Big School Kits Project

Messiah Lutheran, South Williamsport sends 825 School Kits to the Lutheran World Relief Quilts and Kits Ingathering

 By Kathy Wither

We’ve said it before, but – Wow! Did we ever learn a lesson this year about not putting God in a box!  Rather than set a goal, our motto was, “Let’s see where the Spirit leads.” And did the Spirit ever lead! From beginning to end, we have been amazed.

Our ladies who sewed, along with the help of the Bible School kids and our knotters, ended up completing a grand total of 824 backpacks this year.  Did we think that we would fill them all?  Nooope.  Did we think that we would not fill them all?  Also no!  Because we’ve seen what the Spirit can do … and we’ve learned that if it is God’s will, He will provide a way.

Donations started pouring in and before we knew it, there were enough supplies to fill 825 complete school kits … so one of our ladies sewed one more backpack.  But it’s not about the numbers.  It’s about community.  From beginning to end, there was something for folks of all ages to do … working together to create the homemade backpacks, shopping for supplies, and the grand finale “pack-a-sack” where we all gathered to pack the bags assembly-line style.

The Spirit called … and provided a way.  The community came together, and 825 children will now be able to attend school who otherwise may not have had the opportunity.  Thanks be to God!