08/08/2022
In 2014 my husband had just retired from the Army and we had settled in Georgia for his new job. Shortly after arriving, he deployed overseas. Within the first few weeks of him being gone, our daughter and I experienced one of the worst storms the area had seen in years. Trees and limbs around our newly purchased home were EVERYWHERE.
I sat on the back porch, looking at the aftermath, and took in the mess. I wasn't angry at God, just perplexed. I didn't understand why He would provide a home we had prayed for, only to not let my husband stay to enjoy it, and then plop this massive cleanup in my lap. I felt there had to be a reason and started praying for Him to show me how He could use me, use THIS to make something good come of it.
A very long story, not as long, within a very short time, I discovered ways to dry the wood and make home decor out of fallen limbs and broken fence. Not long after that, I learned of a large number of kids living in poverty who needed help. I realized the proceeds from the decor sales could be used to help the kids. By the time Chris (my husband) returned home, Rustic Whims and our little ministry was born.
When we eventually returned home to Arkansas, we started the process of moving the ministry and all the little details that were involved. Unfortunately, then COVID.
Our paperwork with the IRS, and therefore the Secretary of State was stalled. We did what we could to continue helping those in need (within the legal limitations of our non-profit status), but took it as a sign to slow down, regroup, get established again, and wait for God to say "it's time to get back to work".
Last week, we were given the green light. With all the T's crossed and I's dotted, we're thrilled to announce the RE-OPENING of Rustic Whims as a subsidiary of Luke 1423 Ministries. Our physical location may have changed, but our calling has not. We are on a mission to feed and provide for kids in need and we hope you'll join our journey and share our story.
We'll be adding more products to our online store and info about how you can help but in the meantime, LIKE and share our page as we share what the ministry has been up to and what's ahead.