As we entered into Arizona after a few months of fast and furious driving and amazing sight seeing, we were all feeling a little off kilter. We couldn’t put our finger on what was actually going on, but it felt like a gray storm cloud hanging over our heads. After some prayer and family conversation, we came to the conclusion that service to others had been put on the back burner for a little to long. Off we went to church, with a mission to find somewhere to serve during our short stay in Cottonwood, Arizona. All we had to do was ask the first person we met in the halls of the church and we were directed to Old Town Mission in the heart of the town.
This amazing ministry had very humble beginnings in the back of a pick up truck many years ago. A husband and wife team utilized the family truck to serve meals to the homeless faithfully ever week. The truck also saw action in delivering supplies and aid to the homeless community. As time went on, the truck officially became Old Town Mission.
The building in this picture houses the kitchen and dining facilities that feed the community hot meals every day of the week. Hot showers, vision clinic, hair salon, legal services and a food bank are also housed in this building. Visit their WEBSITE for more information about the amazing services they offer to their community.
Upon our arrival, they seemed a little confused on what to do with this family of four who showed up out of the blue to do “whatever you need us to do.” After a few minutes of trying to figure us out, we were brought to the volunteer room to wait for further direction.
They asked us if we would pack “goody bags” for the big community event that was scheduled for the following weekend. I think when they first assigned us this task, they assumed we would be there for
an hour and pack a few bags. Shock was on the directors face when we were still there several hours later and more then 500 bags were complete.
We were offered lunch during the community meal time. Although we offered to help serve, they preferred us to just enjoy the meal. About 30 people from the community came in for lunch and free loafs of bread to go. It was a very enjoyable time and the girls really enjoyed meeting people. We returned to our packing room to finish the task that was assigned and left by the close of business that day. Our hearts were once again full from joyfully serving others in the name of Jesus. It was such a huge blessing to us and our little gray cloud had completely disappeared from sight.
The best medicine for despair is the service to others. If you find yourself feeling down and lost, look to your neighbor to see what you can do to help them. I guarantee your burden of the blues will be lighter.
What to know before you go:
I would recommend calling a day or two before arriving to serve so they are prepared with a project for you to assist with. There is not any areas for RV’s on location. We stayed at the Thousand Trails RV park a few miles away. There are tons of boondocking locations available near the mission as well. Our children were welcome at ages 9 and 15, however they may be hesitant to take children much younger. I would definitely call and ask ahead of time.
For more information:
Mission Physical Location
116 East Pinal Street
Cottonwood, Arizona 86326
Phone: (928) 634-7869
mission@oldtownmission.org
Mission Thrift Store
810 W Mingus & State Route 89A
Cottonwood, Arizona 86326
Phone: (928) 634-1644
Store Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Donation hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 am– 3:30 pm
Email: thrift@oldtownmission.org