Wayward vine reminds Mission workers little things count

Employees, volunteers and customers at the Dyersburg/Dyer County Union Mission's Thrift Store were recently reminded that God is, indeed, in the little things. This wayward vine wound its way into a tapestry featuring John 15:5, which states: 'I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from Me you can do nothing.' The encouraging reminder came just in time for the Union Mission's busiest season - the Mission expects to touch 1,000 residents with its programs and ministries this holiday season.

This fall, as the Dyersburg/Dyer County Union Mission prepared to enter its 49th year of service and kick off its busiest season, Mission volunteers, employees and thrift-shop customers were reminded that, sometimes, the greatness of God appears in the littlest ways.

In the weeks before the Mission's 48th anniversary, as employees were busy preparing for the organization's annual Mission March and a dedication and celebration at its New Life Youth Camp, a wayward vine found its way into the spotlight.

A tendril from a vine planted in front of the Mission Thrift Store wound its way through a crack in the doorjamb and emerged behind a bookshelf. Continuing into the shop, the vine wrapped itself into a tapestry featuring the Bible verse John 15:5, which states: "I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from Me you can do nothing."

This little vine found a way into the Mission Thrift Store through a crack between the doorjamb and the wall just in time to lift the spirits of Mission employees during their busiest season. [Click to enlarge]

"We plant a lot of seeds (here)," said Mission Executive Director Jerry Edmundson. "And sometimes, it feels like you are throwing seeds out on a frozen lake where they will never sink in. But we are always praying for a springtime, when those seeds fall to the bottom and dig in."

Employees and volunteers at the Mission couldn't help but share the news of the vine with Thrift Store customers and residents coming in to be served by or aid the ministry. The little vine brought a smile to the faces of the workers as they prepared for the organization's busiest time of year.

"It's a God thing," said Wendy White, with a smile.

That sentiment has remained in the forefront for employees throughout fall and into the hectic holiday season, one of the busiest times for the Mission.

During Thanksgiving week, the Dyersburg/Dyer County Union Mission fed over 200 people, providing three special meals, food boxes and a chapel service for 72 families.

"We fed 250 people Thanksgiving week," said Edmundson. "Various churches helped with food and we had three different ministers to come from churches to speak in our chapel services. We start this week boxing toys for approximately 250 boys and girls."

Edmundson said Mission services will also provide 205 families with food baskets during the holidays.

"Santa will be here to hand out the toys and we'll give each child a big box full of toys," said Edmundson. "Some are new and some are good used toys. We also have parties and outings and gifts for the camp kids and the Mission Youth Club kids. So, with toys and meals and food baskets, we will help over 1,000 residents during the Christmas season."

Another Mission program ministers to prisoners in the Dyer County Jail, a program started about two decades ago, when Edmundson's attention was again drawn to the importance of life's little things.

"I was at the jail talking to this man and he said, 'I wish I had a Christmas card to send to my mother.' There were tears in his eyes," remembered Edmundson. "Someone heard him and said, 'I wish I had one to send to my wife.' Now, every year, early - in fact, we will begin this week - we take two Christmas cards and envelopes and stamps to the prisoners, along with some things for them to read and a letter."

Edmundson said the letter explains how the Mission Christmas Card program came about. Prisoners also receive a package from the Mission two days before Christmas containing fruit, candy, more literature, gospel tracks, a calendar and letter of encouragement informing them of Bible study opportunities and that Bibles are available from the Mission for those who want them.

The Mission will prepare 210 packages for the Dyer County Jail this season.

As economic conditions affect local residents, ministries throughout Dyer County are reporting a higher demand for services. Unfortunately, those same economic conditions are making it harder for residents to make donations, causing ministries to do more with less money.

"If folks would like to give in a small way, they can sponsor a food basket," said Edmundson, who said baskets are $35, $45 and $55. "That's one way to help."

Edmundson is quick to credit the community with the success of the many programs offered by the Mission.

"I'd like to say 'thank you' (to area residents) for all the things that have been listed in this article," said Edmundson. "It is awesome what this community has done and is doing through the Mission's programs and ministries. And even though we ask for your continued support, just look at what you've already done. Everything we do is for a life-changing purpose and so we give the Lord all the praise for what He has accomplished through so many people."