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Dear Presbytery Family,
Last week I shared what I called a “Go tell John Story.” You might recall that when John was in prison and perhaps feeling discouraged or struggling with doubt, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the One. Jesus responded with the wonderful stories of all he was doing, stories to encourage John in his faith. Last week I shared my own “Go tell John Story” about a woman named Shirley. As we continue the season of Advent, I have yet another “Go tell John Story” to share with you today. This one is about Peachey and Joe.
It began with great need. Peachey and Joe lived in a poor community that had a sizeable population of people who were homeless or right on the margins, only a paycheck away from disaster. The church saw a steady stream of people asking for help, and it was very challenging. Peachey and Joe had such a good heart for these folk, wanting to help, and yet at a loss for how to make a real difference. As they began to build relationship with the homeless folk in town, they could see that more than a handout the homeless needed a family – relationships to sustain and encourage them, people to be there for them with day-to-day problems, in friendship, encouraging and supporting them along life’s way. How on earth could they tackle such a big sea of need?
And then Peachey and Joe’s son came to visit and talked about what his church was doing in Philadelphia. It sounded so simple: a laundry ministry! He explained that they made laundry kits – a baggie with one tide pod, one fabric softener sheet and one trash bag for clean clothes inside. They showed up at the local laundromat at a prescribed day and time that they had worked out with the laundromat owner and gave out their laundry kits and quarters for the machines. Anyone in need could wash and dry one load. They let the local shelter and food bank know what they were doing so they could help spread the word.
Well, Peachey and Joe took this idea to heart. In no time the church office became the laundry kit assembly station. One afternoon each week Peachey and Joe headed to the laundromat with their rolls of quarters and bag of assembled laundry kits. And those in need came. Clothes were washed and dried, and it became clear that this small form of assistance was making a difference. Enough quarters were found to handle sleeping bags that had gotten wet in the rain, and clothes that were extra dirty from sleeping on the ground. Some had housing but lived on such a small budget that help with the laundry each week was making a real difference. It felt good to wear clean clothes! People stood up straighter, smiled a little. And that was only the beginning.
One man showed up with his guitar and dark circles under his eyes that were evidence of many, many sleepless nights. He told the painful story of the death of his daughter. Her mother had given the little girl an illegal drug to keep her quiet while she got high. He explained this is common in drug culture – the babysitter used for the kids is the drug itself. The little girl had died. The man composed songs and sang about his pain and heartache and profound loneliness and deep grief, and Peachey and Joe listened week by week, keeping him company in that world of hurt as clothes were washed. And little by little that man’s broken heart began to heal. He had so desperately needed someone to listen and to care. Go tell John! The one who mourned was comforted.
A mother showed up with her son. Peachey and Joe were curious as to why this school-aged boy was not in school. The mother explained that the boy was having so much trouble with math he did not want to go to school. Next time they came to the laundromat Peachey and Joe made sure a retired
teacher from the church was there to tutor the boy in math until he could get up to speed. And arithmetic happened as the clothes were washed. Go tell John! The one who walked in darkness saw the light.
Peachey and Joe began to ask more questions of those they were helping. They learned that some people wanted jobs but couldn’t write well enough to fill out job applications. Others had apartments they would like to rent, but again could not write well enough to fill out the application. So volunteers came to help, and forms were filled out and paperwork put in order as the clothes were washed. And some found jobs and housing, and everyone celebrated. Go tell John! The poor have received a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair!
Peachey and Joe had everyone cleaning out machines, throwing away trash, sweeping the place before they left. The owners of the laundromat were pleased, and their small business thrived as the clothes were washed. Go tell John! Proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor!
There was laughter in that laundromat now! People came to hang out with each other. It was a place of friendship and understanding. Community was formed as the clothes were washed. Go tell John! The poor have received the good news!
My friends, there is great need all around, but greater than all that need is the One who loves us and invites us to serve as his own hands and feet in the work of redeeming the world that God so loves.
Together in Christ,
With courage, devotion and good spirit as a colleague,
Rev. Beth Buckwalter-Miller
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19
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