Right Time, Right Place
As a volunteer with The Salvation Army of Noble County, Rev. Angie witnessed a “God moment” this past winter when two strangers met, and two lives were changed.
It was just before the worst cold snap of the season when an elderly woman named Wanda stopped by the food pantry at Common Grace Ministries in Kendallville where Rev. Angie was working. Wanda shared with Rev. Angie that her furnace had gone out and explained that she was using her oven and four quilts just to keep herself warm.
Rev. Angie became very concerned about Wanda’s situation, especially after learning that her mobile home did not have a working carbon monoxide detector. Thankfully, God had placed a second person in the food pantry that day, someone who had overheard the conversation and shared Rev. Angie’s concerns.
John was also receiving help from the food pantry and knew Rev. Angie well. After 40 years in the HVAC industry, he had recently suffered an injury that prevented him from being able to work. The injury had not only left him unemployed and in financial need, but it had also taken away the joy and purpose he had found through his work. When John overheard Wanda discussing her situation, he offered his expertise for free and had her furnace temporarily fixed before the night was over.
Over the next few days, Rev. Angie checked in on both John and Wanda. She learned that the fix was only temporary and that neither of them had the money to purchase the piece needed to keep the furnace running through the rest of the winter. Rev. Angie knew just what to do and decided to make use of Salvation Army funds set aside for Noble County. For only $68 at the local hardware store, Rev. Angie was able to purchase the part John needed for the furnace and get a carbon monoxide detector that would protect Wanda for the next 10 years.
“For $68 she was safe and warm in her home, and he had a purpose,” Rev. Angie later shared. Now John is ready to help more people in his community, just like he helped Wanda. The two have become friends and frequently check up on each other to be sure that the other one is doing well.
“They are just such great people,” Rev. Angie reflected, rejoicing with John and Wanda on the difference that a simple conversation led to in both of their lives – a “God moment” neither will soon forget.