wrapping and praying began. Marlene made beautiful little cards and the instructions for opening the gifts, one for each day of the week, were glued inside. Support was given by Plum, Louise, and Debbie, all of whom are young enough to shop for the items to add to other donated items. Dot made up little packages containing a tract or text from the Bible and a little gift. Each day was covered by prayer that the recipient would be lifted up by the Lord and know that they are very special in God’s eyes, no matter how isolated they may feel.
Some comments from the non-church recipients:
“I was so overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness and the ladies fellowship. Please pass on my grateful thanks to all involved. I eagerly look forward to opening a daily surprise over the coming week.”
“Grateful thanks for the little gifts. A joy and a pleasure to open a little surprise each day …”
“I was in tears when I opened up the gift pack. Thank you so much. I have never received such a beautiful present in my whole life.” I have since been having a little time of prayer with this lady if I stop by on my walk.
Comments from some congregation members:
“What a lovely surprise on Thursday when Plum to say a parcel had been left at our front door. Thank you for thinking of us and brightening our lives during these times of isolation. We are enjoying opening each little package together which we usually do in the evening. The Anzac biscuits are absolutely delicious. Please pass on our thanks to all the ladies who contributed … The timing was perfect as I had just had a difficult week …”
“… I have just received a gift bag from Louise which you and some other ladies made up. Thank you all very much, I’m going to enjoy it one day at a time, all week. God bless.”
“How exciting to receive the care bag and know I am being loved in isolation …”
“… how moved she was to receive it! It arrived on a day she had been feeling very low, and since then it has prompted her to pray every day!”
“… thanks for the goodies and the tracts (Marg hasn’t forgotten about chocolates) and seeing that it’s Mothers’ Day, happy Mother’s Day too.”
“… very thankful for your visit. Please pass on thanks to the ladies involved in that thoughtful gift. Lovely to open a gift each day and read the Scripture verses with the gift. What a great idea. Bless you and all the ladies involved.”
We have also had lovely cards and phone calls from people who have enjoyed the gifts and I praise God that they have touched many hearts.
With the gradual lifting of the restrictions we may soon be able to worship and enjoy meeting up with our Church family in person.
“What a joy it is to know our Heavenly Father loves us so and gives to us our Jesus.” Amen
Dot Blair on behalf of the Concordia Ladies Fellowship
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