Indiana—Many years ago in the little town of Spencer, Ind., while some of its citizens worked together to set up for a rummage sale as a fund raiser for a youth group, a few people were struck by a big dream. They envisioned how the residents of the community could benefit by having access to good, clean clothes and household items while paying a very reasonable price for them. Not only could their neighbors benefit by purchasing these items, but the proceeds would go to a worthy cause.

The dream became bigger and more passionate for this group of hard-working, dedicated people, and finally about five years ago, The Mark of Discipleship Mission Store became a reality in Spencer! Proceeds from the store's sales benefit a food pantry in Spencer, which currently serves approximately 150 Owen County families per month.

The store and food pantry are staffed entirely by volunteers who are members of the community. The only pay the volunteers receive is the joy and blessings of being able to serve others.

Spencer Adventist Christian School students recently spent an entire school day sorting, cleaning, and pricing toys for the store. According to Lutricia Whitlow, principal and teacher of the eight grade Adventist school, the students probably processed several thousand toys that day. Linda Clark, a Spencer Adventist Church member, regularly volunteers at the store, and she organized the project for the school students. The outreach project effectively touched the hearts of the students and inspired them to the ministry of greater service.

Judith Yeoman, Indiana Conference correspondent