Letter to the Editor

Your view: Help needed

Monday, October 31, 2005

First of all I want to thank the community of East Prairie, for showing how much you care for your community. And also, for sharing how much you love God through your sharing. I am Pastor Dan Usher, and I pastor the Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church here in East Prairie. I have only been here since June 26, 2005, and my family and I are proud to be a part of this community of faith. It is also a great honor to be in ministry with the "East Prairie Ministerial Alliance."

The Ministerial Alliance is made of the local churches in our area and in unity we serve God together as we care for all of God's children. As a Ministerial Alliance, we could not help one person if it were not for those of you who give out of your blessings. We have only a few joint services throughout the year that allow us to help a little with the offerings that are received.

Because of the on going natural disasters that we are enduring throughout 2005, and the war on terrorism all of us have been harmed in one way or another. Most of us can manage to survive during this on-going time of crisis. But, many cannot and are on the edge of losing all hope. Just the cost of fuel for our cars and for heating our home this winter will be enough to destroy many families. This is a time for the community and for the people of God to put their faith into action.

Many are turning to the church through the East Prairie Ministerial Alliance for any and all special help. The mission of the East Prairie Ministerial Alliance is to share the gospel of Jesus, the Christ, through our actions of caring and loving those who are crying out to their God. Helping those who are in need. No single church can do this task alone. It takes all of the churches and a caring community who are willing to stand together and serve Christ through sharing what we have been blessed with.

We always have a need for all of the basic donations of food and staple items, but we are in great need of cash donations to help with special needs. Any donations may be dropped off between 8:30 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday, at Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church on the corner of Washington Street and Martin Street. You can also mail your gift to the E.P.M.A. at P.O. Box 292, East Prairie, MO. 63845. If you have any questions, please call pastor Dan Usher at 573-429-0407, or call one of the other pastors in the Ministerial Alliance. May we all praise God through our sharing.

Pastor Dan Usher

East Prairie Ministerial Alliance