Wisconsin—Florence "Flo" Schacht from the Delavan Church dreamed of opening a church-sponsored thrift shop—not a way to get rich, but a way to serve needy people and the community.
"Circle of Friends, as we call our thrift shop, really took off on Nov. 1, 2004," reports Schacht. After the Delavan K-Mart closed, the owner gave Schacht fixtures, racks, and a cash register with pricing guns. Schacht said, "Everything we have needed, the Lord has provided."
When Shirley Mason moved to Elkhorn, Wis., from Colo., she and Schacht searched for property. They found a wonderful storefront in Elkhorn for just $700 per month.
Circle of Friends provides fresh baked bread, household furnishings, clothing, and appliances. If you have no money, you still get what you need. "Our shop pays for itself every month while it sends subsidies to the Woodland Adventist School, Wisconsin Academy, the local Lutheran School, and Hope Now (a community-based assistance program in Elkhorn).
The ladies also support discharged prisoners by providing food, clothing, and other items needed to start a new life. "We offer Bible studies to everyone who buys or receives goods. They take the study home, fill it out, and then bring it back for correction."
The ladies learned many desired a fellowship Bible study. Schacht said, "The United Church of Christ across the street from us volunteered to host our Community Bible Study on Wednesday nights, [using] Amazing Facts Bible studies, that is!
"We recently received approval from the Rock of Jesus Pentecostal Church to do medical missionary work using their storefront space to do so. We have contacted Dr. Olivier at the Country Life Education and Wellness Center to conduct health screens, stress management classes, etc."
When I asked what was next, the ladies just chuckled. "We just have to keep up with where God is opening opportunities."
There seems to be no limit to what God can do with volunteer workers who trust in Jesus and dream big dreams.
James Fox, Wisconsin Conference communication director
