October 2001

The Lisbon Wesleyan Church from Lisbon in Northern New York wanted to do something to help following the disaster in New York City on September 11th. Being so far away, it was not possible for them to travel all the way to NYC, but they felt a burden to do something. So they decided to hold a teddy bear drive. They began collected stuffed animals from members of their church, on a local college campus and all over town. As the bears started rolling in, they needed some way to distribute them. They contacted a few organization in the NYC area but none were able to help. Then they happened to contact Building the Kingdom Ministries (Tony & Karin Paparelli). Karin received the call and was only too happy to help and started making arrangments to get the bears out right away.

The stuffed animals arrived in all sizes and shapes. The items themselves were simply stuffed animals just like any child would own, but the message that they brougt was profound. The message that we care, that God cares and these simple gifts are delivered "bearing" this good news to those who are mourning and filled with grief.

New Hope Chapel decided to adopt the bear outreach as our October project. Volunteers from New Hope and other churches have been given the names and numbers of families who need a "big bear hug". The animals were personally delivered and so was the perfect love of God that went forth through imperfect vessels. The names of those who have received a bear will be sent back to Lisbon Wesleyan Church so they, and New Hope Chapel can pray for the families.