On September 3, 2016, one of our community members, Paul Dopson, and his family, lost his mom and all his worldly possessions from a house fire. Devastated and heart broken seem inadequate words to describe how he sounded when he called to share the news. He remained confident in the faithfulness of Christ in spite of his worldly circumstances.
From a Facebook post update, here is what happened on September 5, 2016, a public holiday…
“Seriously y’all, the power of a group of people that band together to accomplish something of great significance, without even knowing one another, is a picture we need to remember of what God can do when we all contribute what we have, by sharing generously, so others we love and maybe some we have never even met, can also have all they need.
Today I saw a 12 year old boy take off his UnderArmor hat, passing it to his mom, to give it to another boy he has never met.
Today I saw a couple go shopping for a family they only knew about, but had never met, to buy them dishes, baskets, lamps, a sofa, end tables, blankets, etc.
Today another couple took time at their lake house to pack up their excess to serve a friend they love.
Today I saw a family drive to the office to give clothing and money to help a family.
Today I saw texts of a kitchen table, in use by the family who sent the picture, offering to give it away.
Today I heard a voicemail and read messages of brand new furniture another lady wanted to give.
Today I saw a single man carrying packs of brand new underwear, deodorant, toothpaste, soap, etc.
Today I saw promises of toilet paper, ziplocks, gift cards, pillows, Pyrex dishes, checks, towels, mugs, a purse, prayers.
Today I saw an entire load of clothing, kitchen stuff, shoes, food, jackets and a twin bed leave the GKC office that was donated before today and was ready to go because volunteers had lovingly sorted and organized it.
Today I saw (in less than five hours) 90% of the need of a family, who lost everything in a house fire, met or promised.
Today I saw Jesus in so many of you!
#whatsmineisyours #sharewhatyouhave #community #peopleofGraceKlein #beautyfromashes”
Since Paul has returned to work, the love, prayers and generosity continue. Through financial giving, Grace Klein Community has been able to help with some personal expenses and Riverchase Flooring graciously donated carpet for the new place he and his family are now calling home. God has provided every single thing that they need! Every single thing!
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38
Continue to pray for Paul and his family as they grieve the loss of his mom and start again with a “new normal.” Grief is never easy, our hearts ache and sometimes we want to burst into tears, but life keeps happening and we have to keep functioning with our work, the kid’s baseball, homework, our friends, etc. All the while, they miss his mama.
How you can help:
If you want to make a ready to eat meal for his family, please drop by the Grace Klein Community office and label the meal “Paul Dopson.” If you want to help restock his pantry, please drop those items off and make sure they are also labeled “Paul Dopson.” Paul and his family will need three space heaters when winter comes if anyone has one to share. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to Grace Klein Community as well and please include “Paul Dopson” in the memo line. Our simple gestures of love go a long way.
*In case you didn’t know, Grace Klein Community maintains an Emergency Assistance and Give Back Agreement Program, to care for its members when an unexpected situation occurs, by providing an avenue for other community members to contribute towards the specific need. This year, our Emergency Assistance program has cared for such situations as an unexpected brain tumor, a flight for a mama to go see her very sick adult child and this family who suffered a fire loss. The Emergency Assistance and Give Back Agreement Program allows community members to care for one another in meaningful ways.
