“It was the best Mother’s Day I Ever Had !” 

                                                     by Rose Schellenberg (co-founder Gospel Street Puppet Ministry)

….those were the words of one of the moms from one of the Homeless Shelters who had come to the special Mother’s Day Program provided especially for them. It was a special program inspired and coordinated by a very special young woman named Nalini Maturi and with me assisting her, hosted by her humble church, called Queens Church of God, in Queens Village, NY.  With her came an ever-growing contingent of enthusiastic volunteers and made possible by the generous donations of compassionate donors namely all of YOU for all the food, the use of the church, rental of tables, chairs, church service, vans, your kindness and generosity.   What a precious outpouring of your spirits, efforts and resources.

It felt like an “airlift” of mercy.  Everyone of you playing an integral part. 

From your donations came the opportunity to buy NOT only lotions from Bath and Body

Works, but very special books for the moms, flowers, crafts for the children and poloroid film. 

The preparation was enormous – but all hands were on board and growing.  The most touching part

was upon the arrival of these precious moms and their children. First a large bus arrived from one shelter, then volunteer van drivers and cars from another shelter – some having being called on just hours earlier to make sure everyone could make it.. 

Your church provided a welcoming special program of song and worship for them to join in.  The children as well had a special program. led by Nalini.

Then followed the Tea Party – with many many varieties of sandwiches, pastries, drinks and joyful waitressing. The decorating committee did it up big and fancy, down to the table cloths, renting round tables and chairs, ballons, candle centerpieces, crafty wall hangings, etc. etc.. 

What was so visually gorgeous – and many moms couldn’t help but comment – was the variety of DONATED tea cups, saucers, plates and tea pots.  Many colors & sizes—including miniature tea cups  for the children.  How very  special.

Then is was time to say Good Bye to these precious moms with their precious lambs in tow, including

a very humble mom with an infant and two small children.  As they left they were handed their flowers, lotions baggies, books, balloons, crafts, and the special Mother’s Day photo of them with their families in lace decorated cards.

Our prayers, our hearts, our tears and our love left with them.  We know they felt it – for we felt it too.

Again, God Bless You – for you were there too in spirit for your love gifts and your volunteering that

made it all possible; and to God be the glory!

Rose Schellenberg (co-founder Gospel Street Puppet Ministry