Faith News Network » His Hands Extended

Recently, I attended the Ohio State Ministers Meeting in Columbus, Ohio. It was a great time of ministry and fellowship. While there, I had the privilege of seeing one of my old college buddies, James E. Valentine, of Wooster, OH. Jim shared with me the creative way that he was able to turn a disaster into a blessing. Here is his story in his own words.

“In the aftermath of a tornado storm, which came through Wooster, OH, on September 16, 2010, I was called upon to coordinate the clean-up process. The storm path went through an area where many seniors and widows reside. I have had many chances to meet and minister to these precious people in that area. While praying about how to turn this into a “win-win” situation, the Good Lord Himself provided a “God Thing,” which I call a “God Send.”

God sent the right people at just the right time! Equipment and manpower was provided. Also, several Mennonite churches, along with Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, and Catholics stepped forward to be “His Hands Extended.” One company in particular, in providing both their equipment, manpower and underwriting the expenses said, ‘Pastor Valentine, it was meant by God for you to have our equipment, manpower and supplies on these days. Please keep up your faithful ministry of service unto the elderly.’

My commitment to those who donated their labor and time in such a wonderful atmosphere of Christian fellowship was to have the trees logged out and sold for firewood. The proceeds from all the wood sales were given to World Missions for the advancement of the gospel of the Great Commission.”

After returning from the Ohio State Ministers Meeting, I received Jim’s check in the amount of $1,000 from the wood proceeds. This money will go toward the 2010 Ohio State missions project for Uruguay and Peru. Thank God for men like Brother Valentine who have a heart and passion for World Missions and creatively raise mission ministry funding.