01/06/2021
My Best Year – 2020 Really?!! 2020?
This was written in a card to Teri from Tish, who gave us permission to use her name. She is one of the ladies Teri mentored before and after her release this year from the Henley State Jail. Teri has helped in many ways, including getting her a job – not an easy feat for a felon. The front of the card proclaimed, “Amazing the difference one person can make,” and inside it said, “For being there… For being you… For believing in me… Thank you!” Below is her handwritten note:
Mrs. Looney – ‘Teri,’
Ever since you’ve come into my life, I’ve had a feeling that I would be okay. And with your love and belief in me and the change God has done in my life, I have been the happiest I have ever been in my whole life – 47 years! Being a mentor is sort of like an “adopt an adult” program, and I am so glad the Lord put you in my path. You’re an amazing woman with a wonderful heart, and I’m so thankful to know you. You have even welcomed me into your home and made me feel like family. I thank you and your husband for all the love and time and hope you have both had for me. I love you both. Love forever, Tish
I’m not sure 2020 was the best year ever for Hidden Manna, but God showed up in beautiful ways. We were able to have our scheduled One Flesh marriage retreat, Growing Your Marriage prison workshop, prison mentoring, and Bridges to Life in January and February before everything was shut down in March due to the coronavirus. Since then, we have had to be more creative in ministry.
Teri and her team have continued corresponding with woman in prison and mentoring those who have been released. We have done hygiene product drives for Henley and the Walls unit in Huntsville. Teri has done several clothing drives and taken clothing to the prisons for those being released. She also solicited the donation of many books for the prison libraries and bought a new refrigerator for the chaplain and staff at the Henley unit. We helped with extensive dental work for one of the mentees, and provided computers for two individuals as well as an automobile through supporter donations.
Thanks to your support, I, Paul, have been able to produce over 60 videos, some with professional help. 44 have been posted and according to Facebook, there have been over 60,000 views! I have also been able to have over a hundred sessions with pastors and others in ministry at reduced or no cost because of your generous support. Early in the year I led a parenting workshop at WoodsEdge Church and spoke at Faith Bible Church. This fall I led a full-day workshop in Louisiana for pastors dealing with the trauma and aftermath of the hurricane devastation there. Thanks to you, God is making a difference, and for some, like Tish, 2020 was the best year yet!
We love you and appreciate your prayers and/or financial support. God bless you!
