It seems we’re always waiting on something.
I’ve never been a huge fan of hanging my fishing pole out in the water. I think I’ve only ever participated in the beloved pastime of so many on one occasion. I remember thinking, “what’s fun about this? We’re just sitting here waiting.” Over the years, I developed a bit more of that precious virtue God insists we all are exposed to… Waiting. I guess good fishermen have learned how to wait well.
“I will make you a fisher of men.”
When I received my call to ministry, it was a clarion call. I remember exactly where I was when I heard it. I also remember how resistant I was to the idea of becoming a minister. Unwilling to concede to an identity change and afraid of getting it wrong, and maybe even more afraid of getting it right, I ran. I had no idea what amazing things God had in store–no inkling how God wanted to use me, my life, my experiences, my hurts, my mistakes, my lessons, my blessings. I had no idea I would be fishing in Trenton at the Maker’s Place. I had no idea how much I would come to enjoy this fishing!
Most of the time everyone serving at the Maker’s Place is too busy to focus on our waiting.
The Diaper Depot program is now distributing 24,000 diapers monthly to over 1,300 families, just halfway through the year. We’ve expanded through volunteerism to meet the ever increasing needs of our community. A recent study, NDBN Diaper Need Check 2023, revealed 1 in 2 U.S. families struggle to afford diapers for their little ones every month. That number is up from the 1 in 3 families reported in a 2017 study. We certainly have the data to support it in the greater Trenton area. Distribution at eight locations, connecting with over two hundred families, five days each week underscores our impact.
I know I’m biased, but there’s definitely something uniquely special happening.
We’re still a small paid staff of one and a half. The half is our wonderful part-time Field and Operations Specialist, Andi Laidlaw. She’s really a “whole” lot of great things and I’m so grateful to serve alongside her and all the numerous faithful volunteers that basically serve as our staff. Of course LaVerna Albury and Lori Pantaleo, are always behind the scenes ensuring babies are clean, safe and dry while helping parents to breathe a bit easier and stress a little less.
Not having written in a long while, it seems I’m inclined to make up for lost time.
We haven’t written but I’ve prayed everyday for grace and by divine intervention, for your understanding of how demanding things have been, and by God’s grace you would continue to support us in spite of it.
Most certainly we wouldn’t be able to do much of anything without the support of our generous and gracious donors.
We’ve gained a number, a number have moved on, and a number have remained. We’re grateful for every bit of help and do our best to honor everyone's gifts and trust by living out our values and mission in the community everyday.
Love and prayers,
--Callie
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