Greetings from Shanon’s House,
It’s been a while since the last newsletter. We have had guests from Russellville, Athens, Horton , Tuscumbia, Lexington , Florence, Moulton , Town Creek , Killen , Vina , Collinsville, and Sheffield, Alabama
In 2020 we were only open less than 6 months. We had over 20 guests during that time. In 2021 so far we have had 27 guests stay at Shanon’s house. We continue to meet the kindest people during the hardest time of their lives. Our longest guests stayed with us for 94 days. Their baby was born in May at 27 weeks. His due date was in August. Here is a note from them,
“The Shanon’s house has been an amazing home to us these 3 months. It has allowed us to be right next to our baby. It took away so much anxiety and stress knowing that he was just a few steps away. The last 94 days have been physically and emotionally exhausting, but Shanon’s house has made it so much better. We can’t wait to tell our baby how awesome it was to stay right across the road . Shanon’s house has been a huge blessing to us and so many other families. Thank you again for letting us stay during our time in Huntsville.”
After 11 years a lot of our guests come referred from former guests. This is the case with a guest from Killen , Al. Here is a note from this family,
“Thank you so much for taking me in during the worst time in my life. The kindness and hospitality you showed me and my family was wonderful. Thank you so much for opening
Shanons house up to families like mine and many others. It makes a tough situation easier..
We received a note from a guest recently that stayed with us in 2019. The note said she wrote it in 2019 but it was returned with insufficient address. She wrote
“I am very past due in sending this note. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kindness that was shown to me as my husband was having major surgery. The set up at Shanon’s house is absolutely one of the richest blessings we could have been given! “
Here is a note from a grandmother whose granddaughter stayed with us.
“I’m the grandmother and my granddaughter stayed with you at Shanon’s House.
Thank you for providing a place for them to stay while their baby was in the NICU.
May God bless your Church richly.”
We have had guests that didn’t leave with a happy ending. Their hearts are broken but even in the sadness they are thankful for a place called Shanon’s house. Here’s a note from a guest whose husband passed away.
“You made my stay in Huntsville easier during one of the most difficult times in my life.”
Recently we had guests stay with us while their mother was in the hospital. The two daughters would take turns staying with their father each night. The father would get up early each day and we would enjoy visiting with him each morning. He told me how he listened to Abundant Living each week and how he looked forward to the lessons from Abundant living. They had been married for 68 years. He said one morning with tears in his eyes “ things are going to be a lot different when I get home.” His wife passed away several days later. They came by to see us recently and gave us this a note.
“What a beautiful ministry you serve as the house directors for Shanon’s house. We will never forget the compassion shown to us in so many ways. Dad loved having his coffee and juice awaiting him each morning. Being there to here updates , our stories and sharing your stories was an uplifting time for us each night. Although our journey didn’t end as we wanted, your hospitality was deeply gratifying. Please share our appreciation to the sweet ladies who made and gave us the beautiful quilts. They have become a precious comfort piece for us. Mayfair Church of Christ is to be
commended for this loving gift of sharing God’s love with those in need during difficult times. Also a special thanks to Shanon’s family for sharing his story with and through this beautiful home. We shall forever be grateful for Him putting you in our path along this journey.”
We recently honored the Tree of Life Quilters with a luncheon at our house in Scottsboro. These sweet ladies have made over 400 quilts for our guests in the past 11 years.
Here are a few comments from our guests to the Tree of Life Quilters.
“We still have our quilt. When he’s old enough I can’t wait to show it to him to explain what you all did for us and God’s amazing love and servant hearts he stores in so many. It truly is a reminder of love, gratitude, and so much more. “
“I have one of these beautiful quilts from Shannon’s house. My daughter and I stayed at Shannon’s house while my husband was in Huntsville Hospital. He has since passed away and it was hard to look at the quilt for a while but now it brings me such comfort and warmth. Thank you to these ladies that do this, it means so very much to the recipients!”
“I still have our quilt. Our son will be 11 this November. We had it easy compared to most guests at Shanon’s house, but it was definitely a God sent in our time of need. I’m forever grateful!! “
“Yes!! I love my quilt and I’m so happy to have it to remind me of God’s goodness and grace!”
“We will always cherish ours. “
“This is the most special place of all. Every time I look at the quilt I think of Mayfair and all the work and love that goes into these quilts. Thank you so much for this ministry. “
“Will never forget the day you handed me one those quilts. It meant so much to this mama!”
While 2020 was a year where we didn’t have as many guests as years before, those guests we did have were so thankful for Shanon’s House. We have taken precautions during this difficult time. We have only used 2 bedrooms so guests don’t have to share a bath.
As you can see from the cards we received that guests don’t forget a kindness shown to them. It’s hard to believe that some of these babies that started out so small are now 11 years old! Johnny and I are so thankful for your financial support , for the Tree of Life Quilters , for your interest and prayers for this ministry. We ask you pray that this ministry will continue to be a source of comfort for hurting people.
Please tell others about this ministry and how a loving and caring church called Mayfair Church of Christ continues to strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus!
In Him,
Johnny and Christy
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