2008 and On – Upward

    This year is now well underway.  The happenings and records recorded in this 2007 Annual Report are all history.  All these facts included for you are history according to our stats.  But they are much, much more.  They represent the fact that a mother’s tears were dried when she received coats for her children.  The stats tell about Christmas, but they are more than stats.  They brought smiles to the faces of children who received a box full of toys.  The stats show a Family Help category, but hungry families were fed, utilities due to be cut off remained on, eviction notices were rendered void, daily kids received love and care, hugs, and hope from staff and volunteers at MYC Club. 

    The stories and history continue.  It’s important history, though, because these stats tell us where we’ve been and challenge and inspire us to move forward in 2008.

    The Lord has truly blessed us through your wonderful support.  It allows us to continue to be successful in all that we do.

    Pat and I want to give you our sincere thanks for supporting the Mission’s ministries and allowing us to be on the front lines of helping make a difference in the lives of so many in our community.

    We now challenge you to continue that support as we reach out this year and increase our ministries of helping our neighbors.

                                                    With Thankful Hearts,

                                                     Jerry L. Edmundson

This past Christmas season I had the opportunity to experience the annual packing of food boxes for the first time in about 30 years since I was a Boy Scout.  What a great experience to be there with a diverse group of volunteers working together to accomplish that task.  It was even more special to be able to work beside my own son, who is now working on his Eagle Scout requirements.  I encourage you to take part in this ministry experience in the upcoming year. 

2008 should be an exciting year around the various ministries at the Dyersburg-Dyer County Union Mission.  Most of that excitement will center around the construction of the much anticipated youth retreat center at our camp location.  The completion of this project will enable our youth ministry efforts to be greatly expanded by offering over-night retreat and camp experiences.  This facility will have the capability to be used year-round to expand the number of times we can touch these kids for Christ. 

These are just two of the many opportunities you have to get involved with the ministries offered at the Mission.  In addition to volunteering your time, I ask that you continue to pray for our staff, the volunteers and the ministries that are taking place each day.  Finally, as we continue to grow these ministries, I ask that you support the Mission financially by donating your clothing and household articles to the thrift stores and by making a financial contribution sometime throughout this upcoming year.

In Christ, 

Andrew L. Harrington