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Volume 24, Issue 5
A Free Publication from Osprey Observer Inc.
MAY 2020
Lithia Couple Finds Blessings With Ministry Of Hope
By Gwen Rollings
Offers On Page 16
16
Tyler Perry Page 16
Janeen Long’s journey of Fridays of the helping people began over six month beginning decades ago as a young girl in at 5:00 p.m. her father’s store in Ohio. She Eight-feet long said, “When I was 9 years old, tables are my father began bringing me to arranged on the his grocery store where I property. Long learned it is more blessed to added, “Sandy give than receive. I sometimes Habershaw prehelped my father carry food to pares boxes of an elderly man, and he never food according to took any money from that man. each person/famI believe Jesus had me work in ily needs and my father’s store so I could run then they’re Volunteer workers gather at the Ministry of Hope Through the Lord Jesus Jesus’ store when I grew up.” placed in their Christ of Lithia to help distribute food and goods to locals. Janeen is running a store for cars.” Shoppers are offered fresh fruit, Jesus now as co-director with her husvegetables, bread, dairy products, band in the Ministry of Hope Through meats, clothes, small and large the Lord Jesus Christ of Lithia. This household goods, appliances and store is unique in many ways. For more, depending on availability. decades, Janeen and Wayne Long The Ministry of Hope is nonprofit, have invested their lives in ministries dependent on its volunteers and the providing for those who are destitute generosity of the community for donaand in need. Perhaps the most unique tions, which are welcomed 24/7. Long feature of this store…no one has to said, “You can’t see the sign from the pay for anything. road, but at the end of a long driveMost of the products given come way there is our sign and a building from donations. Individuals bring that is always available for donations, canned goods and clothes, a local including papers for tax purposes.” Winn-Dixie contributes daily and small Janeen explained, “The Some of the fresh produce available in season at the blessed part in giving is seefinancial gifts from several local Ministry of Hope in Lithia to those in need. churches as well as collaborating with ing a little 5-year-old girl’s ators and other appliances for families Famous Tate have been invaluable. eyes light up when she hears her famiin crises. Unique to most shopkeepers, the ly received milk that day.” About 40 prequalified shoppers Longs have been known to spend their For information about donating to own money buying things for their cus- experience a unique drive-through the Ministry of Hope Through the Lord tomers: car batteries and tires, refriger- service on the second and fourth Jesus Christ, call 685-5047.
Keep Strong Foundation Under Foot During Challenging Times Several years ago, my family went canoeing on a small river in Kentucky. My wife was in a canoe with our two girls and I was in a canoe with our two boys. About halfway into our excursion, the boys and I thought it would be a great idea to tip the girls into the water. We approached their canoe, reached out to tip them over, but in our zeal we toppled into the water instead of them! My youngest son immediately began to panic, throwing his arms all over the place and screaming at the top of his lungs. Thinking he was drowning, I rush over to him, swimming as fast as I can. As I reach him and try to calm him, my feet lower and I feel something beneath me…the river floor! Page 5 We were only in about three feet of water at the time, so I stand Page 8 up, secure my son and help him to stand. We all had a good laugh Page 15 over this ‘near death’ experience! Culturally, we are in the midst of a unique and challenging situaPage 18 tion unlike anything our genera-
By Dr. Corey Abney
New Pastor Jomo
Pg 7
Columns: Grace Notes: Hooked On Books: Fruit of the Spirit: Faith & Footprints:
Dr. Corey Abney Lead Pastor Bell Shoals Baptist Church
tion has experienced. Few, if any of us, foresaw a time when we would self-quarantine, shelter at home and be required to stand at least six feet away from other human beings. It feels, to many of us, that we are drowning in fear, anxiety, uncertainty, financial instability, the lack of normalcy or all of the above. Yet, in the midst of these unique challenges and circumstances, there is a solid foundation beneath us. We have a God who is in control of all things. A God who loves you and who sent His Son to die for you. A God who raised His Son from the dead and secured eternal life for all who believe. A God who, even now, is working all things for good. So, in the midst of the raging current of our present circumstances, look below the water line and you will see a firm foundation beneath you…the foundation of God’s unconditional love and caring providence.