How well have you slept over these last few weeks? Did you wake up each morning in a comfy bed? Many of our neighbors are sleeping on the floor- on flat air mattresses or on stacks of blankets. Can you imagine the added stress during this already challenging time?

Our churches are cautiously restarting our Furniture Ministry, focusing on the need for our neighbors to have a good night’s sleep. Following the usual safety protocols (face coverings, sanitizer, serving only when healthy), teams of 2-3 are delivering the gift of beds to our families. We purchase mattresses at great prices from Chicago Mattress, so families get to take the wrapper off. How great does it feel to get something new?! Servants also bring in bags of linens for each bed, containing the sheets and blankets (& ideally new pillows!) needed to put the bed to use right away.

Our neighbors are experiencing all types of challenging situations that bring them to Love INC’s Clearinghouse. One family who received beds is recovering from a flooded apartment that destroyed many of the family’s belongings. Another family is seeking employment, but is unable to find work enough to sustain all of their family’s needs. Another is experiencing a flare up of chronic health issues, on top of the coronavirus situation. Yet each family greeted the church delivery teams with joy and excitement! Fellowship was had (safely distanced, of course!), prayers were shared and the love of Christ was on display.

Love Story from the Mission Field

During one recent delivery, volunteers from Christ Church brought this joyful 5 year old his very first bed! “Little E” was so excited for the team to be there with this gift. Wanting him to be part of the experience, the volunteers told him the mattress was too heavy. “Would you help us carry it?”

He eagerly grabbed a corner and helped haul it to his room. Then, like any energetic 5 year old, he showed his joy by proceeding to jump on it!

Praise be to God for his provision of beds and servants to love on our neighbors during this challenging time!