It’s been a summer full of blessings, yet I’ve lost many special people in the past several months. It’s a reminder that life is short and we should hold our loved ones close. I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older that the people we love won’t be on this earth forever. I’m reminded when someone gives me an enouraging word, how important it is that I encourage others. I strive to be the kind of person who sees and brings out the best in people.
Some research suggests there are physcial effects of kindness and that it makes you healthier and happier. One thing we may all agree upon is the fact that kindess is contagious!
Although I now live in Paynesville, I spend a goodly amount of time in my hometown of Becker since I work fulltime at the newspaper. I’m pleasantly surprised how many good people are left in the world. I definitely see it in Paynesville and it’s evident in Becker. My son is almost 25 years old, but as he grew up in Becker, I was humbled by how many people volunteered their time to be coaches, serve as Scout leaders, teach Sunday School and so many other worthwhile activities.
This week, I visited with some local people who volunteer at the HUB, which is a white house located on Hancock Street across from the Becker Baptist Church near the high school. The HUB is open to all students grades 6-12 on Wednesdays after school and for youth group from 6:30-8pm.
Pastor Kevin Drehmel is the Youth Pastor at Becker Baptist Church and coordinates programs at the HUB. He has a large team of parent volunteers who help facilitate the program each Wednesday. This past Wednesday was Hillbilly Night at the HUB. Prizes were given for best costume and free dinner was served. There were games, competitions and giveaways.
Becker is blessed with many opportunities for our youth, including multiple church youth groups, several 4-H clubs, Scouts and much more.
Ann Olson of Becker shared some sentiments about Hillbilly Night: “I feel blessed being a youth leader at the HUB. I get to spend time with youth and let them know how much they are loved and valued."
Becker Baptist youth pastor Kevin Drehmel says: “I enjoy sharing Christ with the students and building relationships with the kids and leaders that attend. We enjoy doing life together. We strive to build others up and model Christ-like behavior.”
There are other new developments in Becker, as well. Blessings Boutique is now open at 14166 Bank Street near the fire department in Becker.
The store is operated by Great River Faith In Action. The goal of the boutique is to help families and individuals in need with furniture and household goods through the Furniture for Families program. They have a variety of furniture and goods available, including: beds, couches, tables and chairs, dressers and appliances, as well as housewares, bedding and other household items. If you need (or know of someone who needs) furniture, please call Faith In Action. They will establish eligibility for the Furniture for Families program through an intake process, and work with volunteers to set up a time to deliver items needed (there is a small fee for the delivery).
Faith In Action is always in need of volunteers. They sponsor an annual event called Rake The Town, which will be Sat, Nov 1 in Becker. Volunteers are needed to help seniors and families in need (including disabled homeowners) with yard work. If you need your lawn raked or know of someone who does; or you would like to volunteer, call Great River Faith In Action at (763) 262-4277.
There are many ways to serve your community. If not by serving in a formal setting, it can be as easy as dropping in on a neighbor who is struggling or offering a kind word to a stranger. You never know the impact your actions might have.
'Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and mostunderrated agent of human change.'
-- Bob Kerrey (1943) American politician
