Leland’s Cares: Providing Hope in 2023
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45
Jesus said “to be great in the kingdom requires a willingness to serve” (Matthew 20:26). He lived a life of servanthood and was an example to others to do the same. Jesus reminded his disciples they weren’t there to be served but to serve.
How would our lives be different if we focused more on helping others?
The Leland’s Cares Program launched in 2020 set out to do just that: We decided to give away sheds to help people who were struggling during the Covid pandemic. Their stories of struggle and triumph have touched our hearts beyond measure! Read more about them below.
Rosa and her church: A pastor and her church in south Ft. Worth helps the homeless reacclimate back into society. They feed, clothe, and provide job training for those who would otherwise not have the opportunity to turn their lives around. Their shed will be used to store clothing and supplies for this mission.
Douglas and family: A loving and committed foster family of six children, a stay-at-home mom, and a father who works as a benefits manager and is a student in seminary. Their gift from Leland’s will help them with ways to safely store tools and backyard equipment while allowing more room for the children to play in the garage.
Sheila and Stephanie: A family with a stay-at-home mom and her 26-year-old daughter whose life has restrictions due to her physical and intellectual disabilities. They were both overjoyed to receive the new shed, which will become a personal space for the daughter to use as she pleases! Delivering their shed was bittersweet. They were grateful to receive such a big blessing but also grieving because the day they applied for the giveaway, the husband/father of the family suddenly passed away from a brain tumor.
The Crocker family: A family with a special needs daughter and a younger son who has stepped up to help care for his big sister. At 13 years old and already 6’5”, he enjoys entertaining his sister and bravely steps in when she has violent outbursts due to her condition. Their shed will be personalized for their son so he can have his own space to relax, be with friends, and continue to work on his art.
Trudy and Tracey: A woman in her 70’s had suffered a stroke while fighting cancer and grieving the loss of her husband of 26 years. One of her daughters was in the process of moving in to care for her, but there wasn’t much space for her things. Their shed will happily be used for storage and as a brand-new sewing room for the mother.
Getting to serve each of the recipients was more of a blessing than we expected. Not only were sheds delivered, but smiles, prayers, laughter, tears, joy, connection, and hope for the future were offered as well! Our hearts are forever changed thanks to the kind and grateful people we met along the way.
At Leland’s, we want to thank everyone who participated in this initiative as it would not have been possible without our committed team members. We look forward to more opportunities to serve others in the future!
It truly is better to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35).