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“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers
of men.” — Matthew 4:19
(NAS)
Click here to enlarge
These young men are slaves to the fishing industry on Lake Volta in
Ghana, West Africa. Some children are as young as 3 years old. They work 14-hour
days paddling fishing canoes and casting nets. Many of the children have
ringworm and parasites. They do not know their last name or age. Rescuing and
providing for abandoned, enslaved children in that country is the goal of
Johnbull and Stacy Omorefe of Sioux Falls, S.D., through their City of Refuge
Ministries.
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Christ changes woman who was on drugs and married to a drug dealer.
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Growing Ministry: Living Stones News – Good News for the Midwest
Volunteer delivery positions: LSN needs delivery persons for West Duluth
and South Superior, If you have an hour or two a month and would like to help
get the LSN newspaper out, we invite you join the LSN family.
Advertising salespersons wanted: Want to earn extra cash each month? Come
sell advertising for growing Christian newspaper ministry — South Dakota,
Minnesota or Wisconsin. Paid commissions.
Volunteer managers for Resources Directory: LSN needs volunteers in the
Duluth, Minn., Grand Rapids, Minn., Chequamegon Bay, Wis., and Sioux Falls,
S.D., areas to manage online Christian resources that help people, such as
books, support groups and links to major ministries.
Contact Corinne Scott at (218) 728-4945, (605) 336-6870 or e-mail
Corinne for more
information.
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BY Leslie Wilson
All in God's Family
 The
back room of the ABC Thrift shop buzzed with activity. Donated clothes were
being sorted, tagged and placed on display. Jerry Doucette, the chairman of the
non-profit’s board of directors introduced a few of the many, hard working
volunteers. Around the work table were Lois Williamson, sisters Grace and Wilma
Lamken as well as Ramona Branzell, a fellow board member whom Jerry described as
the "brainchild". These ladies were among the matriarchs of the Thrift Shop.
They set the few necessary guidelines to keep everything running smoothly.
Ramona and Jerry were dubbed the mother and father for this close-knit family of
volunteers.
"We’re one big family with 62 children," Jerry said.
ABC’s board consists of two representatives from each Washburn church. Jerry
described his position as chairman to be more like an arbitrator since all
members are on the same level. We sat on stools around the fabric-store-style
worktable. Jerry pulled out an album, its cover skillfully decorated by a donor
using fabric cut from a pair of donated jeans.
Most of the money which the shop takes in is donated to the discretionary funds
of a number of churches and organizations such as the Food Shelf, Salvation
Army, and the Blue Goose, which is a special bus service for seniors and others
needing assistance.
"Ten outlying and four local churches are our first priority," Jerry said.
The funds, usually between $18,000 and $26,000 annually, are used to help
individuals or families in need. While most of the money benefits local people,
one church helped a penniless casino gambler get home by filling his car’s tank
with gas. The churches work hand in hand, one giving extra money to another
which may be running low.
"It’ been an ecumenical effort drawing churches together," Lois said.
Ladies of St. Louis Catholic Church use material from the shop to make prayer
shawls, which Lois then distributes to the homebound. Like the people sitting
around the table, ABC Thrift Shop exists to help all of the community, all
denominations. There are other worthy causes as well. They purchased radio
equipment for the local ambulance service, an x-ray machine for a Washburn
doctor who holds a free clinic, and backed a missionary to Mongolia.
"We’ve donated to the Solon Springs tornado and Tsunami relief funds as well as
other such programs, too," Jerry said, "but finances generally stay in Bayfield
County. Nearly half a million---$428,000--this little store has given back to
the community in the last 14 years."
It’s an impressive track record for a tiny enterprise which started with a $500
loan from a founding board member. ABC Thrift Shop was born in the old grocery
and butcher shop across the street from its current location.
"It has been a real learning experience," Jerry said.
Through contagious camaraderie and joyfully meeting local needs the shop earned
$12,690 its first year of
operation. The pastors and priests who regularly receive these funds have been
guest speakers at the annual parties that ABC Thrift Shop throws for their
volunteers. These include an Easter brunch and a Christmas dinner at local
restaurants. It’s the only compensation these many generous people receive for
the help they give to the shop.
Help comes in many forms. Volunteers haul unsold items to Goodwill in Duluth.
"Forty bags go to Goodwill every week," Jerry said, "We also have an excellent
landlord."
Their scrapbook of newspaper clippings and party photos stood as testament to
the far-reaching effect of the Thrift Shop on the community as well as the
friendship among the 60-plus family members. In one of the Ashland Daily Press
articles which Ramona had written, she dubbed the shop the "Washburn Wonderstore."
As one customer put it, "I raised my kids on this shop." The two-way help is
appreciated by both sides.
"We are an asset to the community," Jerry said.
Wilma added "We were grand marshals for the Washburn homecoming in 2000."
Their float was filled with the gracious ladies who volunteer so much of
themselves to this ministry. The slogan on the float read: "We give because you
give."
On the way out an energetic pair of sisters were entertaining customers with
their friendly bantering and laughter. Linda Kostka also participates in a jail
ministry where Living Stones newspapers had been recently introduced. Her sister
Betty Bullock had serious health issues which didn’t stop her from volunteering
at ABC as well.
"God has a reason for putting us here," Linda said.
From ceiling leaks to creative use of limited floor space, there are challenges
that call for the considerable collective skill and imagination of this talented
family of volunteers. A plaque they had on a worktable for staff to enjoy before
putting it on sale sums up the spirit of the shop: "Lord, help me to remember
that nothing is going to happen to me today that YOU and I together can’t
handle." When I commented on the beauty of the sign and its sentiment, they
graciously gave it to me to remember them by. As if I could ever forget the
infectious good will and indomitable spirit of these people who are the life
blood of the ABC Thrift Shop
ABC Thrift Shop Needs Your Help!!!
While ABC Thrift Shop exists to help meet the needs of the community, they do
have several needs of their own. What they can use most are clothes, toys, and
small household items. "Nothing bigger than a bread box" is a good rule of
thumb. Everything should be clean and in good repair. Donations they cannot
handle would be large items like TVs, microwaves, and such. Floor space is at a
premium. Anything that they cannot sell must be hauled away which can be
expensive .
"We’ve increased the size of our dumpster three times," Jerry said, "The city
has helped us, too."
Ramona spoke for many of the female volunteers, "We’re 80-year old ladies. We
can’t lift all that."
There are currently 62 volunteers. The oldest is 94. Since Christmas the family
has lost about 8 much-needed members.
"We need volunteers badly," Jerry said.
"People younger than us," quipped Ramona.
"Men with muscle," added Grace.
Jerry continued, "Seventy-five is the median age. ABC Thrift Shop is actively
seeking new volunteers to add to its caring family. For all those interested in
volunteering, donating, or shopping:
ABC Thrift Shop
118 West Bayfield Street
Washburn, Wisc. 54891
Monday - Saturday 10 am. - 4 pm.
(715) 373-5929
Official contact:
Jerry Doucette
373-2010
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