Greetings from Shanon's House,
The summer and fall months have brought us guests from Athens, Hartsell, Florence, Albertville, Falkville, Danville, and Scottsboro, Alabama as well as Texas and Kentucky.
It's been a busy few months at Shanon’s house. A knock at the door a few days ago brought us one of our first guests. His baby boy weighed less than 2 lbs when he was born. Now he is almost 5 years old and healthy. The next week a family that stayed with us two years ago stopped by to see us. This last family has been especially encouraging to us. Every few months we will get a card from them just saying they were thinking of us. They told us every time they look at the quilt from the " Tree of Life Quilters," they remember Shanon's house. They told us to tell the Mayfair Church "thank you" again.
Fortunately most people who stay with us leave with a happy ending. But of course that's not always the case. The summer months brought us two families with newborns. One baby was born very early and the other baby was born only three weeks early. Both families were here at the same time and so appreciative of Shanon’s house. The baby who was born three weeks early only lived four days. This family touched our hearts. Up until the time they came to the hospital they were expecting to take a healthy baby boy home. We got word that the baby was not expected to live and they would not be coming in that night. The next morning we saw their car and thought maybe the baby had made it through the night. When they came in the kitchen I knew from their faces that their precious little one was now in the arms of Jesus. I said, "I'm so sorry. I wish there was something I could do to make it easier for you." They said, "we don't understand why this happened, but we know God does and we will never stop serving the Lord." They wrote in a blog about Shanon’s house and how it was a blessing. They said "we were staying at Shanon's house right next door to the hospital in fact you could see the house in the window where our baby’s bed was. This was a "God thing." Shanon’s house is a ministry of the Mayfair Church of Christ. The house was beautiful and immaculate and welcoming and the blessing of it all was it was free of charge. God is so good!"
The other couple with the tiny baby touched our hearts also. They had a six-year-old little girl while we don't usually have children stay with us we made an exception for this family. She needed them and they needed her. While she was here she was a delight and she brought smiles to her parents and to us. Their baby lived two weeks and then he passed away. Like the other couple they came back to Shanon’s house for the night. The next morning the little girl told me "my baby brother got to go see Jesus last night." Her sweet parents are heartbroken but even in their grief they were thankful for Shannon's house. They wrote "thank you so much for the kindness and love you have shown us. Staying here was an answered prayer. You will always hold a special place in our hearts." Both families mentioned Mayfair and Shanon’s housein the obituaries.
One of our guests found out about Shanon's House through Manna meals. Her son had been in ICU for three months. She also went to the Church service that Mayfair provides at the hospital. After spending over 100 days in the hospital, her son was able to go home. He called Johnny to personally thank him for letting his mom and fiancé stay here.
"This feels just like home" is a comment we hear so many times from our guests. One guestwrote "Thank you so much for all your kindness and generous hospitality. What a wonderful service you provide. It is truly a home away from home."
Another guest wrote in a blog, "We were staying at Shanon's House. The house is lovely and very accommodating. Just when we thought it could not be any nicer they gave us a beautiful quilt. The quilt is to remind us that we are covered in prayers. The house is a ministry of the Mayfair church of Christ. This place is so special and we feel blessed to be here."
Here are a few notes we received. "Thank you so much for allowing us to stay here. You were an answered prayer. I pray that God will bless you and the church for all you do to help people in our situation. I know you have blessed us."
"I have enjoyed my visit at Shanon's House. I appreciate all you did for me. The hospitality was wonderful. May God bless you in your work. You made my stay so much easier."
When one family was leaving they said with tears in their eyes, " how can we ever repay you? When we add up how much it would have cost and how hard it would have been to be so far from our baby, we are so thankful for this ministry."
One day two couples who stayed with us almost two years ago came by to visit with their babies. They call us their Shanon's house mom and dad. I took a picture of all of them and posted it on facebook. The grandmothers of both of the couples commented, and one of them said "Thank you and Mayfair Church of Christ for what y'all are doing to help families. I was so proud that my kids had a Christian place to stay so close to my grand baby while she was in the NICU. May God bless you in this mission. In Christian love, a grandmother." The other commented, "Yes, Thank you Mayfair Church of Christ for what y'all did for my kids and all the parents who stay there, it's truly a blessing from God."
Shanon’s House is a unique ministry in that all ages can help with different projects. The 4th grade class bought paper supplies and came over to deliver them. Several couples in the Life Savers class used Service day to host a luncheon at Shanon's house for the widows in the class and their service project was to bring supplies of paper products. The teen group did a great job doing yard work this fall. It is such a blessing to work with all these groups.
It's hard to believe that we have been here five years. I think back to 2006 when we received a call about my nephew who was in ICU in Little Rock, Arkansas. We rushed to be there with my sister and brother-in-law. We witnessed people sleeping in chairs and eating out of machines. We saw how the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ reached out to my sister and brother-in-law. They provided food and an apartment for them to stay in. I remember us saying, "The ICU waiting room is an untouched ministry. We wish there was some way we could help with a ministry for hurting people." Then in 2010 God answered that prayer with Shanon's house. We have learned so much from this ministry. We have met so many sweet people. Many have become friends that we will always cherish. We have had close to 500 people stay with us over five years. Our prayer is that other congregations will use Shanon's house as a model and more houses will be opened for hurting people.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Shanon's house and this is the season the world is focused on giving. Johnny and I appreciate the Mayfair church for giving to so many hurting people all year long through Shanon's house. We are so thankful for all of you who support this ministry financially and for those who pray for this ministry. We are very humbled to be able to work in this ministry along side all of you. We truly receive more than we give. God has been so faithful to provide everything we need. We tell our guests that while they may only see us, there is a whole congregation of loving people that makes this ministry work. We appreciate so much your kind words and encouragement. Johnny and I, as well as our guests, wish all of you a Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year.
In Him,
Johnny & Christy
Greetings from Shanon's House,
The winter and spring months bought us guests from, Guntersville, Florence, Athens, Tuscumbia, Flat Rock, Hartselle , Scottsboro and Birmingham Alabama. We also had guests from, Fayettville, TN, Woodstock, Georgia, Meridian, Mississippi and Pineville, Kentucky. We also had a guest from Germany.
We never know who will show up at the door at Shanon's house. A few weeks ago we had a full house and everyone was eating breakfast when I saw a man dressed in a suit at the back door. When I opened the door the first thing he showed me was his badge. He told me he was with the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and asked if I lived here or if I was a guest. I was frightened for a moment but then he told me he was inquiring about the wife of one of his fellow ABI agents staying with us. The injured Agent had been in a very bad accident and the Agents were looking after her. He came in to check out Shanon's house. That afternoon five of the injured man's fellow agents came over to the house to bring the wife's belongings. When we told them how Shanon's house was a ministry of the Mayfair church of Christ they said they had heard of Mayfair from Manna meals at the hospital earlier that day. The wife stayed at the hospital at night but would come over in the morning to shower and have a few hours of quietness. She was so grateful for Shanon's House. Often it's the little things that mean so much to people, a cup of coffee, and a quiet place where you can be by yourself to gather your thoughts. The Agents took turns staying with her 24 hours a day. They would bring her over to Shanon's house and park in the back for a couple of hours and wait on her. We were very impressed with their compassion for this family. One of them told me they think of their fellow Agents as their brothers. One morning several ABI agents came to the door, and we knew then that it was probably sad news. The injured Agent passed away later that day. I didn't have a quilt for her when she was here but the "Tree of Life" quilters went to work making a special quilt for her and a friend took it to her. A few weeks later the wife came back to bring a gift basket to share with the other guests at Shanon's house. She told us how even in the midst of tragedy she could see Gods hand at work. It always touches our heart when our guests loved ones pass away. In one way we feel helpless because the guests are hurting and there is nothing we can do or say to make the situation better. But when our guests tell us how Shanon's house was a comfort in their storm, we see how God can comfort them through this ministry and they leave knowing that people care and are praying for them.
We took a few days off and stayed at our other house but I needed to come over to Shanon's house to get a room ready. While I was cleaning the door bell rang and it was guests from a couple of months ago bringing their baby and two year old to see us. This makes our day when we have guests come back to see us. We tell them this is the best gift they could give us. They brought breakfast goodies to share with the guests and a picture of their baby for the refrigerator.
A few days later I got a text from a guest who stayed with us a year ago asking if we were home. This family lost their 17 year old in an accident and their 14 year was in critical condition for several weeks while they stayed with us. They came by with their daughter to visit. This was the first time we had met the daughter. This family will always be a beautiful example of staying faithful to God even in the saddest of times. They asked us to tell all of you thank you again for Shanon's House.
The snow days were beautiful here. We had guests here with a new baby in NICU and their 8 year old was out of school and was missing her mom. We told them that she could stay with us if it would help them out. We enjoyed her being here. She wanted to build a snowman one day so we went out to help her. These were sweet memories for her and for us. A thoughtful sister at church made pillow cases with Bible verses on them to give to our guests. I gave one to the 8 year old. Her mother sent me this message "I wanted to let you know when the weather was stormy the other day
and we were gathering our things for our safe place, my daughter brought her pillow that has the
pillow case you gave her. It is the one she sleeps on every night. She said she brought it with her that night because it has a "God saying" and that made her feel safer. Thought you would enjoy hearing that." It's the little things that all of you do that leave a lasting impact on our guests.
One Sunday evening we were on our way to Church and Johnny commented " we have two rooms full but not a full house." I said " well, the nights not over yet." We laughed about how we never know what a day will bring. After church Johnny gets a call on his cell phone. The caller says "hey brother Johnny we are here in the Pediatric ICU with our baby. Do you have a room for us at Shanon's house?" This was a couple who stayed with us a year ago. They had recently sent a new family picture that was on the front on the refrigerator. We told them we did have a room and enjoyed seeing them again. They wanted us to tell you "Thank you."
Often guests will ask us how they can repay the Church for Shanon's house. We tell them to pay it forward. A year ago we had three couples here who became close friends. Recently they asked us to a dinner they were preparing for the NICU parents at the hospital. This was their way of " paying it forward." This was so encouraging for us. So many times we only hear of the bad news but one of the many blessings we receive at Shanon's house is being able to see so many good deeds done by young couples like these who are reaching out to others. We enjoyed visiting with them at the dinner and catching up with what's going on in their lives.
Here are several notes we have received- "Dear Mayfair church, thank you so much for everything you have done for our family. What a blessing it is for sleep deprived, displaced from home mamas to be able to find respite here! Thank you Mayfair church for supporting this wonderful ministry. Shanon's house was an answered prayer in my time of need.
" Thank you again for your hospitality to our family. We are forever grateful and blessed by this ministry."
"Thank you so much for your generosity and most of all for your prayers. Shanon's house has made these past few weeks easier to bear and we will be forever grateful."
We received a call about a couple and their daughter needing a place to stay. The mother and father were from Kentucky and the daughter lived in Germany. This was a sweet family and they were very thankful for Shanon's house. This is the note from them. "Dear Mayfair Church of Christ, Thank you for your kind hospitality during our stay in Huntsville. The peace and solitude of this home here have fulfilled our needs during this difficult time. We hope you will accept a small token of our appreciation. Your kindness, consideration and prayers were invaluable! Thank you very much
The spring time at Shanon's house is one of our favorite times of the year. The dogwood trees and the Azaleas blooming are so pretty. The garden is coming back to life after the winter months. Service day brought several from the Life Savers class to help put out mulch. The garden was the perfect setting for a luncheon for the Mayfair graduating senior girls and their huddle leaders. It was a sweet memory for everyone.
Recently we were telling some one about Shanon's house and when we said it was a ministry of the Mayfair Church of Christ her response was " that Church is known for helping people all over this city." Johnny and I are thankful to all of you for the way you come along side of us to help make a difference in hurting peoples lives. We know we couldn't do this work without The Lord's help and the help and encouragement from our church family.
We are so thankful for everyone who stops by to visit, who ask us about Shanon's house, and those who contribute in any way. Shanon's house through your support is continuing to bless others all over Alabama and beyond. May God bless all of you as you are blessing those that are our guests at Shanon's house.
In Him,
Johnny and Christy
The winter and spring months bought us guests from, Guntersville, Florence, Athens, Tuscumbia, Flat Rock, Hartselle , Scottsboro and Birmingham Alabama. We also had guests from, Fayettville, TN, Woodstock, Georgia, Meridian, Mississippi and Pineville, Kentucky. We also had a guest from Germany.
We never know who will show up at the door at Shanon's house. A few weeks ago we had a full house and everyone was eating breakfast when I saw a man dressed in a suit at the back door. When I opened the door the first thing he showed me was his badge. He told me he was with the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and asked if I lived here or if I was a guest. I was frightened for a moment but then he told me he was inquiring about the wife of one of his fellow ABI agents staying with us. The injured Agent had been in a very bad accident and the Agents were looking after her. He came in to check out Shanon's house. That afternoon five of the injured man's fellow agents came over to the house to bring the wife's belongings. When we told them how Shanon's house was a ministry of the Mayfair church of Christ they said they had heard of Mayfair from Manna meals at the hospital earlier that day. The wife stayed at the hospital at night but would come over in the morning to shower and have a few hours of quietness. She was so grateful for Shanon's House. Often it's the little things that mean so much to people, a cup of coffee, and a quiet place where you can be by yourself to gather your thoughts. The Agents took turns staying with her 24 hours a day. They would bring her over to Shanon's house and park in the back for a couple of hours and wait on her. We were very impressed with their compassion for this family. One of them told me they think of their fellow Agents as their brothers. One morning several ABI agents came to the door, and we knew then that it was probably sad news. The injured Agent passed away later that day. I didn't have a quilt for her when she was here but the "Tree of Life" quilters went to work making a special quilt for her and a friend took it to her. A few weeks later the wife came back to bring a gift basket to share with the other guests at Shanon's house. She told us how even in the midst of tragedy she could see Gods hand at work. It always touches our heart when our guests loved ones pass away. In one way we feel helpless because the guests are hurting and there is nothing we can do or say to make the situation better. But when our guests tell us how Shanon's house was a comfort in their storm, we see how God can comfort them through this ministry and they leave knowing that people care and are praying for them.
We took a few days off and stayed at our other house but I needed to come over to Shanon's house to get a room ready. While I was cleaning the door bell rang and it was guests from a couple of months ago bringing their baby and two year old to see us. This makes our day when we have guests come back to see us. We tell them this is the best gift they could give us. They brought breakfast goodies to share with the guests and a picture of their baby for the refrigerator.
A few days later I got a text from a guest who stayed with us a year ago asking if we were home. This family lost their 17 year old in an accident and their 14 year was in critical condition for several weeks while they stayed with us. They came by with their daughter to visit. This was the first time we had met the daughter. This family will always be a beautiful example of staying faithful to God even in the saddest of times. They asked us to tell all of you thank you again for Shanon's House.
The snow days were beautiful here. We had guests here with a new baby in NICU and their 8 year old was out of school and was missing her mom. We told them that she could stay with us if it would help them out. We enjoyed her being here. She wanted to build a snowman one day so we went out to help her. These were sweet memories for her and for us. A thoughtful sister at church made pillow cases with Bible verses on them to give to our guests. I gave one to the 8 year old. Her mother sent me this message "I wanted to let you know when the weather was stormy the other day
and we were gathering our things for our safe place, my daughter brought her pillow that has the
pillow case you gave her. It is the one she sleeps on every night. She said she brought it with her that night because it has a "God saying" and that made her feel safer. Thought you would enjoy hearing that." It's the little things that all of you do that leave a lasting impact on our guests.
One Sunday evening we were on our way to Church and Johnny commented " we have two rooms full but not a full house." I said " well, the nights not over yet." We laughed about how we never know what a day will bring. After church Johnny gets a call on his cell phone. The caller says "hey brother Johnny we are here in the Pediatric ICU with our baby. Do you have a room for us at Shanon's house?" This was a couple who stayed with us a year ago. They had recently sent a new family picture that was on the front on the refrigerator. We told them we did have a room and enjoyed seeing them again. They wanted us to tell you "Thank you."
Often guests will ask us how they can repay the Church for Shanon's house. We tell them to pay it forward. A year ago we had three couples here who became close friends. Recently they asked us to a dinner they were preparing for the NICU parents at the hospital. This was their way of " paying it forward." This was so encouraging for us. So many times we only hear of the bad news but one of the many blessings we receive at Shanon's house is being able to see so many good deeds done by young couples like these who are reaching out to others. We enjoyed visiting with them at the dinner and catching up with what's going on in their lives.
Here are several notes we have received- "Dear Mayfair church, thank you so much for everything you have done for our family. What a blessing it is for sleep deprived, displaced from home mamas to be able to find respite here! Thank you Mayfair church for supporting this wonderful ministry. Shanon's house was an answered prayer in my time of need.
" Thank you again for your hospitality to our family. We are forever grateful and blessed by this ministry."
"Thank you so much for your generosity and most of all for your prayers. Shanon's house has made these past few weeks easier to bear and we will be forever grateful."
We received a call about a couple and their daughter needing a place to stay. The mother and father were from Kentucky and the daughter lived in Germany. This was a sweet family and they were very thankful for Shanon's house. This is the note from them. "Dear Mayfair Church of Christ, Thank you for your kind hospitality during our stay in Huntsville. The peace and solitude of this home here have fulfilled our needs during this difficult time. We hope you will accept a small token of our appreciation. Your kindness, consideration and prayers were invaluable! Thank you very much
The spring time at Shanon's house is one of our favorite times of the year. The dogwood trees and the Azaleas blooming are so pretty. The garden is coming back to life after the winter months. Service day brought several from the Life Savers class to help put out mulch. The garden was the perfect setting for a luncheon for the Mayfair graduating senior girls and their huddle leaders. It was a sweet memory for everyone.
Recently we were telling some one about Shanon's house and when we said it was a ministry of the Mayfair Church of Christ her response was " that Church is known for helping people all over this city." Johnny and I are thankful to all of you for the way you come along side of us to help make a difference in hurting peoples lives. We know we couldn't do this work without The Lord's help and the help and encouragement from our church family.
We are so thankful for everyone who stops by to visit, who ask us about Shanon's house, and those who contribute in any way. Shanon's house through your support is continuing to bless others all over Alabama and beyond. May God bless all of you as you are blessing those that are our guests at Shanon's house.
In Him,
Johnny and Christy
Greetings from Shanon's House,
The Spring and Summer months were busy here at Shanon's House. We had guests from Russellville, Athens, Bryant, Moulton, Arab, Tuscumbia, Sheffield, Town Creek, Killen, Guntersville, Scottsboro, Elkmont, Florence and Muscle Shoals, Al. We also had guests From Michigan and North Carolina.
In May we had a couple who became very dear to our hearts. Their two daughters were in a car accident. The older daughter passed away and her sister was in critical condition. The parents were faithful Christians who taught us so many life lessons as they were grieving for one daughter while praying for the other to be healed. The father told us "we will get through this by trusting God." We listened while they told us stories about their daughters and our hearts grieved with them. We also had the grandparents stay with us and their lives were a testimony to us and others of living out your faith when heartaches come. They told us the words they found in their daughters Bible-"Everything works for the better, that's why I'm happy." They told us how she was a very giving and unselfish person and how she touched so many in her short time on earth. The grandfather told us that when he arrived at the scene of the accident he prayed "Lord, let something good come from this tragedy." Several days later several of her friends were baptized. These friends saw through this tragedy how this life is fragile and really is a vapor. Please continue to keep this family in your prayers.
We enjoyed guests from Michigan this summer. This was the first time they had been to the south for an extended stay. The wife was so relieved when she walked in and saw the house she said she felt like this was home. She commented on how she noticed Christians in the south showing hospitality and caring for one another and how she wanted to do this when she got back home. She told us how she would often say "well I'm going home now." She was referring to going to Shanon's House.
We received a call from a Doctor who attends Mayfair about an older lady whose husband was in the hospital. She only stayed one night because she didn't want to leave him. She arrived she told us "This must have been God looking out for me because I've had never had a doctor ask me if I had a place to stay." When I gave her the quilt from the Tree of Life Quilters she said with tears in her eyes. "I just said a few days ago, Lord nobody cares. I know God heard my prayers, I will treasure this forever." This is the card we received a card from her a few days ago. "Thank you so much for all the love you showed to me when my husband was in the hospital. He passed away and I miss him greatly. You were there when I needed help going through this valley. This ministry is a blessing to people like me. When I see the quilt you gave me I smile and ask God to bless all of you as you bless others."
We received a card from a couple who stayed with us one year ago. Inside were donations to Shanon's House with a note telling us they had requested donations instead of toys for their baby's first birthday. This warmed our hearts. We meet so many guests who enrich our lives when we see how they want to give back to say "thank you." We often tell guests the best way to thank us is to pay it forward.
A special surprise came when we had a former guests call and see if they could stop by. They arrived and a few minutes later another couple arrived. We were visiting with them when the door bell rang and it was another couple. All of them had stayed with us at the same time. They had planned this visit to surprise us. Their babies were all doing good and we sat and visited with them for a couple of hours. It always so rewarding when we see how people bond with each other while they are staying here. This is one of the reasons we enjoy having a full house! These couples will be lifetime friends because of Shanon's House.
Here's a note we received from one of our guests. "we are unable to find words to express our gratitude to all who make it possible for the use of Shanon's House. We appreciate everything so much. We will never forget during our hardest time that there are people that we have never met that are willing to be there for you. I wish I could tell you just how touching that is to us."
There are so many blessing that we receive being here at Shanon's House. One of the blessing is seeing how God works in this ministry. It has been a faith builder for us. We will have guests who will come and find out they know the other family here or we will have guests who don't know anything about the Church of Christ and we have the opportunity to tell them. One guest told me of a client of hers that was collecting items to send to Africa she said "Come to think of it, she was a member of the Church of Christ. You sure do have a lot of nice people in your Church." All of these incidences remind us that God is working in this ministry and has been from the beginning. It was this time of the year 4 years ago that we were asked to be here at Shanon's House. We didn't really know what to expect or do, but God has provided everything for us to do this work and it has been a blessing to us. We have grown in our faith and in our love for all of you who help us in this ministry. We feel as our guest wrote, May God bless all of you as you have blessed others.
With very grateful hearts,
Johnny and Christy
The Spring and Summer months were busy here at Shanon's House. We had guests from Russellville, Athens, Bryant, Moulton, Arab, Tuscumbia, Sheffield, Town Creek, Killen, Guntersville, Scottsboro, Elkmont, Florence and Muscle Shoals, Al. We also had guests From Michigan and North Carolina.
In May we had a couple who became very dear to our hearts. Their two daughters were in a car accident. The older daughter passed away and her sister was in critical condition. The parents were faithful Christians who taught us so many life lessons as they were grieving for one daughter while praying for the other to be healed. The father told us "we will get through this by trusting God." We listened while they told us stories about their daughters and our hearts grieved with them. We also had the grandparents stay with us and their lives were a testimony to us and others of living out your faith when heartaches come. They told us the words they found in their daughters Bible-"Everything works for the better, that's why I'm happy." They told us how she was a very giving and unselfish person and how she touched so many in her short time on earth. The grandfather told us that when he arrived at the scene of the accident he prayed "Lord, let something good come from this tragedy." Several days later several of her friends were baptized. These friends saw through this tragedy how this life is fragile and really is a vapor. Please continue to keep this family in your prayers.
We enjoyed guests from Michigan this summer. This was the first time they had been to the south for an extended stay. The wife was so relieved when she walked in and saw the house she said she felt like this was home. She commented on how she noticed Christians in the south showing hospitality and caring for one another and how she wanted to do this when she got back home. She told us how she would often say "well I'm going home now." She was referring to going to Shanon's House.
We received a call from a Doctor who attends Mayfair about an older lady whose husband was in the hospital. She only stayed one night because she didn't want to leave him. She arrived she told us "This must have been God looking out for me because I've had never had a doctor ask me if I had a place to stay." When I gave her the quilt from the Tree of Life Quilters she said with tears in her eyes. "I just said a few days ago, Lord nobody cares. I know God heard my prayers, I will treasure this forever." This is the card we received a card from her a few days ago. "Thank you so much for all the love you showed to me when my husband was in the hospital. He passed away and I miss him greatly. You were there when I needed help going through this valley. This ministry is a blessing to people like me. When I see the quilt you gave me I smile and ask God to bless all of you as you bless others."
We received a card from a couple who stayed with us one year ago. Inside were donations to Shanon's House with a note telling us they had requested donations instead of toys for their baby's first birthday. This warmed our hearts. We meet so many guests who enrich our lives when we see how they want to give back to say "thank you." We often tell guests the best way to thank us is to pay it forward.
A special surprise came when we had a former guests call and see if they could stop by. They arrived and a few minutes later another couple arrived. We were visiting with them when the door bell rang and it was another couple. All of them had stayed with us at the same time. They had planned this visit to surprise us. Their babies were all doing good and we sat and visited with them for a couple of hours. It always so rewarding when we see how people bond with each other while they are staying here. This is one of the reasons we enjoy having a full house! These couples will be lifetime friends because of Shanon's House.
Here's a note we received from one of our guests. "we are unable to find words to express our gratitude to all who make it possible for the use of Shanon's House. We appreciate everything so much. We will never forget during our hardest time that there are people that we have never met that are willing to be there for you. I wish I could tell you just how touching that is to us."
There are so many blessing that we receive being here at Shanon's House. One of the blessing is seeing how God works in this ministry. It has been a faith builder for us. We will have guests who will come and find out they know the other family here or we will have guests who don't know anything about the Church of Christ and we have the opportunity to tell them. One guest told me of a client of hers that was collecting items to send to Africa she said "Come to think of it, she was a member of the Church of Christ. You sure do have a lot of nice people in your Church." All of these incidences remind us that God is working in this ministry and has been from the beginning. It was this time of the year 4 years ago that we were asked to be here at Shanon's House. We didn't really know what to expect or do, but God has provided everything for us to do this work and it has been a blessing to us. We have grown in our faith and in our love for all of you who help us in this ministry. We feel as our guest wrote, May God bless all of you as you have blessed others.
With very grateful hearts,
Johnny and Christy
Greetings from Shanon's House,
The months of February, March and April
have been very busy. There have been very few nights where the house
was empty. We have had guests from Guntersville, Elkmont, Ardmore,Muscle Shoals, Town Creek, Russelville,
Killen, Scottsboro, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Hartsell, Alabama.
One of our guests received the honor of
staying with us the longest. Their baby was 1 lb 6oz when she was
born. This couple really did become like family. Each night when
they came in the father would say “Mom and Dad we're home now.”
They became friends with the other couple who were here. It's always
encouraging to us when families will share their life stories with
us. Most of of the time this happens at the end of the day. After
more than 80 days in the hospital their baby got to go home. The
first place they stopped by was Shanon's House. This always touches
my heart.
Every new mother and father are excited
when they have a new baby. We witnessed a different kind of
excitement recently. We received a call about a couple adopting a
baby. When the adoptive mother called about staying here she said
with excitement in her voice “Mrs. Christy we have a baby!!!”
This couple had waited 10 years for a child and they were overjoyed.
She told me how she had several babies waiting for her in heaven and
how the call from the agency had come unexpectedly. She told me
how they wanted to raise this child to give back to the community and
she told me that this child would be dedicated to the Lord. Her story
reminded me of the beautiful Bible story of Hannah and Samuel. This
couple endeared themselves to us from the first time we met them.
When they left they came by to show us their little one. We were all
teary eyed. Johnny and I are happy when guests get to take their
babies home but we do miss them when they leave.
Every year Huntsville Hospital has a NICU reunion for the parents and babies who were preemies. For several years it has been held at Mayfair. This year they invited us to the reunion. We enjoyed seeing several of our former guests and their babies. The speaker thanked Mayfair for Shanon's House and thanked all those involved in this ministry.
Here's a note we received from the
parents of triplets that stayed with us.
“We could never thank you enough for
the hospitality that you provided to us while our three little
blessings were in the Neonatal Unit. We also want to thank the
Mayfair Church of Christ, Shanon's family and everyone involved in
providing this house of compassion through ministry. It was truly an
honor and blessing from God to place us in such a caring “home away
from home” while the triplets were receiving the care they needed.
Although we could not be with the babies all the time, we found
comfort in knowing that we were within minutes of the hospital and
could be actively involved in taking care of them. Shanon's story is
very inspirational and teaches us to always reach out to others and
touch their lives in a positive way as the Lord would have us to do.
As we sit here tonight writing this while hearing the sweet little
whimpers and cries of our babies, we know that it is truly a miracle
and gift from God that they are healthy and progressing as they
should. We will keep you updated through photos and letters as we
look forward to telling them about the House of Compassion that was
provided to their Mom and Dad during their stay at Huntsville
Hospital as well as sharing Shanon's story with them to teach them to
always reach out to others.”
The quilters made special quilts for
this family. I often think about down the road when the babies are
grown and their parents tell them about Shanon's House. When they
show them the quilt that was made for them by the “Tree of Life
Quilters” with the tag that says “Made with love, Mayfair Church
of Christ.” Our prayer is that Shanon's House will be like the
pebble thrown in the pond, the ripple effect will go on and on years
later in the lives of those who hear the story of a group of people
at Mayfair that showed compassion to their loved one.
It always brings a smile to my face
when I see the guests all sitting around the table talking and
laughing with each other. One guest brought his guitar and would sit
out in the swing and play and sing. We know our guests feel at home
when they will use the other rooms in the house and enjoy the garden.
One of the many blessing we see at
Shanon's House is how God is so faithful. We see His hand at work not
only in the lives of our guests but in our lives also.
Very seldom do we get discouraged at
Shanon's House and even rarer do Johnny and I get discouraged at the
same time. Several weeks ago we were both a little discouraged. We
talked about it and considered that maybe God was telling us that it
was time to consider another way to serve. I decided to spend some
extra time in the Word and in prayer. My reading that day was in the
first chapter of Deuteroronomy. Verse 31 spoke very loudly to me
“You saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way as
you traveled through the wilderness just as a father cares for his
child. Now He has brought you to this place but even after all He
did for you, you refuse to trust the Lord your God.” When I came
to this verse I realized that's what I needed to remember. We would
trust God to lead us. I wrote down in my prayer journal “Lord
please guide us and show us if this is where you want us to be.”
Later that afternoon a car drives up
that I don't recognize. A lady comes to the door and when I open up
the door she says “Hi, do you remember me?” I panicked because I
didn't remember her, but I said “Lynn?” She said Yes! You do
remember me!!” She said “I had to stop by and see my friends.
I was hoping you had not turned this over to someone else, because
you know this is where God wants you to be!” She had stayed with
us in 2010. She was from Knoxville, TN. She stayed and visited with
us for about an hour. She said “I don't know what I would have
done without Shanon's House. I was scared, and tired and alone. I
will never forget what this house and ministry meant to me.”
This encounter still amazes us every
time we think about it. God answered had answered or prayer! Our
spirits were lifted. The problems we were having with guests improved
and our energy was renewed. God is so good! When we need
encouragement we will receive a card in the mail or a visit or phone
call. When we need rest He provides for the house to be empty for a
few days. Thank you to all of you who keep this ministry in your
prayers. Thank you for all who support this ministry financially and
thank you for the encouragement that you give to us. Shanon's House
is very dear to our hearts and all of you are dear to us. We are
blessed to be able to work along side all of you in this ministry.
In Him,
Johnny and Christy Johnson
Greetings from Shanon's House of Compassion,
The months of February, March and April have been very busy. There have been very few nights where the house was empty. We have had guests from Guntersville, Elkmont,
Ardmore, Muscle Shoals, Town Creek, Russellville, Killen, Scottsboro, Sheffield,Tuscumbia, and Hartsell, Alabama.
One of our guests received the honor of staying with us the longest. Their baby was 1 lb 6 oz.when she was born. This couple really did become like family. Each night when they came in, the father would say “Mom and Dad we're home now.” They became friends with the other couple who were here. It's always encouraging to us when families will share their life stories with us. Most of the time this happens at the end of the day. After more than 80 days in the hospital, their baby got to go home. The first place they stopped by was Shanon'sHouse. This always touches my heart.
Every new mother and father are excited when they have a new baby. We witnessess
Every new mother and father are excited when they have a new baby. We witnessed a
different kind of excitement recently. We received a call about a couple adopting a baby.
When the adoptive mother called about staying here she said with excitement in her voice
“Mrs. Christy we have a baby!!!” This couple had waited 10 years for a child and they were
overjoyed. She told me how she had several babies waiting for her in heaven and how the
call from the agency had come unexpectedly. She told me how they wanted to raise this child
to give back to the community and she told me that this child would be dedicated to the Lord.
Her story reminded me of the beautiful Bible story of Hannah and Samuel. This couple
endeared themselves to us from the first time we met them. When they left they came by to
show us their little one. We were all teary eyed. Johnny and I are happy when guests get to
take their babies home but we do miss them when they leave.
Every year Huntsville Hospital has a NICU reunion for the parents and babies who were
preemies. For several years it has been held at Mayfair. This year they invited us to the
reunion. We enjoyed seeing several of our former guests and their babies. The speaker
thanked Mayfair for Shanon's House and thanked all those involved in this ministry.
Here's a note we received from the parents of triplets that stayed with us.
“We could never thank you enough for the hospitality that you provided to
Greetings from Shanon's House,
It's hard to believe that we are
beginning our 4th year at Shanon's House. The time has
gone by so quickly. We have had over 200 people stay with us and
many continue to stop by and visit or send Christmas cards. The
months of November, December and January have brought us guests from,
Mentone, Sheffield, Phil Campbell,
Eastaboga, Albertville, and Florence, Alabama.
One of our guests was a lady who was 71
years old. Her husband had been in a very serious auto accident. We
enjoyed her stay with us. At the same time we had a mother with a
tiny newborn. One morning the older woman was sitting at the table
encouraging the young mother. Later that day I noticed a note on the
young mothers door from the older woman telling her she was praying
for her. This made me smile.
This is a note we received from that
guest whose husband was in ICU.
“Dear Mayfair Church,
I can never thank you enough for the
way you have made me feel so loved and cared for I want to thank all
my brothers and sisters at Mayfair for the prayers and support in the
most difficult time in my life when my husband was so close to death
from the auto accident. I know God heard all the prayers and His
hands were with the doctors to heal my husband. I will never forget
your gracious hospitality.
Thank you dear ladies for the quilt.
Thank you everyone for the get well card. Tell David and
Henry thank you for the Sunday service at the hospital and for
telling me about Shanon's House, it has meant so much to me.
Our love and gratitude always,”
Often it's the little things that show
you care. This was the case with one guest, she said, “Your church
has thought of everything. I needed some hand lotion and remembered
there was some in the bathroom gift bag.”
Often we will run into former guests.
This happened a few weeks ago. I was shopping and a young mother
stopped me and said “Do you remember me? My husband and I had the
twin boys who passed away.” I did remember her and noticed she had
a baby girl in the stroller. She said “this is our baby girl who
was born one year and one day after the passing of our baby boys.
Please tell your church thank you again from us. We will never
forget you.” The last time I saw this young mother she was broken
hearted and now to see her smiling with a new baby was a blessing.
This was a reminder to us of how good God is and how people never
forget a kindness shown to them.
We are beginning to have repeat guests.
Several who had babies in 2010 are once again blessed with another
precious baby. Here's a note from a father who stayed with us for
the second time.
“To all Involved,
I am writing to very humbly say Thank
you. The Shanon's House ministry has blessed our lives twice now.
Our two youngest children were both born with Respiratory Distress
Syndrome. We are grateful to our Lord that it wasn't worse, but
several of you know that when your child is being rushed away to a
different hospital in an ambulance you worry. To all who contribute
to Shanon's House ministry, thank you. We understand the amount of
money that must be poured out to keep a service like this running.
Your monetary sacrifices are so appreciated. You all help those in
need by leaving us free from worrying about having a place to stay
while we tend to our loved ones. That helps take one burden from us
allowing us to focus and pray for our loved one. The breakfasts that
are prepared also help tremendously. Having one home cooked,
nutritious meal aids us all. It some how gives us comfort on those
difficult days. In closing thank you all. Your service to Jesus
touches many. When I told my mother of your generosity, she wept.
So from the bottom of our hearts, we love you and thank you all.”
As you can see we meet some of the kindest people. The statement-People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care, is so true. The ministry of Shanon's house tells our guests in a big way that the Mayfair church truly cares about them. Johnny and I continue to be thankful to all of you who support this ministry in any way, large or small. We brag on all of you to guests. We tell them that the Mayfair church is a very loving and giving congregation. When they see the beautiful house and all the special touches that you provide it's proof that you care. We are looking forward to another year at Shanon's House simply doing what so many of you do every day, offering a cup of cold water in Jesus name to those who are hurting. May God bless you all in this new year.
With very grateful hearts,
Christy and Johnny
Christy and Johnny
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