Community Care Programs

Shirley Sword

Richard Nash

Bible Verses Make for Connection

A recent series of coincidences at Metro Lutheran Ministry illustrated how “little” things can have dramatic impact.

Shirley Sword is a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Overland Park. A dedicated volunteer, her efforts are sometimes limited because of transportation. While she serves regularly at the Blessings Abound Thrift Store and other locations, she also stays alert for opportunities she can do on her own. That’s why she recalled a tradition from her hometown church in Illinois.

“They would put Bible verses on little cards and keep them by the church door,” she explained. “You take one on your way out and, even though it was just random, it was like God talking to you. It was amazing how often the verse you picked would speak to a concern that you had that day. They are simple, but uplifting.”

Shirley decided she could make a contribution by creating similar cards here. Although at first she shared them only at her church, pretty soon they were being passed out at other locations. When she met MLM Outreach Ministries Director Suzanne Bartling, they decided the cards would be a good addition to MLM as well.

“They are very popular with the clients,” Suzanne noted. “We have them in all our waiting areas.”

That’s where Richard Nash entered the picture. Formerly homeless, Richard utilizes MLM services and is currently enrolled in classes to earn his general equivalency diploma as part of his goal of landing a job. His inspirational turnaround featured in a video about MLM was created last year by a volunteer (which is now posted on the MLM web site, www.mlmkc.org). While visiting MLM, Richard happened upon the cards.

“They speak to you,” he agreed. “They’re an inspiration.”

Since then, Richard has never been without a pocket full of the cards. He leaves them at the library or store, hands them out at bus stops or just about everywhere he goes. He’s never had anyone turn one down, and often sees the kind of reaction that he hopes for.

“Maybe someone’s having a bad day and they get one of those cards and it helps,” he explained. “They get a word from God and their day might be a little brighter. I love distributing them.”

To date, Shirley and Richard have not met, but the two obviously share something that is fundamental to MLM.

“I’ve been blessed,” Shirley explains. “This is an opportunity for me to share something I believe in.”