Main Street Minute
By LAVONNE CARRINGTON
Correspondent
One can hardly write about Main Street Ministries without mentioning the volunteer staff that make it all possible. Recently, I spoke with Lisa Schafer about her family's involvement with MSM.
Several years ago, Larry and Lisa Schafer moved into the Hillsboro area, but in July 2006, life took a turn toward Main Street Ministries. Lisa said, "For years I've driven by this building and wondered if the Lord had plans for us to participate here. It's almost like He was drawing us to this place."
Just nine months earlier, in fact, the Schafer's sat down with the director of MSM and discussed how they could participate, even though they didn't live on the property at that time. Lisa began participating in Bible studies with the sojourners living there, and Larry began offering maintenance service where needed.
However, in December, the Schafer family had a small house fire in the home they were renting. The family was safe.
"But that's when we realized what a blessing MSM is and can be to the community," Lisa says. "Lillian (the director) made sure we had groceries from the food bank, since most of our food storage was lost in the fire.
"She also made some calls, and put us in touch with a MSM partner, who actually went with us to launder all of our smoke-damaged clothing and bedding. It was just awesome to be blessed like that at a time when we felt so discouraged.
"I mean, Christmas was only 12 days away, and we were living in my mother's basement. MSM sort of became our community advocate, making sure all of our needs were covered. We now knew personally how important MSM is to the county!" Schafer continued.
In July 2006, the Schafer family decided they wanted to be a part of the volunteer staff, living on-site at MSM.
Lisa said, "It was a timely decision."
Debts had mounted for them, and MSM offered them a chance to not only be involved at a deeper level with the ministry, but also gave them some financial relief so they could focus on their debts and make a fresh start.
"Because MSM provides low-cost housing, we're able to focus more on getting debt free. It's our 'do-over'," Lisa said.
On Saturday mornings, Lisa works as a prayer partner for visitors to the food bank. She explained, "Folks come in for the groceries. But we really feel like it's important for them to know how much God loves them, and that He is 'Giver of the gifts'."
The food ministry also opens doors to other ways MSM can help.
Lisa said, "We feel like it's important to find out if there are other ways that we can partner up with them to meet needs they may have in other areas. If they need a baby bed, but can't afford to buy one, we want to know. It's not uncommon for folks to call us and offer us one, knowing that we'll give it to someone who needs it. We can then be God's mediator for meeting the needs of our visiting families. I can't tell you how many times this sort of scenario actually plays out," she shared.
And Larry continues to help with property maintenance, as well. On top of commuting to his full-time job each day during the week, he does everything from changing light bulbs in apartments, to repairing bicycles for the sojourner families living at MSM. He said, "I'm a 'Jack-of-all-trades,' but master of one — bicycles."
He also pointed out how important the ministry of MSM has been for his family.
"We now have the unique opportunity of being ministry partners, as well as being ministered to. It's actually a better way for His church to operate, I think."
The Schafers believe that MSM is like a "hub" where lots of God's hands can come together and show His love in many different ways.
Oh, one more thing
To volunteer to serve in the food bank, or other areas of ministry, contact Lillian Bookless at Main Street Ministries, 947-3393.
