Look for the Helpers

In the latest chapter of our Look for the Helpers series, we’re taking a look at another of PRUMC’s global mission partners: International Support for Georgian Youth (ISGY), which is working to break the cycle of generational poverty in the Imereti region of the Country of Georgia. In addition to its Sponsor a Child program, which provides food, medicine and clothing to children, ISGY is working to provide vocational training programs that will truly help Georgian youth become self-sustaining and have hope for a better future. We spoke with PRUMC member and ISGY founder Lynn Banks, who has shepherded the cause of Georgian children since her first mission trip there more than 20 years ago. Here’s what she told us about Georgia and how you have continued to help during the pandemic.

One of the most affecting aspects of the times we’re in may be sensory overload – the daily requirements of living, working, schooling and coping in this COVID bubble; the fire-hose gush of worrisome news; and the desire to move to the next stage despite uneasiness about what that move might bring. What a blessing, then, to turn our attention toward caring people around the world who have turned down the noise – and who keep finding ways to help those with no voice. In the latest chapter of our Look for the Helpers series, take a look at what’s happening with Bill Coble and Start with One Kenya.

Is there anything better these days than a reminder of how quickly our connection can spark joy? PRUMC’s Libby Johnson, 4 ½, and her new friend, Miss Kathy, found that out recently when the two came together during Mission Camp.

How do you show your love on the other side of the globe when the globe has shut its doors? After 2019’s seven global mission trips to four countries (and three million miles collectively traveled by teams!), PRUMC’s Global Missions staff and volunteers are building a new paradigm – doing all they can at a distance while planning for a safer way to show love and commitment in 2021 and the “next normal”.

When then-newlyweds Tracy and Shawn Ryan met with their Bible study group and heard about an outreach organization one member had founded, the couple had no idea they were starting down a path that would evolve to define service not just for them but for their children yet to be born. Now, more than 15 years later and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tracy, Shawn and their three oldest children have found a new model to do what they’ve been doing for many years: cooking and serving hot meals on the fourth Monday of every month for homeless guests at SafeHouse Outreach.

Members of the 30-year-old Virgi Woo* book club (most of whom are also PRUMC members) have talked through a lot of personal challenges and successes over the years. Recently, all have been inspired and moved by the work of member Pat Meadors, who is a Piedmont Hospital emergency health physician battling COVID-19. So they resolved to help make at least one day of the week a little easier for Dr. Meadors and her team.

When Angie Howell volunteered to shop and deliver groceries to widows for PRUMC outreach partner HopeWorks, her initial thought was just to help. “I’m able-bodied and able to drive, and I thought it would also be a good way for my daughters to help and have a distraction from the isolation,” she says. What she hadn’t anticipated was the level of emotion they would all feel...

You may remember that back in March, ASW Distillery switched its production over to hand sanitizer so they could supply Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and other organizations struggling with shortages during the pandemic. ASW owners/PRUMC members Jim and Kelly Chasteen created “Give One/Get One”, a program through which corporate and individual purchases of sanitizer translate into an equal amount donated to organizations in need...

Sharing moments of togetherness, no matter the length of time, can be a balm for the spirit. Now more than ever, we are aware that even the briefest moment in friendly company is a blessing to be cherished.

All of us have watched with awe and humility as our healthcare workers resolutely walk into the fight with COVID-19 every day, putting their lives at risk to save ours. “Thank you” seems so small in such circumstances – yet we yearn to express it to these heroes. PRUMC member Becky Matherne decided to just do it, and as usual, more PRUMC volunteers jumped in to help. A note-writing brigade (focused on respecting careful quarantine practices!) got underway.

During this health crisis, we are all searching for ways to support one another and stay well. ASW Distillery Owners and PRUMC Members Jim and Kelly Chasteen found a powerful way to do just that - they switched ASW production to urgently needed hand sanitizer.

In addition to safe shelter, the mission of Covenant House Georgia (CHGA) is to show unconditional love and comprehensive support to youth experiencing homelessness and escaping trafficking.

As many non-profit organizations have had to close their doors, Crossroads Community Ministries is one of the few places where those experiencing homelessness can receive a meal.

"I keep being amazed at the kindness and generosity of this amazing church. They love our widows and are willing to show it by these selfless acts of love" - Michael Kimsey, Executive Director of HopeWorks

Right now, our longstanding local outreach partners, the Atlanta Police Athletic League (PAL), are delivering nearly 1000 meals a day to low-income families with children in some of the hardest hit neighborhoods in the city.

The campus of Peachtree Road is a haven for so many during troubled times.

For many of us, a special lunch is part of our Easter celebration.

Last month, we were overwhelmed by how you, our wonderful church family, came together to serve those who needed our help during this health crisis.

As of April 13, you have enabled Chef Bob Brinson and his team to deliver more than 1,700 baked goods to our healthcare heroes!