To The Editor ... Doniphan Resident Asks Us To Serve Our Neighbors

Dear Editor: 

No heavy coat, or hat or gloves. He was walking, and I recognized him. During the course of a conversation, I discovered that he walks five miles to work, every day, and five miles home. 

In a time when there is a shortage of “willing workers” I was taken aback by such an effort. 

“Home” is in a remote part of Ripley County, and it’s not the home he grew up in. He pays his rent by the week. A little mental math led me to the conclusion that it didn’t leave much left.

The memory that “stands out” for me, was his attitude. There was none of the “why me?” refrain we hear so much these days. He thought the rent was fair, he didn’t see the hardship of walking 10 miles a day to work. He was upbeat and grateful. By the way he thanked me, repeatedly, for picking him up, I’m assuming life hasn’t always been kind to him.

Did I mention he gets up around 3 a.m. to make it to work by 6 a.m.?  Let’s see…. How many churches do we have in Doniphan? When I moved here, 14 years ago, I soon discovered that it was called “the city of churches”. 

Once again, the frigid temperatures are upon us. Is it too far fetched to ask that one afternoon or evening a month, each congregation would find a way to open their doors providing warmth to cold hands and a hot meal to fill empty bellies? Are we so numb from the heart up that we can’t just do it?  It’s about loving your neighbor, as yourself. It’s about serving, and sharing, and caring. Isn’t that what we are called to do as we serve Christ? 

Sincerely, 

Becky Hill

Doniphan