Shanon's House of Compassion

Shanon's House Fall update

2011-11-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings from Shanon's House of Compassion,

Once again Shanon's House is looking festive for the holiday season. The tree is up and thanks to some dear friends the house is decorated beautifully.

The months of September, October, November and December have brought us guests from Decatur,Toney, Auburn, Birmingham, Tuscumbia,Adamsville, Muscle Shoals, Killen, Scottsboro, Rogersville,Russellville and Tishomingo, MS.

We can have an empty house and in a matter of minutes it can change to a full house. This was the case one Monday morning. Johnny's cell phone rang, at the same time the house phone rang and a few minutes later my cell phone rang. In ten minutes we had a full house.

One of our guests was from Birmingham. All we knew before he arrived was his wife was in the hospital. When he arrived we asked him how his wife was doing. He paused for a few minutes and looked down. We could tell it was very painful to talk about. We assured him he didn't have to tell us if he didn't want to. He said "My wife and two daughters were in an accident. One of my daughters walked away and my baby girl passed away. My wife is in a coma and doesn't even know our baby girl died in the wreck." Our hearts went out to him. He was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He spent all day and most of the night by his wife's side. He was encouraged one day because she had squeezed his hand. One night he came in and I saw he was carrying his Bible. I said "I see you've got the Good Book with you." He replied "yes Ma'am that's the only way I can make it through the day." We gave him the quilt from the Tree of Life Quilters. It was a beautiful pink and brown quilt. I told him that it was a "girl quilt" and it was to remind him that many prayers were covering his family. He took the quilt and with tears in his eyes held the quilt close to him and whispered "thank you." So many times at Shanon's House we are reminded how life can change in a moment.

One of our guests had twin boys in NICU. The babies had been born very early. They both weighed around one pound. Each day was a roller coaster for them. The babies would be doing good and then they would get a call to come to the hospital immediately. Being able to be so close to the hospital was a blessing to them. Both babies lived 2 weeks and then passed away. Our hearts ached for them. Their hearts were broken, but even in their grief they were thankful for Shanon's House. This is the note we received from them. "Thank you so much for allowing us to stay at Shanon's House. Shanon's House was an answered prayer for all of us. It was so nice to have the ability to come home there without having the burden of worrying where we are going to stay and how we can afford it. Being so close to our babies at night gave us so much peace. Thank you for the prayers for our sweet boys. What Shanon's House does for the people who stay there means more than you will ever know."

The ministry of Shanon's House reaches more than just the guests who stay here. One relative of our guests who we had never met sent this email. "There are not enough words to adequately express my appreciation for all Shanon's House has done for my niece and her husband. They have been touched by your compassion and hospitality. Shanon's House is an answered prayer for our family. Shanon's House has truly been a shelter in the storm. I praise God for Shanon's House and all those who make this incredible ministry possible. Shanon's House will be included in our prayers."

So many times when guests first arrive at Shanon's House the words they use are, "Wow! What a blessing." We've come to realize that some people have never experienced Christians giving a gift without expecting anything in return. When guests come to Shanon's House they are not expecting to see a beautiful and comfortable home. Often they will ask "How much does it cost to stay here?" We tell them there is no cost, that Shanon's House is a ministry of the Mayfair Church of Christ. So many times there are tears in their eyes and you can see the relief in their faces.

Here's an update on our guests from Tuscaloosa. She is now in Birmingham. She called and wanted to know of a church she could attend. Johnny called the Homewood Church. They contacted her and picked her up for services until she could get transportation. She calls and tells us how wonderful the Homewood church has been to her. She told us that Homewood was serving a meal to the homeless on Thanksgiving and her and her husband would be helping them serve. This warmed our hearts. If you remember, her and her husband lost their house in the the tornado. We are so thankful for the God's plan in establishing His Church. The Homewood church has picked up where Mayfair left off and is helping this sweet lady and her husband to continue to grow in the Lord.

It's hard to believe that in January 2012 we will begin our third year at Shanon's House. When we count our blessings we include our Mayfair family. We are thankful for the elders who support and encourage us in this ministry. We are thankful for the Shanon's House Board of directors who have encouraged us and come along side of us to provide everything we've needed. We are thankful for those of you who stop by and visit and pray for this work. We are thankful for those of you who are so faithful to contribute to this ministry. Most of all we are thankful to God for sending His Son to be our teacher and Savior. Jesus taught us the true meaning of compassion and showed us when we give of ourselves to others is when we will be truly happy. Shanon's House has been a blessing to so many this year and also to the Johnson family. With grateful hearts Johnny and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and many blessings for the coming year.

In Him,
Johnny and Christy

Listed below are those who have contributed for the year of 2011-Thank you!

In Memory of
Bill Shade
by
Mr & Mrs. Terry Davis

Noble Holland
by
Scott Blankenship
Carl & Judy Cole
Alison Courtenay

Buford Smith
by
Mr & Mrs. Denton Kimbrough
Mr. & Mrs. Noel Tallon
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kelly
Donna Pate

J.B. and Willie Jean
by
Ron Brown

Marie Lowe
by
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Bentley
Mr. & Mrs. Denton Kimbrough

Anita Bradley Virgin
by
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Bradley

In Honor
Cleo Strickland's 90th Birthday
by
Larry Hall
John Black

Meagan Grobmyer's Graduation
by
Mr. & Mrs. Denton Kimbrough

Phillip & Betty Bentley's 50th wedding Anniversary
by
John & Betty Black

Jessica and Katie Russo
by
Hornsby, Watson,Hornsby

Mollie Holland
by
Shane Powell

Mr. & Mrs. Jason Milligan
by
Cassie Schade

Mr & Mrs Jason Hall
by
Cassie Schade

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Hall
by
Cassie Schade

Contributors

Murray Warren
Mr.& Mrs. Lynn Smith
Robert Shearer
David Haddock
Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Bentley
William Pittman
Justin & Allison Legg
Patricia Hall
Dr. and Mrs. Mike Brown
Mrs. Ione McFolin
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lockhart
Briggs Chiropratic Clinic
Radiant Day Spa
State Farm Insurace-Joe Demos

2011-09-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Shanon's House of Compassion,

This summer we've had guests from Ohio, Mississippi,Tuscaloosa, Decatur, Albertville, Danville, Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Athens, AL.

The summer started out with a tragedy that brought grieving grandparents and an uncle to Shanon's House. This sweet family from Ohio had just had their world turned upside down. A plane crash had taken the lives of their daughter and four year old granddaughter. Their 7 year old grandson was in critical condition. It's very hard to know what to say in situations like this. Even saying "good morning" is not appropriate when it's the day they are going to the funeral home to make arrangements to send their loved ones back home.

The first morning here the grandfather told me he got up at 4:00 a.m. to say a prayer of thanksgiving for Shanon's House. We have learned when people are grieving it's the little things that mean so much to them. All we could do was to offer a listening ear, a cup of coffee and a hug as they left each day. One morning as we were having our coffee in the den the grandmother was on the computer. Someone had sent her the song "Held" and she was listening to it over the computer. If you haven't heard this beautiful song the words in the chorus are "This is what it means to be held. How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life and you survive. This is what it is to be loved and to know that when everything fell we'd be held." She was crying and it was hard for us hold back tears also. We tried to put ourselves in their place, and thought about losing our daughter and a grandchild and we couldn't help but weep with those who weep.

Situations like this one make you more thankful for ordinary days and you hold your family a little closer to your heart. Although our guests are really strangers to us we feel close to them especially when they are hurting like these grandparents. They told us almost everyday the only way they could get through this was with the Lord's help and strength. We received a call from a church down the street asking about this family. When Johnny told the secretary Shanon's House was a ministry of the Mayfair church her reply was "I wouldn't want to be in this world without the Mayfair church." The morning our guests from Ohio was going home he asked could he say a prayer. He prayed for us and for Shanon's House. This really touched us. This man was going home to bury his daughter and granddaughter yet he wanted to thank God for Shanon's House.

A statement we find ourselves saying many times is "we sure do meet a lot of nice people." This was the case with our guests from Mississippi. They had come to Huntsville to adopt a baby boy. I tell most of our guests that they are on my favorite guests list and this couple was on that list also. The father asked to go to church with us on Sunday. Johnny and I thank you so much for all of you who spoke to him and helped make him feel welcome. The mother paid us a compliment that we had not heard before she said "Shanon's House made this experience fun." This made me smile.

We had a guest from Tuscaloosa whose husband was brought here by ambulance. She came with just the clothes on her back. She also came to church with us every Sunday she was with us. She was very impressed with how friendly all of you were to her. We plan to keep in touch with her. Johnny has started calling our guests after they have been home for a few weeks just to let them know we are thinking about them. Many times they will ask us to pray for specific trials going on in their lives.

One of our favorite things to do is to visit the NICU and see our guests newborn babies. The new parents always enjoy showing off their precious babies to us. Often the door bell will ring and it will be one of our guests stopping by for a visit. This is a special treat for us. We tell our guests that after two days at Shanon's House that we no longer treat them as guests but as family. We laugh about how we have the best "children." They always come in by curfew, adhere to the guidelines without arguing and they come back to visit! Our family has grown to almost 150 now. Yes, we do get to meet the nicest people.

We don't have to listen to the news to realize how the economy has hurt so many. We have seen in the last few months through our guests just how it has effected so many. We've met guests who are dealing with a loved one in the hospital along with being unemployed or with the possiblity of not having a job when they get back home. The phrase-the light shines brightest in the darkness comes to mind when I think of Shanon's House. For just a few days our guests can have one less thing to worry about as they care for their loved one. Your geneosity in providing a place for them helps God's light to shine even brighter in their dark days.

The Lifesavers class helped fill the freezer with meals for our guests. The men's Bible study class helped provide funds for our guest from Tuscaloosa to get some needed items. Several sweet ladies stopped by to visit with our guests. We have formed a "laugh committee" for Shanon's House. This is friends who come over and just lighten the atmosphere at Shanon's House. Thank you to all who have helped and supported and prayed for this ministry. Johnny and I know without a doubt that we couldn't do this without God's help and the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ. There are so many blessings that we have received through Shanon's House and one of them is getting to meet so many of you at Mayfair. Your help in this ministry no matter how small encourages us on a daily basis. We are always mindful that Shanon's House is God's ministry and we give Him the glory and praise for the way He is using Shanon's House to let His light shine bright in this city.

In Him,
Johnny and Christy

Shanon's House Spring update

2011-05-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Spring time greetings from Shanon's House of Compassion,

Spring time at Shanon's House has been busy. We have had guests from Guntersville, Hartselle, Cullman, Section and Boaz, Alabama. The beautiful covered deck and swing have been used a lot this spring.

Most of our guests have been parents of newborns. I've mentioned before how they remind us of our children. We told our guests the night before that we would set out breakfast the next morning, but we were going on our weekly breakfast date. The next morning a note was left for us, it read "Don't worry about us "Kids" this morning. We will be fine. You two have fun." We do become attached to so many of the guests and this couple was no exception. The father told me his preacher asked him where they were staying. When he told him Shanon's House a ministry of the Mayfair Church of Christ, the preachers response was "Mayfair is known for helping people all over the area." When they got to take their baby home they came by to let us see her. They wanted a picture of the sign and they wanted pictures in the front of the house with us holding the baby. After the pictures were taken Johnny asked if they minded if he prayed with them before they left. The father said "I was going to suggest that." Johnny said "I'll start and you finish." When the father prayed he said "Thank you Lord for Shanon's House, and thank you for the Mayfair church. I know when You planted this church you had my family in mind." There were tears in all of our eyes. We knew God had answered our prayers, because we pray for God to send us guests who can be touched with God's love and compassion. God did this when He sent us this couple.

One of our favorite times to talk with our guests, is in the evening after the last visit at the hospital. I've discovered if there is a cake coming out of the oven about the time they are arriving, it is a relaxing setting for good conversation. We experienced this in March we when had a full house. We enjoyed seeing all the couples catching up with each other asking how their babies were doing. We stayed up later than most nights talking with the couples.

In April we had a couple whose baby was rushed to Huntsville NICU with complications at birth. The father told me how the doctor (who attends Mayfair) had prayed with them and how impressed he was with the doctor. When he found out the Shanon's House was associated with the same church that the doctor went to he knew Shanon's House was where he wanted to be. We enjoyed this couple so much. We are often able to encourage these young couples in their Christian walk. This sweet couple wrote in a note "I promise to pray for you and this ministry on a daily basis. I hope that one day God will open up a door to a ministry for us to help with as special as this one."

We had a different type of guest in April. A mother dove laid her eggs in the flower box on the deck. We joked that even mother doves want to be at Shanon's House. When the eggs hatched we named them Nick and Hugh (NICU.) They eventually flew away but maybe they will come back and visit like a few of our guests have done this month.

Last month I went back to a prayer journal from 2007. We were living in Montgomery. I was looking for a house that year. On October 7th I wrote., "Dear God please provide a house for us where we can serve you." I looked for a house for a year and couldn't find what I wanted. Then in 2008 we decided to take a bold step and move to Huntsville. My prayer request in my journal was "Lord, be preparing a house for us in Huntsville. Help it to be one we can use to serve you." I also wrote "please prepare a work for us when we get to Huntsville." While I was praying for a house in Huntsville, there were people praying for a way to make something beautiful out of a tragedy. There were others who had experienced the ICU waiting room and prayed for a way to help other hurting people. When I think of all those prayers and how God took them and used them to bring about a ministry called Shanon's House of Compassion, I'm amazed. I'm reminded of the children's song "My God is so big, my God is so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do." Yes, God always does everything bigger and better than we can even imagine. Johnny and I will always be grateful to the Mayfair church and it's elders for the vision to seek out a ministry to reach the community. We are so thankful to all of you who help with this ministry. When you help with supplies, food, donations, quilts and prayers you are all part of what makes this ministry have such an impact on the people who are guests here. Above all we are most grateful to our Lord and Savior, the perfect example of love and compassion.

In Him,
Johnny and Christy

Update for January and February

2011-02-27T17:35:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Shanon's House of Compassion,

The months of January and February have been very busy. We had a full house for most of the month of January. We have had guests from Leighton, Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals, Florence, Albertville, Alabama and also guests from Florida and Texas.

The last Day of December around 9:00 p.m. there was a knock at the back door. It was a former guest who had stayed with us a few times while his wife was in the hospital with treatments for cancer. He told us that his father-in-law had been in an accident and wanted to know if there was a room for his mother-in-law and her three daughters. They came over later that night. This was such a sweet family and their hearts were so heavy. They told us about what a good man their Dad was and how all the people he had help through the years were now coming to help them. Sometimes I find myself being like Martha in the Bible, always busy in the kitchen instead of a "Mary", but God always sends me gentle reminders of where I should be and this was the case the next morning. When we walked into the kitchen, one of the daughters was in the den with her Bible opened up. She had not been able to sleep so she got up and read her Bible most of the night. We let breakfast preparations wait. We talked about how God's word is so comforting and how it always fits whatever we are going through. Many times at Shanon's House Johnny and I just listen to those hurting. This daughter wanted to talk about her dad. When her Mother got up she stood at the sink with tears in her eyes and told me about her husband, and how they had been childhood sweethearts. They had been married for 49 years. She was very appreciative of Shanon's House. She told me "Just being able to sleep last night will help me face whatever comes to us today. It's just one less thing we have to worry about." Later that day on the 1st of January, the son-in-law came back to tell me his father-in-law had passed away. His father-in-law had been very healthy and just went out in his truck to ride around the farm. The son-in-law said "this is just a reminder to all of us, we should always be ready." Every time we have guests who lose a loved one it always makes us aware of how precious life is and how we should never take a day for granted.

We have had several mothers with newborns in NICU, One mother came with her husband and mother. When she arrived she was crying. This happens with most new mothers. This guest had just left the hospital without her baby and her husband was leaving to go back to work. It was a very emotional time. We told her she wasn't the first to feel like this and reassured her that her baby was getting the best care. We enjoyed her and her mother so much. They stayed with us about three weeks and when they were able to take their baby home she hugged us and she was crying and I was teary eyed. She said "I came here crying and I'm leaving crying." In a note she wrote." I can't thank you enough for allowing Shanon's House to be my home away from home while my baby was in the hospital. Shanon's House has been such a blessing to us."

We had a mother of quadruplets stay with us this month. All the babies were around 2lbs. When the mother and grandmother arrived they knew the other guests. It was like a family reunion, lots of hugs and catching up with each other. It's so interesting to me how our guests enjoy interacting with each other. Several times we would all gather in the den at the end of the day and catch up on how everyone was doing.

As I've said before we are constantly learning. One lesson I learned this month was the lesson of letting others help. Cleaning house is something I have always liked to do by myself. I tell the guests, "You take care of the sick ones and I'll take care of the house." The grandmother of the quadruplets wanted to help clean. I assured her that she didn't have to help. I changed my mind when she said "Mrs. Christy, this is how I say thank you to you and Mr. Johnny and your Church. You are giving my daughter something I could not give her and I am very appreciative of Shanon's House." So I smiled and handed her the mop and sat down and had another cup of coffee.

I have often said how so many of our guests become like family. We were reminded of this when we started out on Christmas day to go to be with our daughter in Tuscaloosa. The snow had started and we were afraid we wouldn't be able to make the trip. We remembered that one of our former guests was a State Trooper. Johnny called him and he told us what roads were open and we needed to leave immediately. When we arrived in Tuscaloosa Johnny sent him a text to tell him we had made it safely and to say thank you. He also said "It's so nice to have a State Trooper in the family." Our former guest replied "You are so welcome, brother."

This month we enjoyed the second grade class at Mayfair coming to Shanon's House. They had used their money to buy children's books for us to give to parents who have children at home. We appreciate so much teachers and parents who are teaching their children to give back to others.

One sweet compliment came from three sisters from Florida. They were referred to us by a member at Mayfair. They were here to be with their brother who was having surgery. When they came to tell us goodbye they said "We've never felt so special before." I thought about this after they left. What made them feel special? I realized it was so many of you. One sister in Christ brought over a casserole they ate one night. Another sister in Christ brought delicious muffins for breakfast one morning. They were so impressed with the beautiful house and everything they needed, someone had supplied. All of you who have helped in any way have been a part of making people feel special. Johnny and I could not do this work without the Lord's help and your help and support. We are grateful to all of you and feel blessed to work with all of you.

In Him,

Christy and Johnny

Season's Greetings from Shanon's House

2010-12-11T18:33:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings from Shanon's House of Compassion,

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Shanon's House! The months of November and December have brought us guests from Florence, Horton, Hartselle, Muscle Shoals, Cherokee,Athens, Alabama and Iuka, Miss.

The first of November we enjoyed reuniting with guests as we had our first guest reunion. Eight families came back and several brought their babies. The guests had an opportunity to tell some of the Shanon's House Board members how much Shanon's House had meant to them. It was so amazing to see these babies who started out so small and fragile and are now healthy newborns. Some of the guests who came saw others who were here at the same time and they enjoyed catching up with each other. Of course we all enjoyed holding babies, there were so many babies we all had a chance to hold a baby.

The first of November we had a couple who had triplets in the NICU. If we had a list of guests who have been the most grateful and kindest, this couple would be in the top ten. Their babies were due in February and all under 2 pounds. The father said "when my wife told me she was not going to leave our babies, I didn't know what I was going to do. Shanon's House has been an answered prayer." We enjoyed this couple so much. The father would leave every morning at 3:30 a.m. to go back home and get ready for work. Johnny would make the coffee for him to have in the morning. Once our guest said "Mr. Johnny you don't have to worry about the coffee, we are just so grateful to be able to have a place like Shanon's House to stay." When I told the Tree of Life Quilters about the triplets, they went to work on special quilts for them. I was talking with the father of the triplets and told him about the quilts he said "I can't believe this. My grandmother made quilts for all the grandchildren. Now that she has passed away I didn't think my children would have quilts." They wanted us to make sure to tell the Mayfair Church "Thank you." They also said they wanted to visit when they were able to take the babies out. Every night when they came in they would give us an update on the babies. This family stayed with us for six weeks. I've said this before, but they really do start to become like family. When they were finally able to take the babies home, the first place they came was to Shanon's House. We were so honored. The mother had not been home since August. I know she was so ready to get her babies home so this was a very special gift to us.

When we came back from Thanksgiving, Shanon's House was beautifully decorated for Christmas, thanks to some very dear friends. The Madison Academy Anchor club came by to bring bathroom gift bags for the guests. The Family class has brought paper products and helped stock the freezer with delicious food.

This first year at Shanon's House has passed by so quickly. We have been blessed to meet some of the nicest people who were so grateful for a place to stay that was close to their loved ones. All of you who have helped in this ministry whether it was financially or by helping with supplies or encouraging us and keeping this ministry in your prayers, Johnny and I are grateful to everyone of you. You are all helping to touch so many lives. We always are mindful that Shanon's House is God's ministry and that Johnny and I and the Mayfair family are His hands and feet to reach out to a hurting world. Our prayer is that Shanon's House will be able to help more people in the new year and God will be glorified though this ministry. We wish for all of you a Merry Christmas and a new year filled with many blessings.

In Him,
Christy and Johnny

Shanon's House update

2010-10-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Shanon's House of Compassion,

In September and October we have had guests from Scottsboro, Decatur, Albertville, Collinsville,Florence and Athens, AL. In September and October we only had a few guests at Shanon's House, but as I write now we have a full house! This is what we want and pray for. As of October 31 we have had 86 guests.

Most of our guests have had babies in the NICU. It always amazing to see these precious babies come into the world so small. The parents have showed us pictures of their babies with the daddy's wedding ring all the way up the baby's arm. One mother came by this month and brought her baby he started out a 2 pounds and is now up to 10.

One couple who stayed with us this month left us with a special memory. They were surprised when they got to the hospital that morning and were able to bring their baby home a day early. They came by the house to gather their belongs and to show us the baby. As they were saying good-bye Johnny asked if he could say a prayer with them. As he started to pray they held out their hands for us to hold. I was touch and had tears in my eyes. Here we were strangers a week before now we were friends forming a cirlce of prayer around this precious baby girl. After the prayer the father gave Johnny a big hug. Once again we were so thankful for Shanon's House.

Toward the end of the month we had a guest whose husband had suffered a stroke. When she came in the first thing we said was "this is a God sent." I didn't know what I was going to do, now I know I can handle whatever is to come." She then realized she knew about Mayfair because of the Abundant Living television program.

Also in October we had a couple who had just welcomed triplets into the world. The babies were born at 28 weeks. When the Dad came over the first thing he said was, "This is a God sent. We didn't know what we were going to do, they told us our babies would probably be here until Christmas."

The Madison Academy 10th graders came over one day to help. They raked leaves, cleaned windows and blinds. We always enjoy having young people come to help, they bring a lot of energy and laughter to Shanon's House. The Servant's at Heart Class at Mayfair made gift bags for the guests and wrote notes to the guest. I put a bag in the rooms for each guest. We always want our guests to know that Shanon's House is a church wide ministry.

We get updates from some of our guests about their babies. The mother who adopted the baby with Down Syndrome wrote recently that he had gone home from the hospital. When we first met her she was told her baby would probably not live. She was told to make funeral arrangements. Now he is called the miracle baby. His mother wrote in her update "I sit in the rocker and I think what was and what could have been and what is. I think of how good God still would have been even if He would have taken our baby to be with Him, but how incredibly and unspeakably thankful I am for His grace. I did take him to church yesterday (and hope to as long as the weather and people’s health holds), and as we sang “Shout to the Lord” I tried to shout, but sometimes I only squeaked out a whisper as I choked back the tears. Fourteen weeks ago I had tried to take him to church, and now we had finally made it. My heart was so full of praise that it seemed so surreal." If we ever make it back down there, you can be sure we’ll stop by! Please pass on our thanks and gratitude. I could have never made it through one of the most difficult trials of my life without you! The Lord answered SO MANY prayers through the Shanon House!"

It's been one year since Johnny and I were asked to consider being a part of Shanon's House. It's been a journey with so many blessings along the way. We continue to meet some of the nicest people that enrich our lives. We continue to see God using Shanon's House to show the world that God's family cares for the hurting. God has been so good to us and we are thankful to Him and to all of you who encourage and help us to continue this ministry. We feel as our guests do this month "Shanon's House is a God sent!"

In Him,
Christy

Shanon House of Compassion update for August

2010-09-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Shanon's House of Compassion,

It's been another busy and rewarding month at Shanon's House.
This month we've had guests from Rainsville, Florence,
Moody, and Boaz AL, and Florida.

It's God's hand at work, that's a phrase we
hear allot at Shanon's House. This month we've experienced the
joy of seeing young families leave with their newborns. Several
have come by to let us see their baby-this makes our day.
One of the guests I mentioned last month from Ohio sends
us updates on her baby. He was transported to Ohio and closer
to his new parents. She was so impressed and thankful for
Shanon's House. She told me that she was not tired when she
got back home because of being able to stay here.

In this work we are constantly learning about people. It has
opened our eyes to see a lost and hurting world. We see some
who are struggling because of their own actions. We pray that
Shanon’s House will be a chance for them to meet a group of
Christians and see how a relationship with our Lord can help
them through the difficult times in life.

Toward the end of the month we had guests from Florida. The
family was vacationing about two hours from Huntsville. A
tragic accident involving a young man and his father brought
this family to Huntsville. The father was in critical condition.
This is a family we will not forget. They were so appreciative
of having a place so close to the hospital to stay, One of their
relatives from Florida came by to visit. She was very impressed
with the Huntsville hospital and Shanon’s House. She
commented to us "I want to move to this city. I don’t know if
it’s southern hospitality or the love of God, but there is
something different about Huntsville, AL.” Some of the family
told us they could have gone to Birmingham but were so
thankful to be here in Huntsville and their comment
was “It had to be God’s hand at work.”

During the last week they were here, they were our only guests.
We felt like this was God working also because they could rest
and grieve in private. Their loved one in the hospital was a
retired fire chief with the Gainesville Fire department.
The Florida department contacted the Huntsville department
to ask them to check on the family. The Huntsville Fire Chief
came over to meet them. When he learned that Shanon’s House
was a ministry of the Mayfair church of Christ he told me,
“I’m not surprised, that church is helping people all over the
city of Huntsville.” He told me about the dinner and all that
Mayfair had done for the Huntsville fire department. Many of
you stopped by to visit with this family and we are so
grateful to each one of you. The family was with us for 14 days
and on the last day their loved one passed away. Even though
we had only known this family for a short period of time we felt
very close to them. I over heard one of them say on the phone
“You will not believe the ministry that the Mayfair
Church of Christ has here at Shanon’s House, I’ve got so
many stories to tell you and don’t let me forget to tell
you about the quilting ministry.” I said a prayer of
thanksgiving right then for all of you who make
this ministry so special for hurting families.
There were many times during this family’s stay that
we could see God’s hand at work. I wish all of you could
hear from the family how much they appreciate all of you
who make Shanon’s House possible.

I read a statement once that said “Never doubt that a
small group of fully committed people can change the
world-In fact it’s the only thing that ever has.” We see
every day how Shanon’s House and all the other ministries
at Mayfair are impacting the world around us for good and
for that we are so thankful to all of you. We are so blessed
to be able to see on a daily basis God’s hand at work in this
ministry.

One special memory this month was from a 12 year old boy. He
called me aside and said “You know when you give up things for
God you get a reward in heaven.” I smiled and told him “that’s
true, but we also get rewarded here on earth by getting to
meet people like you.” That’s how Johnny and I feel about
all of our church family we’ve come to know with the work at
Shanon’s House. We feel blessed. Thank you all for your
help, prayers and encouragement.

In Him,
Christy and Johnny

2010-08-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Summertime greetings from Shanon’s House of Compassion,

Summertime at Shanon’s House has been very busy. We took a few
days of vacation and came back rested and ready for the full house
that God supplied very rapidly! This month we’ve had guests from,
Texas,Tennessee, Ohio, Florida and Muscle Shoals, Cullman, Grove Oak,
Elkmont and Rainsville, AL.

We have had many opportunities to listen, encourage, and pray
with our guests. Included among the many blessings for us in
this ministry are the lessons and encouragement we receive
from our guests. Here are a few lessons we’ve learned this month.

One guest we became close to was leaving and taking her husband
to spend his last few days at home. We were saying our goodbyes
and I told her what a beautiful example she was to me in the way
she cared so lovingly for her husband. Her reply with tears in
her eyes was “I love my Lord and I love my husband.” All week I
thought about those words. When we love the Lord with all our
heart, loving others will come naturally.

One guest was talking to another guest and they found out that
they had several friends in common. We made the statement “It
really is a small world.” Then our guest whose wife is terminally
ill with cancer said, “Just like all our problems are small to God.”
I thought how true, there’s nothing too big for our God.

Many of our guests have newborns that are born prematurely. Many
are unable to hold their baby until they reach a certain weight.
One mother was describing to us how wonderful it felt the first time
she was able to hold her newborn baby. Then she said, “This must be
how God feels when He holds us.” What a beautiful picture of the love
God has for each of us.

Toward the end of the month we had a guest from Ohio. She was
adopting a baby with Down Syndrome. We were talking with her and
asked her how she decided to take on this challenge. She said,
“I was praying for God to take away my selfish heart. Then one day
I heard Gene Stallings talk about what a blessing his son had been
to him. I believe I’m just doing what God wants me to do.”
This was a powerful lesson to us about stepping out in faith.

One of our guests wrote in a note this month, “We will forever be
grateful and hope to be able to pay it forward when we see other families struggling.” This made us aware of what a wonderful world this would be
if we all “paid it forward”.

The last two months we have had a full house. We believe the word is
out about Shanon’s House. One guest came for a return visit,
it was after the Marriage Matters seminar. He told us “I tell
everyone about Shanon’s house and every time I saw your church on T.V.
(advertising the seminar) I thought about Shanon’s House”. Another
guest from out of state sent updates on her baby that went out to about
40 people,she wrote “The Lord has provided a wonderful place that I got to
stay at while I was there called the Shanon’s House of Compassion. It is
a ministry of a local church named in honor of a very special young
man who passed away from cancer. The church provides hospitality and
lodging for people needing it and they don’t charge anything.
That is a HUGE blessing!”

As I looked back over my journal for the month, I realized when our
reservoir was running low, God sent encouragement through many of our
church family and also in the guests we had. Once again we were reminded
that God is faithful and God is so good.

We often say that everyday here is a new adventure. We meet so many
interesting people from so many different backgrounds. We feel blessed
to be able to work with our fellow brothers and sisters as we strive to
be that sweet aroma of Christ to the world. We know this work would not
be possible without all of your support and prayers. Johnny and I are
grateful to each and every one of you and most of all to our Lord and Savior.

In Him who gives us hope,
Christy and Johnny

2010-07-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Hello from Shanon's House of Compassion,

This month we have had guests from Muscle Shoals, Florence, Decatur, Al and Winchester, TN. This is the first month that we have had guests every day of the month. We have had guests who have left with newborns and guests who have had to make life and death decisions.

We have had a few calls inquiring about staying at Shanon's House. One call came last week. The couple was from Florida and their child was having surgery. They had already secured a place to stay but wanted to see Shanon's House in case they had to stay longer. This couple was orginally from a far eastern country. Their accent was difficult to understand. When they arrived I showed them around and then told them the story of Shanon Dickerson and I told them this was a ministry of the Mayfair Church of Christ. The mother said, “this feels like home.” Then when they were leaving she said “when you see Shanon's mother and father please tell them thank you and tell your church thank you also, this is a wonderful ministry.” The ministry of Shanon's House is reaching out to so many people, including those from different countries.

We enjoy meeting so many different people. The young couples energize us, the older guests tell us of life experiences, and the guests our age have things in common with us. Some of our guests have become good friends that we will keep in touch with through the years.

One of our guests learned about Shanon's House through a member at Mayfair. After showing her around she showed me a card that she had received from the Lifesavers Class at Mayfair. She said “We have been receiving a card a week from this Sunday school class. I see Shanon's parents name on here and also your name. God does work in mysterious ways.” This card helped her know that many people were praying for her.

We receive so many kind thank you notes. This note came to us from a mother and daughter. The husband and dad was terminally ill. They wrote “You were a bright light in our dark hours. Mom and I both consider Shanon's House as one of God's blessings for us during this sad and emotional time. We found not only a refuge but good friends we can keep close to our hearts for years to come. Shanon's House became a home to us, and one we looked forward to returning to each night.”

Shanon's House continues to be a home away from home. One young couple who stayed for several weeks would come in at night and say “we're home now.” We would laugh and tell them we like it when the children come home. This same couple came in one night and said “we used to say home is where our heart is, now we say, home is where our car is.” This made us smile.

We've been at Shanon's House for six months now. The time has gone by so quickly. The experience has been every thing we thought it would be and more. We have had a total of 55 guests. They have been from as far away as Illinois and as close as Decatur. Through this ministry we've seen God's faithfulness. The Lord has provided those of you who come along side us to help and encourage us. God has provided guests we can show the compassion that Jesus tells about in His word. God has also provided the strength and wisdom for each day and each different circumstance. To all of you, and most of all our Lord and Savior we are so grateful.

In Him,
Christy and Johnny

May

2010-06-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hello from Shanon's House of Compassion,

May has been a very busy month here at Shanon's House. We've had guests from, Tn, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Russellville, Decatur and Florence, Al.

Some of our guests have had newborns in the NICU and we also have had several guests with loved ones in the main hospital. We had one guest whose wife is terminally ill. It's hard to know what to say to help in cases like these. Most of what we do is listen. This guest was so appreciative of a place to stay. Most of the day he spent with his wife and we would only see him when he came in at night. We would try to stay up and visit with him each night. He brought his mom and dad over to show them the house. He commented to us that he prays that his wife will get well but if God decides to take her, he would want to do a house like Shanon's house in her memory. Please keep this family in your prayers.

One of the sweet memories we had this month was with a Aunt and Uncle of the family whose daughter was injured in the wreck coming back from Florida on their way home to Kentucky. We had many friends and family stay with us and this Aunt and Uncle were some of our favorites. We enjoyed sitting down with them and having breakfast one Saturday. It was like we had been friends for a long time. They sent a very kind thank you note. Johnny and I often comment that we really receive more than we give. The people we meet, that we would never meet otherwise, really enrich our lives.

People ask us what is the hardest part of this work. One of the hardest things is saying good-bye. When we have shared a small part of peoples lives in praying with them, visiting and sharing meals with them, it's hard to say good bye. One guest, an older gentleman, brought back memories of my Dad. He had a quick wit about him and I found myself remembering how much I miss my Dad. When we said good bye all of us had tears in our eyes. He called a few weeks ago to tell us how he was doing and promised to come back to see us soon. We enjoyed one young couple so much we asked them if we could adopt them. It will be hard to say good bye to them also.

One week we didn't have any guests, so we invited some friends over for supper. That evening we got a call from NICU about a couple with a newborn baby boy. The baby was born at 27 weeks and weighed about 2 pounds. The couple arrived just as we were about to eat so we invited them to join us. The couple we had invited brought their 5 year old with them. She had been born at 27 weeks and weighed less than 2 pounds. The couple with the newborn could see this healthy 5 year old and it gave them hope. We thanked God for sending encouragement to this young couple in the form of a active 5 year old. God is good!

The hospital security provides rides back and forth to Shanon's House. This is a great help for our guests. To say thank you we had a cook out for them. We had about 30 come over eat hamburgers with us. Several wanted to see the house. They also wanted to learn how it came about. Some thought that it was owned by the hospital, so this gave us the chance to share with them how Shanon's House came to be and how this is a ministry of the Mayfair church of Christ.

We have received several pictures of the newborn babies whose parents have stayed at Shanon's House. I keep them on the refrigerator. One of the pictures is of the first family who stayed with us. They had triplets. The triplets have all gone home now and are doing good. Many times parents will make a stop by Shanon's house on their way home to show us their baby. One couple stopped by and said "we will never forget how you helped us."

We are amazed every day how God is working in this ministry. God is so good to send us people and also to give us a few days rest between guests. Next month it will be six months here at Shanon's House. Sometimes Johnny and I think back on how God has worked and all the prayers that have been answered and are continually being answered. We thank Him for all the good people He has put in our lives through Shanon's House. Thank you for your prayers and your help in this work. Thank you also for the encouragement that so many of you give us. Please come by and see us. Remember, when the door is open there's a pot of coffee on.

In Him,
Johnny and Christy

2010-05-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hello from Shanon's House,

It’s been a very busy month at Shanon’s House. We had a slow start to the month but after a few days of rest we’ve had a full house for most of the month of April. We had guests from Kentucky, Ohio, Georgia, Mt. Hope & Athens Alabama. We have met a wide variety of guests that included a pediatrician, a Vanderbilt basketball player, nurses, football coach and a Harvard first year medical student. Every guest comes with a story and every one touches our hearts.

In the middle of April a tragic accident involving a group of teenagers heading back to Kentucky brought family and friends to the city of Huntsville. The parents of two of the girls found themselves in an unfamiliar city with their hearts breaking. Cindi Bradley told them about Shanon’s house. Johnny and I were out of town so Jeff and Juanita Stewart graciously volunteered to come over and two of the brothers came over and stayed. They left a note written in Crayon saying “thank you for the hospitality, everyone has been so nice.” We have had many friends of these families and relatives stay with us this month. Many of you have reached out to these families. One of the aunts came in one night upset after a really hard day. She told us how some of you stayed with them that day and she didn’t know how they would have made it without you.

The ICU waiting room is filled with hurting people. One of these had a visit from one of our ministers at Mayfair. This guest (Jason) was a member of the Lord’s Church. He was a very personable man. His father was in critical condition. One night he came in and told us the story of a man he had met as he was coming down on the elevator. Jason asked the man how his loved one was doing. The man replied “not good.” Jason told him he would pray for this man’s family. The man replied, “ I don’t believe in prayer.” Jason responded, “My dad would have passed away ten days ago if it hadn’t been for all those praying for him.” The man replied “I don’t go to church, so I can’t pray.” Jason told him “You don’t have to go to church to pray. You do need to read your Bible and learn what God wants you to do, but you can pray now and God will help you.” Then Jason handed him a card with Mayfair’s name and phone number and said, “If you want to know more about God and how to pray, call these people and they will help you.” As the elevator came to the floor and the doors opened, the man turned to Jason and asked “will you keep my family in your prayers?” When Jason told us this story we had tears in our eyes. We were reminded that God is working not only with Shanon’s house but even with our guests who are members of the Lord’s church in other areas. The ministry at Shanon’s House is an opportunity to show the world what Christianity is really like.

So many of you continue to come along side us and help. One day a guest was walking over to the hospital. The lawn company was here working and one of the Latino workers who is a member at Mayfair stopped the man and asked him the name of his loved one. He told him that every morning before they start to work they pray and they would pray for his loved one. This incident made such an impact on our guest. His comment to us was “Everyone in your church is so nice.” This made us smile. What a great blessing to work with a congregation where people are striving to follow the example of Jesus in everyday ordinary circumstances.

Please continue to keep the family from Kentucky in your prayers. They are really touched by all the acts of kindness that have been shown to them. Johnny and I are reminded on a daily basis that it takes all of us working together and we appreciate so much all of your prayers, encouragement and help. Thank you to everyone who helps make Shanon’s House, as one guest wrote, “a place to rest and gather our thoughts“.

In Him,
Johnny and Christy

2010-03-31T18:46:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Shanon’s House,

This month we have had 14 guests from Madison, Rogersville, Boaz, Ft. Payne, Albertville, Al., North Carolina and Illinois.

When one of our guests arrived at the house she walked in, looked around and said “thank you Jesus, this is such a blessing.” This mother had just been discharged from the hospital and had planned to sleep at the hospital because she didn’t want to leave her baby. This young mother had been through a difficult delivery where her life was in jeopardy and also the life of her baby. She was tired and very emotional. We sat and talked one afternoon and she made the comment that she could tell Mayfair was a very outreaching church. She was so grateful for everything. She commented that Shanon’s house felt like a home away from home. While talking to her she said “I wish I had a good book to read.” We told her about the books that had been donated for guests to read and take with them if they wanted. She said “Your church has thought of everything. God provided even before I knew I needed it.”

During the guests’ stay we try to have dinner with them at least once. This is a time where we really get to know them. Guests will tell us about their lives and struggles. The guests with newborns are all about the age of our children so we can tell them about how God has worked in our lives and brought us through some of the same issues they are dealing with. There have been several times when the guests will come in at night upset and Johnny will ask if they would like to pray before going to bed. They always have said yes. This is such a special time for them and us.

This month we had our first guest who was from out of state. An older couple was traveling from Florida back home to Illinois when they had a wreck. The lady was injured and her friend found himself in a strange town with no family. Cindy Bradley told him about Shanon’s House. This guest has been such a pleasure.

When we pray each day we ask God to send us guests, so each guest that comes to stay here is an answered prayer. We are learning that even though they may look different and come from different back grounds, everyone is touched when kindness is shown to them. We heard a statement once that said “the ministry of Jesus was the person standing in front of Him.” We try to remember this for every guest we have. There have been challenges with this ministry, but with every challenge is a chance to grow and learn. We see God molding us and helping us look at every person as a child that our heavenly Fathers loves.

Johnny and I have come to realize that this ministry is a picture of the parable of the sower. The Mayfair family is helping to preparing the soil for others to come along and plant and water. The words of one of our guests best describes how we feel about the work at Shanon’s house, Thank you Jesus, this is such a blessing!

In Him,
Johnny & Christy

2010-03-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

Hello From Shanon's House of Compassion,

It's been a short month but Shanon's house has been busy. We have had 4 families stay with us this month. We had families from, Anderson, Al, Killen Al, Ft. Payne, Al and Russellville, AL. One family was here with the birth of their second set of twins. We enjoyed visiting with them and the grandmother also. The triplet's parents are regular visitors on the weekends. Their babies are all doing good and gaining weight. They hope to be able to take at least one home in the next couple of weeks.

The guest who stayed with us from Russelville was originally from Guatemala. This young mother really touched our hearts. We got a call from the NICU last week about a young mother who did not speak any English. She had a baby girl who was in critical condition. The language barrier was difficult. We felt so sorry for this young mother. Johnny found a computer program to help with his Spanish and could communicate a little. Every night he would tell her in Spanish “we are praying for your baby.” She would smile and say “gracias”. We invited Benjamin and Patti Colunga and their family over to visit with her. Benjamin lead a prayer and prayed for her baby and he and Patti talked with her and encouraged her. Johnny and I could understand how lost she felt because we couldn't understand anything that was said during their conversation.

On Monday night around 9:30 we received a call from the NICU. They told the young mother to come to the hospital immediately. Johnny and I had been talking the week before about how we knew that not every guest would leave Shanon's house with a happy ending. We didn't know how and what we would say to them. We prayed that God would give us the words to say when that time came. The young mother went to the hospital, but her baby died before she could get there. She never got to hold her baby until the little girl had passed away. When the mother came back, we didn't need words, all we could do was hug her and let her cry and cry with her. God answered our prayer. We learned that hugs, tears and smiles are the universal language. When she left, she hugged us and told us through an interpreter, “Thank you for the food and everything you did for me.” This is a guest we will never forget. During the first part of her stay we were a little discouraged. We felt like there would not be a way to reach her and comfort her. Looking back we see things differently. She had a beautiful, comfortable and safe place to stay, plenty of food and she knew that people cared about her. We pray that some time in her life she will look back on this time and remember the prayer that was prayed and the care she was shown and want to know more about our Lord and His church.

Through this ministry we are learning that it does take a church family to keep this work going and all of the family at Mayfair is helping that happen. The 4th and 5th grade classes provided gift bags and notes for each of the families. The young married life group provided books. The Tree of Life quilters have made quilts for all the newborns. Ladies have brought food for the freezer,and many have contributed supplies. Those who come by and encourage us and those who keep this work in your prayers are all a part of this ministry. Johnny and I are thankful for those who had the dream of this work, those who contribute financially and all of you who come and work along side us as we all strive to be Ambassadors for our Savior.

In Him,
Johnny and Christy Johnson