We spent New Year’s Eve delivering handmade scarves, hats, and prayer pillows to a homeless shelter.

This box of scarves are handmade (crocheted) by a very special teenager we know – who just happens to have a very big heart. (We love you!)

9 Crocheted Scarves

And a precious friend – who we love lots, and have adopted into our family! – donated….

5 Crocheted Hats

9 Scarves (5 crocheted, 4 fleece)

and…

Over a 100 Prayer Pillows

Our dear friend was VERY busy sewing and stuffing these prayer pillows and making the above scarves. She also donated those hats she had made. She and her husband are a huge help to us and we appreciate them so very much. They were right there with us today, delivering to the homeless shelter!

Thank you to our special helpers!!

About the Prayer Pillows

In case you’ve never heard of a prayer pillow, I’ve included the information page we use to explain them. We left one at the shelter today so anyone who wanted one (or was just curious) would understand what they represent – and just how powerful they are…

Highways &

Byways Ministries

www.highwaysandbywaysministries.com

Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth

as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for

them of my Father which is in heaven. – Matthew 18:19

Prayer Pillows

Prayer pillows are very special. They’re also very powerful. People from all over the world, of all denominations, of all ages and walks of life, pray over the prayer pillows daily.

Everyone who holds these prayer pillows prays for:

1.  Everyone who has a prayer pillow – and all of their loved ones – to have salvation.

2.  That God will heal all sickness and disease.

3.  That God will restore finances.

4.  You add your prayers to these.

Our prayer is that in 2010, God will move the mountains that are in your lives and restore your hopes and dreams. We will be working harder than we’ve ever worked – we’re on a mission to house the hurting, and the homeless.

You are loved by God,

and The Tune Family

Prayer does change things – Jesus makes the difference!

Momma’s Houses Fundraising

We wanted to update you on the total amount we’ve raised for the Momma’s Houses cause. So far, we’ve received $30.81 via the ChipIn button, and one donation via the PayPal button.

Also, a $20 donation came in toward Momma’s Houses today. Praise the Lord!

Many people think small amounts don’t add up quickly, but it takes the first step to run a marathon!

 

So, with the PayPal donation, the ChipIn donations, and the $20 cash donation, the balance still needed (for the building) is:

$79,933.37

Let’s work harder than ever in 2010 to help end homelessness – we’ve already started!

We recently delivered goody bags to nearby homeless shelters, for Christmas.

After passing out the bags, Christmas cards, and giant candy canes, we asked the person in charge what else could we do. He told us there is a desperate need for personal hygiene items and warm blankets.

Our small family ministry tries to help people in numerous ways, but we will definitely help even more (and that’s our heart’s desire) if we have additional funding.

We’ve decided to make toiletry bags. Do keep in mind that these toiletry items need to be travel size, or small.  The homeless are usually always on the go and can’t carry large bottles or heavy items around with them.

Below is a list of things we plan on providing. We’ll be making individual bags to give away.

Toiletry Bags

• deodorant/antiperspirant
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes
• soap
• wipes
• hand sanitizer
• chap stick
• hair brush/comb
• waterless shampoo
• Kleenex
• big zip lock bags (to put the above items in)

We Also Want to Provide:

• warm hats
• scarves

Fulfilling these needs are merely scratching the surface. Our ultimate desire is to help these people get off the street permanently and see them in their own homes, living life as they should be. That’s the reason we’re also on a Mission for Momma’s Houses.

You can help two different ways:

1) By clicking on the Donation button below and donating any amount.

2) By mailing any of the above mentioned items (or a check or money order) to:

Highways & Byways Ministries

P.O. Box 115

Diggins, MO 65636

Help us help others…

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In the previous article, we mentioned our Valentine’s Day idea for a nursing home in our area — it led to 60 bags of love…

What’s in a Valentine?

It’s things money can’t buy such as a hug or smile that touch hearts beyond measure, or just time spent with someone who doesn’t have anyone that make the most valuable, memorable gift. Time and caring doesn’t take a lot of money….

Spreading the Love

To show our love and appreciation, Highways and Byways Ministries recently put together — and personally delivered — 60 custom Valentine’s Day gift bags. These bags were filled with various old-fashioned candies, chosen to spark warm memories in the residents. They also contained needed items, such as socks to keep their feet warm, and a handwritten Valentine card to make them feel special and show they are loved and thought about.

One of the employees pushing the cart filled with Valentine goodies into the nursing home.

Valentine’s Day bags nestled in boxes, sitting on a cart, waiting for the residents’ party.

A close-up of the gift bags and socks snuggled in a decorated Valentine’s box.

It’s the Thought that Counts

It didn’t take a ton of money to purchase the items necessary for assembling these Valentine bags. And, it didn’t take that much time to toss the stuff in the bags, or to stop by the nursing home and carry them in.  The weathered faces that greeted us when we walked in have worked in the fields, raised children with morals, been wonderful grandparents, friends, neighbors, and citizens. Some fought for our country; others taught our children. They deserve respect, and to be remembered.

Our Valentine Gift

The smiles and excitement on the residents’ faces was worth it all. There is no monetary amount or materialistic item that could replace what we felt in our hearts and souls as we watched the gratitude glowing from the faces of those who sacrificed their life and time for others, who now spend their days longing for visits from someone they love, or anyone — even someone they don’t know, just to sit with them for a spell and keep them company on those long, lonely days.

Keep your money and spend yourself. — Sister Deborah J. Tune