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Mower Ministry
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The vast majority of older Americans want to live independently. Housework they can handle, but the yard is another story. Luckily, in Tuscaloosa, Ala., they have help. Armed with mowers and rakes, a summertime SWAT team from Trinity United Methodist Church has turned lawn maintenance into ministry, making sure no blade is left standing. |
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SCRIPT:
Mowing, raking and weeding is pure misery when it’s 92 in the Alabama shade. But for these Tuscaloosa teens, the hard work is pure joy.
Andy Sherrill / 15 yrs. old: “It just feels really good inside to help people that are no longer able to do things.”
Sue Free surveys lawn: “That’s looking better.”
At 79, Sue Free no
longer has the strength for yard work …
Sue Free: “I’ve had four major operations.”
… so this United Methodist youth group has pitched in to help, free of charge.
Sue Free: “Oh, heavens to Betsy! You don’t know how much I appreciate it.”
Group praying together: “Dear Lord, thank you for letting us come work in Mrs. Viselli’s yard.”
Jan Porter / Mower Ministry Leader: “They’re still able to keep their independence, and I think some of the best ministries are outside the church.”
Part motivator …
Jan Porter to kids: “There you go.”
… part terminator …
Jan Porter to kids: “All right, let’s head out.”
… Jan Porter got this ministry rolling.
Jan Porter: “I saw a need and I thought this was something that we could do, and a lot of days you can’t get the lawnmower out of their hands.”
Because of frequent trips to the hospital, the mower ministry has been a godsend for the Visellis.
Fran Viselli: “It takes a burden off me that allows me to spend more time with my mother.”
In south Alabama, the grass grows more than half the year, leaving plenty of time to search for others in need.
Jan Porter: “I hope that they start to look around and see where ever it is that there may be a need or a hurt or anywhere you can help out.”
Katie Head / 10 years old: “I feel like I’m helping them out. It feels good.”
TAG:
The mower ministry hopes to include other services like vacuuming and cleaning, in the future.