Valentines for Veterans

by Stacy McDonald, Mission West Church

H olidays can be a lonely time for many people. This is especially true for those individuals who find themselves living in long-term-care facilities, such as the Alfredo Gonzalez State Veterans Home in McAllen.

This loneliness is even more heartbreaking when experienced and endured by those who have given so much of themselves in service to, and in protection of, our country. That is why as Valentine’s Day was approaching, Mission West Church prayerfully decided to do something extra special to combat that loneliness in the hearts of veterans who reside at the Alfredo Gonzalez State Veterans Home.

Mission West Churches Valentines for Veterans campaign spread over a two-week period, with churchgoers taking time out after the church services each week during cookieand-coffee fellowship to lovingly fill out Christian-themed Valentine cards. After two weeks, over 95 cards had been completed and slipped into their beautiful, scripture-inspired, sticker-clad envelopes, along with a special gift consisting of a star taken from a decommissioned American flag. The envelopes also contained a heartfelt message and Bible verse, courtesy of the Warrior 180 Foundation (warrior180.org)

The folks at Mission West Church pray that their small token of love and gratitude served to bless the hearts of these precious veterans and was pleasing to God, as they seek to spread the love of Jesus through obedience to His words found in Matthew 25:3536: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Mission West Church is a nondenominational church that meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. and is located inside Mission West Resort RV Park at 511 E Loop 374 in Palmview. For more information, contact Pastor Mark McDonald at mrmcdonald41@ yahoo.com. •