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
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
Greetings from Shanon's House of Compassion,
This summer we've had guests from Guntersville, Cherokee, Leighton, Dutton, Wellington, Duncanville, Piedmont, Harvest, Elkmont, Sheffield, Lacy Springs, Pisgah,Florence and Henegar, AL as well as Ridgeland MS, Shelbyville, TN and Austin TX. It was a very busy summer with guests who left us with memories we will never forget. One of our guests was from Austin, Texas. Her husband was in Huntsville on business and became seriously ill. This was a very sweet family. Her devotion to her husband was was evident from the beginning of her stay. She would stay with him most of the day. She made the comment "Every City needs a "Shanon's House." Here's the card she sent to us- "There are no words to express our gratitude for the love, care and compassion that the Mayfair Church has shown us during my husband's critical illness in Huntsville. You were an answered prayer during a very stressful time, particularly being 14 hours from home. Shanon's House has been a blessing to our extended family-a perfect example of how God will provide. We thank you for being "His hands and feet" during our time of need. We will be eternally grateful." Another guest wrote, "Your church truly lives out-Loving your neighbor as yourself. God asks us to show His kindness and love through our actions. You do this with the ministry of Shanon's House."
There are so many stories we could tell you of our guests at Shanon's House. We meet so many kind guests who are going through stressful times. One of those guests was a young couple with a baby that had been born very early. The baby weighed 1 lb 6 oz. When the couple arrived and told us about the baby the father said "God's in control." They told us how this was their miracle baby. We enjoyed getting to know the Grandmother who stayed with her daughter when the father had to go back to work. One afternoon the Mother and Grandmother came back to Shanon's House. The mother looked very tired and commented "I think I've overdone it today" In just a few minutes we were calling 911, the mother was having a seizure. When the ambulance arrived we followed with the grandmother to the emergency room. The Grandmother was holding on to me and said "Christy, I'm really scared." Johnny called the father and told him his wife had been taken to the emergency room. When the father arrived he asked if we could pray and he lead the most beautiful prayer-asking God to spare his wife. In just a few minutes the doctor came in to tell him that his wife had passed away. His first words were "I know where she is, but what am I going to do?" After the family arrived Johnny and I slipped away. As we sat outside in the garden we were shaken by what had happened. We never even considered that something like this would happen here. Johnny remembered how he had talked to the young mother before the ambulance arrived telling her to breathe and he realized he was talking to her like she was his own daughter. Two days later the father called to tell us the funeral arrangements. He told Johnny, "The day she died I went home and opened my Bible. It fell open to Psalm 51. I knew then that God was going to take care of us." He said "I can see God's hand in all that happened. God knew how much my wife wanted to be a mother. God also knew her time was limited so He let our baby be born early so my wife could experience the joy of being a mother and then He took her but left a part of her with me." We were amazed at his faith. One week later he called and asked if we wanted to come to the hospital and see the baby. When we arrived he had the quilt from the "Tree of Life Quilters" that we had given him. He said "Today our baby gets to have her own quilt. Would you do the honors of putting it on her crib?" My eyes were filled with tears as I told him this was the best and sweetest gift he could give me. This little baby got to go home and we are able to keep up with her progress through Face book. We continue to learn so many life lessons from the experiences of our guests. This summer we saw first hand how you praise God in the storms of life. Our guests showed us that God is faithful to be there in the hardest of times and that yes, God is in control.
This summer we had the dedication of the beautiful garden at Shanon's House. The garden was dedicated to two girls from Kentucky who were involved in a wreck in 2010. The families of these girls stayed with us. The family came down from Kentucky for the dedication. It was a beautiful morning and even though it was the middle of July the gentle breeze we had prayed for was there for us during the ceremony. God is so good. The garden is a very restful and peaceful place for our guests to enjoy after a long day at the hospital. One guest said, "I was so tense, but when I drove up at Shanon's House there was a sense of peace when I saw the garden." Another guest said "just being able to get away from the noise of the hospital and coming here is refreshing."
The refrigerator has pictures covering it of babies whose parents have stayed with us. When we get a call from the NICU we don't know what's wrong with the baby only that it's in NICU. When new parents arrive they are worried about their babies. We often show them the pictures of babies that started out so small and then show them how they are thriving after 2 years. One young couple arrived and we could tell the mother was very stressed and worried. I showed her the picture of the mother and baby that stayed with us 2 years ago. The picture on the refrigerator was of a mother who had requested to adopt a Down Syndrome baby. When I finished telling her about this mother, she looked down and said "Our baby has Down Syndrome." I thought about this later and wondered why out of all the pictures on the refrigerator,I chose that mother and baby to show this young mother. The only explanation was God was answering our prayer-the prayer we pray for God to guide us in this work.
Thank you to all who have come by to encourage us. The 5th and 6th graders from VBS made gift bags for our guests. Several have brought by paper products and breakfast foods. A Life group from the University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa made bags to give to our guests. This ministry as in all ministries has times when the devil sends discouragement but God is so faithful to send us encouragement and it comes through your generous gifts, visits, phone calls,cards and prayers.
Johnny and Christy
This summer we've had guests from Guntersville, Cherokee, Leighton, Dutton, Wellington, Duncanville, Piedmont, Harvest, Elkmont, Sheffield, Lacy Springs, Pisgah,Florence and Henegar, AL as well as Ridgeland MS, Shelbyville, TN and Austin TX. It was a very busy summer with guests who left us with memories we will never forget. One of our guests was from Austin, Texas. Her husband was in Huntsville on business and became seriously ill. This was a very sweet family. Her devotion to her husband was was evident from the beginning of her stay. She would stay with him most of the day. She made the comment "Every City needs a "Shanon's House." Here's the card she sent to us- "There are no words to express our gratitude for the love, care and compassion that the Mayfair Church has shown us during my husband's critical illness in Huntsville. You were an answered prayer during a very stressful time, particularly being 14 hours from home. Shanon's House has been a blessing to our extended family-a perfect example of how God will provide. We thank you for being "His hands and feet" during our time of need. We will be eternally grateful." Another guest wrote, "Your church truly lives out-Loving your neighbor as yourself. God asks us to show His kindness and love through our actions. You do this with the ministry of Shanon's House."
There are so many stories we could tell you of our guests at Shanon's House. We meet so many kind guests who are going through stressful times. One of those guests was a young couple with a baby that had been born very early. The baby weighed 1 lb 6 oz. When the couple arrived and told us about the baby the father said "God's in control." They told us how this was their miracle baby. We enjoyed getting to know the Grandmother who stayed with her daughter when the father had to go back to work. One afternoon the Mother and Grandmother came back to Shanon's House. The mother looked very tired and commented "I think I've overdone it today" In just a few minutes we were calling 911, the mother was having a seizure. When the ambulance arrived we followed with the grandmother to the emergency room. The Grandmother was holding on to me and said "Christy, I'm really scared." Johnny called the father and told him his wife had been taken to the emergency room. When the father arrived he asked if we could pray and he lead the most beautiful prayer-asking God to spare his wife. In just a few minutes the doctor came in to tell him that his wife had passed away. His first words were "I know where she is, but what am I going to do?" After the family arrived Johnny and I slipped away. As we sat outside in the garden we were shaken by what had happened. We never even considered that something like this would happen here. Johnny remembered how he had talked to the young mother before the ambulance arrived telling her to breathe and he realized he was talking to her like she was his own daughter. Two days later the father called to tell us the funeral arrangements. He told Johnny, "The day she died I went home and opened my Bible. It fell open to Psalm 51. I knew then that God was going to take care of us." He said "I can see God's hand in all that happened. God knew how much my wife wanted to be a mother. God also knew her time was limited so He let our baby be born early so my wife could experience the joy of being a mother and then He took her but left a part of her with me." We were amazed at his faith. One week later he called and asked if we wanted to come to the hospital and see the baby. When we arrived he had the quilt from the "Tree of Life Quilters" that we had given him. He said "Today our baby gets to have her own quilt. Would you do the honors of putting it on her crib?" My eyes were filled with tears as I told him this was the best and sweetest gift he could give me. This little baby got to go home and we are able to keep up with her progress through Face book. We continue to learn so many life lessons from the experiences of our guests. This summer we saw first hand how you praise God in the storms of life. Our guests showed us that God is faithful to be there in the hardest of times and that yes, God is in control.
This summer we had the dedication of the beautiful garden at Shanon's House. The garden was dedicated to two girls from Kentucky who were involved in a wreck in 2010. The families of these girls stayed with us. The family came down from Kentucky for the dedication. It was a beautiful morning and even though it was the middle of July the gentle breeze we had prayed for was there for us during the ceremony. God is so good. The garden is a very restful and peaceful place for our guests to enjoy after a long day at the hospital. One guest said, "I was so tense, but when I drove up at Shanon's House there was a sense of peace when I saw the garden." Another guest said "just being able to get away from the noise of the hospital and coming here is refreshing."
The refrigerator has pictures covering it of babies whose parents have stayed with us. When we get a call from the NICU we don't know what's wrong with the baby only that it's in NICU. When new parents arrive they are worried about their babies. We often show them the pictures of babies that started out so small and then show them how they are thriving after 2 years. One young couple arrived and we could tell the mother was very stressed and worried. I showed her the picture of the mother and baby that stayed with us 2 years ago. The picture on the refrigerator was of a mother who had requested to adopt a Down Syndrome baby. When I finished telling her about this mother, she looked down and said "Our baby has Down Syndrome." I thought about this later and wondered why out of all the pictures on the refrigerator,I chose that mother and baby to show this young mother. The only explanation was God was answering our prayer-the prayer we pray for God to guide us in this work.
Thank you to all who have come by to encourage us. The 5th and 6th graders from VBS made gift bags for our guests. Several have brought by paper products and breakfast foods. A Life group from the University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa made bags to give to our guests. This ministry as in all ministries has times when the devil sends discouragement but God is so faithful to send us encouragement and it comes through your generous gifts, visits, phone calls,cards and prayers.
It's hard to believe that in December we will be finishing our third year at Shanon's House. We've had over 200 people stay with us and many of them continue to send us updates of their families. We've become friends with our guests and also with the social workers at the Hospital. Johnny and I are so grateful to the elders and the Shanon's House Board and all of you. We are blessed to be here and we always know we couldn't do this without God's help and the encouragement from all of you. We are thankful to be a part of a congregation that lives out the commandments of our Lord to care for the hurting. As one guest wrote "We were strangers and you took us in."
In Him,
Johnny and Christy
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