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Want to hear a resurrection story? Not the resurrection story, but a resurrection story.
Here goes…
Roseland Christian Ministries (RCM) runs and operates a thrift store just off of Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Not the Magnificent Mile-Michigan Avenue where Nike Town and Macy’s run their stores, but a magnificent stretch of mile on the South Side where beauty supply shops, cell phone dealers, and shoe stores compete for scarce dollars. One block off of this Michigan Avenue is our little thrift store- named 33 East Resale Shop (33 East because we’re located at 33 East 111th Place, Chicago, Illinois).
The previous seven years were hard on our store. A slow flow of donations. Only a few faithful customers. Low staff morale. Little volunteer support. A leaky roof. A truck that breaks down monthly.
The RCM board of directors, staff, and community openly discussed whether to keep the store open or close it down. I made an impassioned speech on why we needed to close it down. “It’s just a dead store. Nobody donating and no money coming in-it’s dead.”
Steve Turner, an employee at our RCM Drop-in Center, stepped up and offered to manage the store. We decided at one last shot. I shook my head and said to myself, “the store is dead we’re wasting time.”
That was a year ago this June. Now the store is filled with people buying a grocery bag full of clothes for five dollars. Young couples stop in to buy furniture for their first homes. A faithful few men and women volunteer Monday thru Saturday. Every minute of the work day gospel music plays over the speakers. Partners, near and far, call daily to donate goods. The store brings in 75% more income than it did the previous year. And in addition to the income increase, we are able to freely give clothes to hundreds of men, women, and children who stay at our shelter.
I told you this was a resurrection story. We praise God for resurrection.
What looked like a dead store is now a vibrant and thriving store that ministers to God’s people in Chicago.
Peace,
Joe Huizenga
P.S. I needed to, but could not come up with a clever plea for support at the end of the letter. How about this: We’re still praying for resurrection, we still have a leaky roof and a broke down truck. We need good people, who like Steve Turner will step up and give. Someone like you!!! Please donate online at www.roselandchristianministries.org or send check to 10858 S. Michigan Avenue.
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