This is how it works and why we do it, thanks Don.

This was a reply to my last blog where I talked about all you who give so others can have things for "free". This was Don's response....

I've lived at both ends of the spectrum. Back years ago when I was living the care free life making $50,000.00 a year I never thought about how the ministries were paying for what they did in the community.

Then 6 years ago when I hit the bottom of the bottom, I was homeless, sick and lost all hope. I spent 3 nights in a shelter in Memphis. Put on a bus and sent to Corinth. Once here I recieved help from several ministers, organzations and individuals. I was housed by TVRHA, got help with that. What is sad is I never thought about where this money was coming from that was in 2003 in 2004 I was still just making it. I was getting food stamps and churchs and individuals were helping with my bills but never gave a thought where the money was coming from. I went to the Hospital 3 times in 2004. In 2005 I got a part time job making $350.00 a month. But I still had to make choices about paying rent and utilities over buying medicines and seeing Doctors. Between 2005 to 2008 I went to the Hospital 11 times avg stay was 6 days. But there again, I never thought about where the money was coming from for any of it...

But I will say this, I hear people talk how bad Magnolia Hospital is. But let me tell you I've never been turned down for treatment and have recieved nothing but exceptional care from everyone there. Our very own Dr. Matt Johnson has performed lifesaving surgery on me, Dr. Tim Noyes, Dr. Kerry Morgan, Dr. Pratt and several others have seen thru each trip to the hospital. Sadly I never thought about who was paying for it. But I know if it was not for them I would have died...

What really changed me and made me realize was during my last visit to the Hospital in November 11-23, 2008 this is when I #1 rededicated my life to the Lord Jesus and #2 two men became not only my friends but my new family and that's Bobby Capps and Tommy Wilson. Once I got to know them and their ministries (which I consider everyone in their mnistries as my family now) and how they affect so many lives it woke me up and saw thru them the day to day struggle to find the financing to help the so many they do on a daily basis. Then it woke me up to all the ministries here in town who are doing so much like Gary Caveness at Lighthouse, John Wilbanks at Love in Truth, Dr Ken Digby and many others.

I knew while I was still in the Hospital on Nov. 18th 2008 that I needed to get out and get involved. I couldn't help very much financially but the Lord put in me to take me experiences the past 6 years and help the people in my community. I get a little over zealous sometimes and worry that I'm not doing enough. I know that there are times that I bug Bobby, Ronda, Judy and Tommy but I can't help it. I just feel that the Lord has put this in me to help where and when I can. I still can't help much finacially. But if you every just need someone to talk to, or as Tommy Wilson says "if you just need someone to cry with or laugh with but most important to pray with". I'm there for you anytime day or night.

Love yall and God Bless each and everyone.

Don Vinson