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A WIDOW NEEDS YOUR HELP
When I started Resurrection Life of Jesus Church in 1986, we had a congregation of about 80 people, most of whom were between 30 and 50 years old. I was 47 years old and felt that I had just started to work for Jesus. Some of the older families and members were the Jackson’s, the Walby’s, Lois Amacher, and Carol Jacobs. When they became senior citizens, the church did not need to support them because they all had adequate retirement plans. In time they all passed away and took their flight to heaven. It was not until January of 2024 that I realized it was necessary to begin addressing Diane Cadle’s situation with Bob taking his flight to heaven. They joined our church around 1990 as our oldest couple. The church helped them out financially from time to time since social security did not always cover their needs. God has tasked each church with the obligation of caring for its elderly widows if there are no relatives who can take on that concern.
She has lived in a small 2-bedroom duplex for about 15 years with rent totaling $1,600 per month. Diane is in fairly good health, and we researched assisted living places, discovering they run about $5,000/month. We have also examined subsidized housing from the state/county, but there is a waiting list ranging two to five years. Housing costs have skyrocketed in California. Thus, the best for situation would be for Diane to remain where she currently lives. As assessment of her utility costs, phone, car insurance, etc. reveals expenses around $600/month. She receives a meager amount of food stamps totaling just $86.00/month. Social Security puts her income around $1,100/month, which is half of what she needs on a monthly basis. Bob had two sons and both of them are dead. Diane had two children from a previous marriage and only her son is alive. In speaking to him, he has indicated that he is not willing to help his 86-year-old mother, to the point that he won’t even visit her, and even refused to attend Bob’s funeral. In short, the church is the only family Diane has left. Many people think nothing of sending a one-time gift, and while that is appreciated, this financial predicament is only going to be repeated each month. For example, Diane could be sustained if 22 persons were willing to pledge $50/month. I understand that many of you are struggling as well, but if a number of you gave $5, $10, or more, I believe that God will make it possible as Diane is healthy and not on any medication. Let me add a word of caution as I close this letter. This ministry lives by faith. This means we survive month by month. So, if you redirect your support to Diane, it harms the ministry. I am only asking to help if you can give beyond what you would normally do. HOW TO CONTRIBUTEWe are set up to receive donations online. Benevolent gifts can also be mailed to the following address:
Resurrection Life of Jesus Church Regardless of how you choose to give, please mark it for Diane Cadle. The full amount will go to this effort. Yours in Christ,
Pastor John S. Torell Senior Pastor |
A number of church members
and some of our cyber members have already donated to the benevolent
fund and designated it for Diane. When I spoke with Diane last
night, she let me know that she won’t be able to sustain herself by
the end of April.
