Many years ago, when Jack was just a little boy, Hosanna Industries was having an autumn open house. He was trying to bob for apples but just couldn’t get one. Every time he’d try to bite an apple it would duck under the water and he couldn’t get a hold on it. After several attempts Jack looked up and simply stated that he needed help. A little guidance was given and Jack was successful in bobbing for an apple.
Two things happened in that moment. One person asked for help. Another was available to give it. How many times and in how many ways has that happened over the years at Hosanna?
“I sleep with buckets in my bed every time it rains so that my feet don’t get wet.”
“Don’t worry, we can repair your roof for you.”
“My furnace isn’t working and I can’t sleep because it is so cold.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll replace it for you.”
“I don’t know how, but I’d like to help someone.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to serve a household in need.”
“I’m overwhelmed by every day struggles and need to find someplace to recharge.”
“Come out to a class or workshop at Hosanna Gibsonia. It’ll make a big difference.”
“I can’t get this nail to go in.”
“Just hold your hammer like this and try again.”
“My husband left me. I don’t know what to do.”
“Come out. Let’s see how we can help you.”
And sometimes people don’t even realize they were crying out for help until after their needs were met.
“My husband would never have known he had this ability (watercolor painting) if it weren’t for you. This has changed his life.”
“I feel as though I’ve emerged from some deep dark abyss that I didn’t realize I had fallen into. Thank you so much for restoring hope and joy to my life.”
People in need of help. People responding.
You see, I don’t think it is enough to go about our daily lives just doing what needs to be done. I think we are called to so much more. It’s not supposed to be about alarm clocks, commutes, work, shuffling the kids from one activity to another, catching some dinner, paying the bills, and hitting the hay in preparation for another day.
For many people I believe that is what life becomes. Perhaps that is why there is so much need for anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.
But I don’t think that is what life is supposed to be. “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” I think we are meant to work together. To solve problems together. To dream together. And when we do, everyone gains.
So, thank you, whomever you are. Thank you if you have cried out for help. Thank you if you have donated or volunteered or prayed for us. Thank you if you have needed help and thank you if you have provided it.
You all have been a part of transforming lives.
Those who serve, those who volunteer, those who come out to help, hopefully you have returned home transformed. Hopefully your ears are more opened to hearing cries for help. Hopefully you are inspired to continue serving others. Hopefully you experienced the love of Christ and the joy of giving. Hopefully we have made a difference.
For those who have cried out for help, we have done our best to respond to those cries. Hopefully your lives have been transformed as you are once again warm, safe, and secure in your home. Hopefully we have been able to show you the love of Christ and just how valuable you are. Hopefully we have made a difference.
You all are so valuable. As we hear about all the tragedies, loss, anger, pain and division in the world today, I want to thank all of you who have either given or received from Hosanna Industries. Thank you for reaching out, for working together, for opening your heart and life to others, for allowing the love of Christ to be shared. This is what life is really about.
And Jack, that little boy who had trouble bobbing for apples? He worked at Hosanna Industries last year as one of our summer staff. He answered many cries for help last year swinging a hammer, running a saw, operating a weedwacker, wielding a screwgun.
Thank you, dear Hosanna friend, and thank you Jack for reminding us that it is good to ask for help when you need it and to provide help when you are able.
-Julie Wettach, Mission Worker
