Claude Kenneson sent this message to us. Thank you for the words of encouragement!

“I had the opportunity to visit Mt. Moriah Thrift Shop yesterday and must say I was impressed. It’s a nice building, with several storage sheds outside. I also was able to meet Renee in person. She is a dedicated person to the cause of aiding those in need. May she remain that way. Although I was able to give her a small donation of items, she is still in need of whatever you can donate. Remember, if there’s anything laying around (clothes, household items, etc.) that you have not used in a year or two’s time, you probably need to give it away to benefit those who can use it NOW. Thanks Renee and Mt. Moriah Thrift Shop.” Claude K.

We have a praise report! The first family of 5 that had their home destroyed by fire in March came to see us today. The mom said “God is Good. It’s like it never happened.” Because so many people came together to help the family the recovery process (financially and emotionally) happened so much faster.

I thought the friends on here might like to hear some of the stories from Mt. Moriah Thrift.

Not long ago I was depressed about the lack of money, customers, motivation…you name it. “Failure” is all the store had written on it. For the past year I’ve put my own money in it to keep it going. We never took in enough to pay the expenses and give money away. The building was run down, dim lit, dirty, no heat, no air. I could go on but why bother? I mean seriously, Who in the world are we really helping? It’s a drop in the bucket so why bother?

I took those words to God and prayed all those feelings. My prayer was “God don’t let me be so stupid next time I want to start something like this. This obviously wasn’t your will because it’s failed so badly.” Over the next few days things started happening for the better. We were able to lease a nice clean building with heat and air. Maybe things were picking up but I was still unsure what God had in mind and if this was even something He would bless. Keeping these feelings in prayer and waiting for direction I just kept doing the day-to-day stuff. In the last several days I’ve had come up in my mind the facts, not the lies. Those feelings of failure were from the Enemy, not the Savior.

These are the facts. We never did take in enough to pay expenses and give money away, but EVERY MONTH we gave money away anyhow and EVERY MONTH the expenses were met too.

There is a home for troubled teens in Woodville. Some are sent by their parents, some sentenced by a judge. The “girl’s house” has come on several occasions to help at the store for community service hours. Once I was hanging up clothing with a girl and she looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, “I really want to go home to my family. I know I messed up and that’s why I’m here but I think I get to go home soon. I like coming to your store though this gets my mind off it.” These kids seemed like normal giddy, silly, eager to please girls. They were a joy to be around. When they were done helping I’d say “Ok, everybody make an outfit.” They’d all run around squealing and laughing and accessorizing each other. I’m glad for the help and I’m glad they got their mind off being in trouble for a little bit.

We have two probationers who come for community service hours. They came to us asking if we would let them help to complete their required hours. One was pregnant. They’re both almost finished with probation. We’ve had them help for a year and now the baby is here. She’s beautiful! I think this family is on the right track and we’re happy to have gotten to know these girls.

The very first month we were open a lady named Margaret was left homeless due to a fire. She had no insurance and the only thing she escaped the fire with was her life. We invited Margaret to come shop for free and take what she needed. Four months later I received a Christmas card with another thank you from her. Margaret stays in touch with us still.

Tropical Storm Faye flooded dozens of homes in Leon and Wakulla. Several friends and neighbors of the victims came to the store to buy clothes for them. When we found out why they were there, we let them have the clothing no charge.

One day a lady came in with a few donations. She said “My dad was in here last week and bought something from you. He said I should come meet you. I need friends around me that are good people. I just started AA and I’ve been sober 12 days. Maybe if I come here and help out it will help me not want to drink.”

Mt. Moriah is a “churchy” name. I can’t tell you how many times people have pulled off the road, walked in and asked “Will you pray for me?” We’re constantly mistaken for a church but that’s ok, yes we will pray with you!