Living
Helping Hands celebrates with note burning party
Sunday, 05 August 2012 by Keith Bahlmann
Members of the Helping Hands Ministry Board of Directors celebrate the completion of the building loan by burning a copy of the fully paid note.There was certainly an excitement in the air when the Board of Directors for Helping Hands Ministry met for their regular meeting on July 17. At the conclusion of the meeting, everyone gathered outside to celebrate the completion of the building loan by burning a copy of the fully paid note.
"God has definitely blessed this ministry. He is always pleased when His followers put theological differences aside in order to work together to serve Him by loving and serving those in need," said Rucker Preston, Executive Director. "We will be able to better meet the needs of our neighbors now that we are without any debt," said Preston. Helping Hands Ministry began a lease purchase agreement with Sonny Wooley
Properties Management, L.C. in September of 2008 for $400,000. The final payment was made in June, completing the building loan in less than four years.
Aside from a $30,000 grant from the E.R. Carpenter Foundation in Temple, the overwhelming majority of the funds used to pay off the building have come from very generous individuals in the community. "Our ability to pay off a $400,000 building in a little more than three years is a testament to the love and dedication of our local community.
Thanks to all those who gave so much to help those in need," said Bruce Burleson, Board President for Helping Hands Ministry.
One of the first contributions given for the building was a $7 cash donation made by a client of Helping Hands Ministry in 2008. She said that she wanted to be a part of what God was doing in the community.
Helping Hands Ministry is a faith based 501c3 non-profit organization that seeks to meet the needs of those in the community in order to share the Gospel of Jesus. Helping Hands Ministry assists approximately 3,400 individuals with groceries, approximately 9,000 times every month. In addition, spiritual counseling, clothing, household items, school supplies, rent, utility assistance and free education classes are available to clients three days each week.
