CHURCH OUTREACH

Laundry of Love

The Testimony of Alicia Buchanan

Dear New Day Church members,

I don't even know where to begin.  First I'd like to thank Jason Sowell for putting this Laundry of Love project together.  Second, our church family who donated items and their time to make this project a HUGE blessing for all of God's children.  If you're like me, you haven't been blessed like this in a long time.  Something as simple as paying for peoples' laundry.  Go figure.

Some of you had the pleasure of meeting a lady on Saturday named Denise.  Denise is a homeless lady who came into the laundromat to wash a few items of clothing. The moment she walked in, she bumped into Michael Haley and gave him a hug.  Not one of your regular, how are you doin' hugs, a hug that wouldn't let go.  BINGO...I was tearing up already.  She didn't know that Michael was a pastor - I guess he just exudes God's love - (I want what he has!!!).

She was led to a washing machine by three of our attenders.  There she proceeded to tell a story of how her bag was stolen containing her precious memories of her deceased sister.  A red blanket being one of them.  Hugs and tears were in order- no problem getting those!  Without a second thought, a trip to Walmart was made and gifts of socks, underwear, tote bag and a sleeping bag were bought for Denise.  She was truly touched to receive these items.  More loving tears were shed.  Talk about giving the shirt off your back for those in need right?  The outpouring of love was amazing.

Outside, I invited Denise to church the following morning.  She agreed!!!  I told her I'd pick her up at the laundromat at 9:30 a.m.  She said she'd be there.  After I left I couldn't help but wonder if she'd really show up.  Had trouble sleeping that night.  I showed up at the laundromat at 9:25 a.m.  No sign of Denise.  My heart just sank. Low and behold at 9:32 a.m. here comes Denise across the parking lot.  She said, "there you are!!!  I didn't think you'd show"  I said, I thought the same thing! We headed off to church.  Had to get black coffee first.  :)   When we got there Denise was greeted by hugs from everyone she met the day before.  She so enjoyed the Valentine's Day Service.  She even knew the Valentine's Day story.  I didn't! Not sure if anyone noticed but Denise sang loud and proud.  She belted out those worship songs... (note to self... sing louder to the Lord).  This is a woman who hasn't stepped into a church in 13 years.

During the service she drew a picture of a cross.  On it she wrote, "To New Day, Love Denise".  She gave it to Michael after the service.  What a gift.  You know if Denise was the only one who would have shown up on Saturday, it would have all been worth it. When we left church Denise told me that she wasn't even sure why she had accepted the invitation to church.  She hadn't been in 13 years since her sister died.  I told her simply... "GOD".

Our next stop was to pick up a few pictures of our church with Denise so she could have a little momento of the day.  She cringed when I told her and said that she didn't really like pictures because she was ugly.  I said I don't like pictures of me either.  She said, "yeah but you're beautiful".  OUCH.  I looked at her and said, you most certainly are not... look at those beautiful blue eyes you have.  She changed the subject.

Denise wanted to find a cheap hotel for the night for a hot shower and a  good nights sleep.  During our little adventure I learned so much from this wonderful lady.  I learned that shelters dont' have showers.  Did you all know that???  She told me stories about living on the streets.  That homeless people will kill each other for the smallest of itmes like a blanket or socks.  I learned that her bags were heavy, but her heart was light.  She sat in my car blasting country music, singing and smiling the whole way. Let me tell you... the volume control was HERS! :-) She said that this was the most awesome day ever.  Especially church. We finally found a cheap hotel and got her settled in.  Denise was heading off to Texas the next day.  :-(   During our goodbyes she said, "tell everybody I love them".   So to you all I say... I LOVE YOU.

We'll probably never see Denise again, but for those few hours she touched my life and I'm sure yours too.

God is good.