Thrift Market Team – Reading, Painting, and Relating

The Many Hands Thrift Market Impact Team is made up of staff, volunteers, and friends of the Many Hands Thrift Markets located in Iowa. They are serving together in Abaco, working alongside the community to be impact where God leads them.

Today, our team subdivided, and skills were challenged, expanded, or depleted. As those of us used our academic skills to enhance reading opportunities for children on the island, we found that we were inspired by Lisa Berg, who is driven to provide libraries to children who have never seen one, help them select appropriate books, and when possible, give books to children.

 

Well beyond the task itself was the joy of having meaningful conversations with one another. It was a blessing to contribute our abilities to the fruition of Lisa’s prayers.

Members of the team adding books to the Many Hands ARK library

Others learned that converting a faded building into one that brings joy through its beautiful color is a complex process. Previous paint began to show through as they removed the whitewash covering it, laboriously completing that five-step process before beginning to apply the smile-inducing purple. Color application itself began with time-consuming detailed edging and then, finally, the great moments of filling in the void between them. Eight team members completed one-half of the building today. They are trusting the next team to follow their example to complete the process.

The Thrift Team painting a building on the Many Hands Campus

As we head to bed after a wonderfully productive day, our bodies are aching, but our hearts are filled with increasing love for one another and the ONE who called us all here.

Related Posts

A Call to Go

The Crossroads Church – Norwalk IMPACT team finished their last full day with food distribution around the island, providing team members with the chance to speak with locals and one another about what they had seen throughout their week. As evidenced by their daily reflections, the Crossroads Church team participants were met with emotions and experiences that challenged them to view themselves and their impact on others differently. It truly was a powerful week for them. Hear more from Peri and John for the final reflection from this team! 

 

Read more
A Different Side of the Abaco Islands

The Crossroads Church – Norwalk IMPACT team experienced the tourist side of Abaco Island today. They enjoyed conversation, food, and the beach, while reflecting on the stark contrast between this financially stable area and other parts of the island. Aaron and Liz share their insights from this different kind of cultural immersion. 

Read more
Out of Left Field

The Crossroads Church – Norwalk IMPACT team shares another day in their life in Abaco! Hear from Jodi and Jeff as they reflect on their time spent at the Central Abaco Primary School, the continued work on Zhivargo’s house, and more!

Read more
Hands and Feet of Christ

The Crossroads Church – Norwalk IMPACT team is making a difference in Abaco, balancing meaningful work with enriching cultural experiences. Join Dustin and Kim as they share highlights from their day, including a breathtaking sunrise, a visit to the vibrant Farmer’s Market, and continued progress on Zhivargo’s home rebuild.

Read more
Enlarging Our Territory

The Crossroads Church–Norwalk IMPACT team had another busy, yet impactful day serving alongside those in Abaco. Matthew and Brandi share about their time at Driftwood Farms, an agricultural partner of Many Hands’, and about a youth group they attended at Kirk of the Pines Church. 

Read more
Zhivargo Dawkins – Bahamian homeowner and friend!

The Crossroads IMPACT team is jumping right into their week in Abaco. Carrie and Mark share about their first day of serving; the team worked on a housebuild for Zhivargo, a man in Abaco who lost his home in 2019 from Hurricane Dorian. Check out the team’s initial thoughts and impressions of Abaco! 

Read more