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Heart & Hand [Advance Special 391361] is a ministry of service to rural Appalachia in Barbour County West Virginia, providing assistance with food, housing, clothing and other needs. Work teams spend a week of service every summer in the Philippi area of West Virginia.

Photos from July 2005 work trip.
Click image to enlarge. Use Browser 'Back' button to return to this page.

except from West Virginia Annual Conference - http://www.wvumc.org/council.shtml

Hope for Tomorrow 

Bob Wilkins, Director - Heart and Hand Ministries, Philippi, WV

 

There is a very important story that needs to be told regarding how Hope For Tomorrow funds are really helping a special person at Heart and Hand Ministries.  The story is about Eric, our store volunteer by day and volunteer watchman by night.

The story begins a few years back when the Ministry purchased an old building next door to the office. It was to serve during the short term as an apartment for volunteers in mission work and in the future for office expansion.

Eric is in his mid twenties and unable to handle the responsibilities of full-time employment. His limited income is derived from benefits derived due to the death of his father. When he needed an apartment we had no one living in the old building so it seemed best for everyone that he move in. That was two years ago. Every day since he reports to the thrift store manager to do whatever is necessary—whether carrying out the trash or loading a refrigerator onto a pickup truck. In the evenings he can see our buildings from the apartment and monitors them to ensure that there is no vandalism. He is a great and special volunteer and we would really be in a pinch if he had to move somewhere else.

And that is the point. Hope For Tomorrow funds are allowing Heart and Hand to fix the roof on this old building that Eric calls home.  A new roof on this type of structure is not a work group project. It has to be done with special material and special crew. Regular budget funds do not cover such an expense. The generous support from the Campaign is being used to replace the roof. And Eric is going to be able to stay in his apartment and continue to be a prime volunteer.

The gifts given to our ministry and the other mission projects throughout the Annual Conference do make a difference and are very much appreciated. Eric and I both thank you for your caring and sharing through the Hope For Tomorrow Campaign.

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