Honoring Unsung Heroes

Marie Mellencamp with her son and her daughter

Heaven will be filled with unsung heroes. Though they serve behind the scenes, and rarely get any recognition, they make a significant contribution to the Kingdom that is felt by many. One such hero was Marie Mellencamp. Ten years ago, she decided to start knitting scarves for us to give out on the streets. She continued this ministry until she passed away earlier this month. She was 81 when she died, and remained faithful to the end. Only the Lord knows how many scarves she knit and how those scarves blessed the people we gave them too, but one thing we do know – she is an inspiration to us all.  

Our dear friend, Mr. Chan, wearing one of Marie's scarves

Some others who have used their gifts and talents to give to those in need are the ladies at the Stoneridge Village residence.  They made beautiful quilts to bless the unfortunate at Tompkins Square Park.  They served faithfully through the years until just recently when they let us know it has become too physically challenging to continue their service.

WE JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU!  It is evident in these women that we are able to serve God at any age if we just give away what He has given us!

A few of the quilts sent by the ladies of Stoneridge Village

God Has Not Forgotten Them

"No one from the Church has ever come to visit us before." Coming from one of the ladies who worked in the massage parlor, we knew the Lord was leading us to the right place as we prayed prior to entering.  Implicit in her statement was the notion that she had been isolated from the religious community due to her line of work.  Yet our presence and the simple gift bag filled with candies and lotion was enough to show her how much God loves her.

By breaking through stigmas and kindly initiating friendships with these women, we have the tremendous opportunity to share Jesus with women who have almost completely been forgotten - even forgotten by the Church. But God has not forgotten these women. In fact, He sees them every moment of every day. He has the hair on their heads numbered, He even knows when they sit and when they rise. Beautiful One, Street LIFE Ministries’ outreach to women in the sex industry, continues to be a picture of His tremendous love and care for each woman. In 2016 we went approximately 30 times to various massage parlors and strip clubs, giving out more than 1,000 gifts to the men and women who work there. We thank you for all your support and prayers that help make this ministry possible.