Five children in Brownsville went to sleep in sturdy, framed beds last weekend. For some of the children, it was their first time having a bed of their own.
The hands that so carefully built, delivered and assembled these bed frames were those of seven Texans on Mission volunteers who traveled hundreds of miles to bring help, hope and healing to low-income families in and around Brownsville.
One family of five had been sharing two beds. At another home, a father told volunteers that the bed TXM provided was sturdier and better made than beds he had previously purchased for his family.
“It brought several of them to tears,” said Ryan Welch, TXM missions and discipleship coordinator.
For Livingstone George, a volunteer, the beds offered an opportunity to demonstrate God’s care.
George said the families served by the team were facing different challenges, and necessities such as beds could easily fall behind more immediate needs, like groceries. Providing a bed was a meaningful way to remind families that God cares about their everyday needs, he said.
“It’s a lasting impact,” he said. “They are going through struggles, and this is going to help them lay down and sleep in peace.”
Volunteer Justin John said he saw the beds as a way to give families a lasting reminder.
“Every time they see this bed, it will bring back memories of God’s love,” John said.
The bed-building project was one part of a broader effort, “Serve Brownsville.” TXM partnered with the WMU of Texas to distribute school supplies at back-to-school events and block parties. In all, 1,000 backpacks were distributed to families in need. Volunteers shared the Gospel, led crafts and games for children and responded to additional needs in the community.
The ministry volunteers engaged there also provided opportunities for spiritual conversations. George recalled meeting a woman at one of the events who had committed her life to Christ.
For volunteer Glady Joy, that moment captured the heart of the week.
“It was such a joy to spread the love,” Joy said.
Bring joy to the RGV this Christmas
Texans on Mission is committed to serving in the Rio Grande Valley and will continue to help families in need through our upcoming Christmas mission trip. You can be a part of that effort of sharing the Gospel while filling practical needs by purchasing toys, blankets and First Step Kits, which we will distribute in December. Your generosity can help make Christmas merry for families in the Rio Grande Valley.