A year ago November 20th, we opened the door to Wellspring Treasures Thrift Store hoping and praying that things would work out, that people would donate, that people would shop and that people would volunteer. As you well know, it did work out. The one thing that has happened that we really didn’t anticipate is that we collected a lot of friends along the way. Thanks to God answering all those prayers, the store has been successful in many ways.
You may be familiar with the Scripture that says… “if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto myself…” We have discovered that is true even if it’s a thrift store that is lifting Him up. I would like to share one of our favorite stories of the year…
We had a wedding gown that we were holding for a bride. Se had paid $75 down and still owed $75. She came by and told us that she wasn’t going to be able to get the dress. We weren’t sure if the wedding had been called off or she just couldn’t afford the dress. We all knew what was coming next. A phone call was made the next day and the question asked… “do you still need a wedding dress?” After we heard the answer, we told her that she needed to come by and pick up her dress, that it was here waiting on her - No Charge. We then told her that everything in the store belonged to the Lord and that we knew that if she were in need and He had put us in a position to meet that need, that He would want us to do so. It Didn’t take long for the bride and her mom to get to the store. We handed her the dress and wished her well. No lie, she stood stone still in the same spot for no less than ten minutes… crying. Each time she would try to say a heartfelt thank-you, the tears would flow harder. We told her “no need to thank us, just thank Jesus, it was a gift from Him because He loves you so!” (yes, we were all crying too!)
We had no idea what she knew about Him before that day. We did know that when she was finally able to walk, she had a fresh revelation of His love for her.
There are many more stories that we could share, each volunteer has had a divine appointment and shared tears or a prayer with our shopper friends.
As we look past the store and toward the ministry of Wellspring LivingSC, I would like to share a scripture with you…
“Do not despise these small beginnings,
for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin… “
Zechariah 4:10
Small beginnings… that kind of reminded me of our journey here. It was reassuring to hear God say not to despise those small beginnings. Many might say that not only have we started small, but that we are awfully slow getting out of the gate. It has and is taking longer than I would have thought. Each unveiling of God’s provision has reminded us that He is our supply, He is our portion, He is our everything.
He has placed many of you in positions to do good too. It’s our hope that you also respond as He nudges you just as He did all of us that were in the store that day. God puts us right where He needs us, when He needs us, in the place designed for us to do His good works.
An all time favorite Bib le Study would have to be Henry Blackaby’s “Experiencing God”. If you aren’t familiar with it, be sure to check it out, if you are, you should remember this one … “look to see where God is working and join Him there..”
We at Wellspring Living SC hope that you have looked and seen that He is here, working. If you believe in your heart of hearts that to be true, would you consider becoming a partner with Wellspring Living SC to allow us to take the next step?
A one-time gift or a monthly donation will enable us to get one step closer to opening the doors of the residential home.
How exciting to join God in the good work!
