"Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (NRSV)

Board of Directors

Kenithe Arnold

Marion Davis

Willard Ferguson

Bobby Lang

Charles Langham

David Matherly

Charlie Moore

Bud Orr

Leon Smith

Caroline Taylor

Wade Weaver

The Best of Times

So, she’s finally lost it, I bet you’re thinking. How could anyone call these days “The Best of Times?”

People are losing their jobs, plants are laying off employees, utility bills are higher than they have been in years, there are fewer opportunities to work.

In short, things are pretty bleak for the average person who lives from paycheck to paycheck.

But I remember World War II. We lived in Tennessee at that time, and every night a convoy of troops would camp in the pasture across the road from our house.

My mother welcomed the soldiers who came to draw water from the well on our back porch. One evening a young recruit asked if she had any buttermilk. She did, and gave him a glass. He cried because it reminded him of home. Sometimes a soldier would want to hold my little sister or me. They often told us about their children back at home and how much they missed them.

During this time, some foods and other products were rationed. For example: we couldn’t get sugar or tires for our car. But mother got in touch with our milkman, a nearby farmer, and he gave her all the buttermilk he could spare for her to pass out to the troops. A fresh crop of soldiers appeared at our well every night, and Mother passed out buttermilk until it was gone. I know this was a little thing, but she did what she could during that time of crisis.

During times like these, when the economy is expected to get worse before it gets better, we must each examine ourselves to find an avenue to help those who are doing without or getting cold or giving up hope. If you cannot give financially, why not call your favorite charity or church and offer to serve in any capacity that would benefit families needing help.

Americans have always risen to the occasion, especially in times of hardship and trouble and we can do it again. Times like these bring out the best in us. Let’s not wait for the government to do something; let’s be bold and seek a way to serve. In giving, we receive far more than we give.

In this issue of The Outreach, we will be highlighting some of the efforts of volunteers at TVO. We will also list tasks or jobs that need doing. So, say a prayer and then call an agency and volunteer.
  — —   jw

This is the online version of "The Outreach," the newsletter of Tennessee Valley Outreach Inc., Vol. 13, No. 2 for February, 2009.

1. P2 Our Supporters
2. P2 5th Annual Golf Tournament
3. P3 EPSCO, INC.
4. P4 Clean Garage = Happy Home
5. P5 Service Opportunities
6. P5 Golf Tournament Registration
7. P6 Director's Comments

Think about it!