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Pastor Mary 's Legacy
Pastor Mary dedicated her life to the Lord and the spreading of the Gospel by demonstrating love in action and serving people in need. Her hard work was paramount in developing Mission For All Nations into the largest food pantry in the area. Her passion for the poor was evident in everything that she did and has made our community a better place to live. She will be missed but her legacy will continue to be carried on through the work of Mission For All Nations.
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Michelle's Story
Michelle Cernin is the working mother of 5 children: Desiree 16, Brandon 14, Hailey 11, Torrie 4, and Nadia 2. She works at OPS but only 25 hours a week. Thursday was her first time volunteering to get food because her family was really low on food. She says with five growing kids they eat a lot of food. Michelle wants to continue volunteering so she is not just getting food for free but working for it. She says Mission For All Nations has helped when she needs food the most and that clothing has been another real need. Michelle says that she "really likes when she gets laundry soap. That really helps and I really appreciate it."
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The Sierra Family 's Story
Dagoberto & Lizbeth have two daughters Alia (5 years old) and Hidi (1 year old). They have come off and on to the Mission for about 2 years because they do not earn enough income to make ends meet. "I haven't had much work. Times are hard right now with the economy," Dagoberto said. Lizbeth said, "We are very thankful to be able to receive food and clothing. If it wasn't for people that donate to the Mission we would not be able to get all this.” Their little girls were especially delighted with the cookies and snacks that are a special treat.
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Raquel's Story
Raquel has been volunteering for the last four months to receive free groceries once a month. Both she and her husband, Pedro, work but they do not get paid much per hour and her husband’s hours have been cut. This has made it hard for their family of four to be able to pay the bills. Raquel says that she really appreciates Mission For All Nations because “they help me with things that I would never be able to afford.” She says that they are very grateful for all the help they receive from Mission For All Nations and that she praises God for this place.
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Jennifer's Story
"I can't remember the last time I was at a pantry." Jennifer Miller said. She has three boys Jordon, Nicholas, and Dallas plus a girl, Alexis. Jennifer was recently released from prison and is trying to put her life back together. In addition to food and hygiene items she and her daughter, Alexis, were able to look for clothing. She is happy because she just started working at Thrift World. Jennifer was very appreciative and said, "This is going to help us a lot."
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Della's Story
Della G. is a full time student. She also has four daughters, including twins, that she needs to support. Her uncle lives with her as she struggles to make ends meet while getting an education to improve their future. Her sister told her about Mission For All Nations when she was in need. It really helps her family to make it through the month. Her girls really like the special treats in the food pantry order.
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Lisa's Story
Lisa McIntyre ended up having to care for her granddaughter. Her food stamps were not enough to provide the food needed for both of them. Mission For All Nations was able to provide the food they needed to make it through the month. Lisa currently volunteers at Mission For All Nations through Employment First and is looking for a job. Lisa said, “I feel so much love in the atmosphere & it brings the best out of me. The love just keeps drawing me back here. I appreciate everyone at Mission For All Nations. I am really thankful. It is helping me spiritually with all the different people. I am learning so much.
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Miriam’s Story
Miriam and her husband Ricardo have 4 girls. She said that it is very hard to find work right now. Her family had moved to another city hoping to find work because they could not find jobs in Omaha. When they still could not find work there, they decided to come back. Miriam was especially grateful when she came to Mission For All Nations because in addition to food & hygiene items, she was able to find a nice table and some clothing for her girls. She said, “The laundry detergent really helped because my girls really dirty clothes. Thank you very much for everything.”
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Sandra’s Story
Sandra enjoys volunteering at Mission For All Nations in order to receive additional assistance. She is a single mother with 2 girls ages 5 and 10 and a little boy that is 7. "I give God thanks for putting me in this place to help and volunteer. It's a big blessing for my family because of all I am able to receive," said this single mother. Sandra really appreciates the food, clothing, and hygiene items but especially appreciates that she is treated well. "I pray God's blessings on this organization and that He provides for them so that they can help more people like me."
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Amber’s Story
Amber Zavala has 6 children: Rebecca, Elizabeth, Michael, Ezequel, Antonio, & Maya. She says that Mission For All Nations really helps her when she does not have enough money for food & clothing. With the increased gas and food prices Amber says that she can not get as much with her money anymore. “It’s so hard to get clothes because I have 6 kids. And when I come here (Mission For All Nations) and I am down, you always make me feel good before I leave.” Amber is excited because she is getting ready to go to school to become a cosmetologist.
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Cheryl and Oren’s Story
Cheryl Powley and her husband, Oren, who is disabled, are very thankful for Mission For All Nations. A lot of their money goes to buy expensive medicine for Oren who has two heart stints. Recently when their car broke down three times they were in dire need. Then, Cheryl lost her job. She has applied for unemployment but has not received it yet. Cheryl says, “His checks don’t cover the bills- that’s why I am trying to help us. The food helps until we get our check. I take one day at a time – if you try to look two weeks ahead you will go crazy.” Cheryl is grateful that Mission For All Nations has always been there for them in times of crisis.
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Dorothy Black Tail Deer's Story
“I believe places like this save people, because the last week of the month we start running out of money,” Dorothy Black Tail Deer said. At the beginning of the month, Dorothy pays the bills and buys some food, but at the end of the month they run out of money for food. The family of six survives on a very limited income. Dorothy says she has been looking for a job for a long time. She is grateful that she can volunteer and receive food, clothing, and hygiene items that make a difference for her whole family.
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Daisy's Story
For the last year and a half Daisy and her husband Chuck have been in a transitional program with their four children. “After the first time I came to your pantry and the way I was treated, I said, ‘I am definitely going to come to help’” Daisy said. She really appreciated being treated with dignity and respect and that everyone she talked to at Mission For All Nations treated her the same way. “They always try to help you when you need it,” she commented. Her husband works as many hours as he can as a handy man and Daisy got laid off in November due to medical reasons. The food and other items really helped and she is feeling more hopeful now that they are moving to Section 8 housing.
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The Diego Famliy Story
Jose and Amalia have six children ages 4 to 17. Jose’s job does not pay enough to meet the needs of the family and Amalia cannot work because she only speaks a very uncommon native language. “I am very grateful for all the Mission helps me with.” Jose said. They really appreciate the clothing especially for the children because they grow out of their clothes so fast. |
Dezirae's Story
Dezirae has two beautiful girls ages 3 and 8 months. Her monthly income is only $400 as a single parent and full time college student so things are very tight financially. Her youngest daughter was born with acid reflux so when she was at the pantry she was discussing formula and that her daughter was going to have to have surgery. A staff member was able to pray with her. The day after she left, the problem was completely gone. Dezirae looks forward to graduating and becoming a nurse and is grateful for all Mission For All Nations has done. |
Maria's Story
Maria lost her job because her son was in a car accident which caused her to miss work. That has left the family in need. She is looking for a job but has not been able to find one. Maria volunteers at the pantry with her daughter every week. She said that she is very thankful for everything. The only toys her four children get are what they receive from Mission For All Nations. “The Mission gave us a Christmas tree & we don’t have any ornaments for it, but we don’t need it-just the toys for the kids.” |
Natalie's Story
“Quitters never win and winners never quit”, Natalie said. The single mom has been looking for a job, and has not given up hope. Since she is not working now, she says every little bit helps her with her 4 children ages 6 to 12. She really appreciates the presents and the ham that they received. |
Omar's and Maria's Story
Omar and Maria have 2 children, a 6 year old boy and a 3 year old girl. “We’re thankful for the toys. We are very thankful to get something for our kids because we are low income.” “We’re trying to make ends meet and our daughter’s birthday is right around the corner on the 28th.” Both are currently looking for work. |
Lucinda’s Story
Lucinda Beadle was injured after a fall into a 9 foot sink hole a year ago and as a result lost her cleaning business. She has not been able to find work since. Then they were evicted. All of their possessions were put out on the front porch of the house and everything was stolen. She was left with nothing - no clothing, furniture, or food. “The clothing was a big help.” she said after volunteering on last Thursday. She was very grateful to receive food, clothing, and personal hygiene items. |
Guadalupe’s Story
Guadalupe Lopez and her husband have six children. She works full-time at a low-paying job and her husband works when he can. Their low income makes it difficult. Guadalupe is grateful for the assistance she receives at Mission For All Nations and she says the food is “a blessing that helps for a week or more.” She also says that the clothing helps a lot and she really appreciates the personal care items that they get to choose. |
Ed’s Story "If it wasn’t for you (Mission For All Nations) helping me out, I would probably be out on the street." Ed lost his job about a year ago and has injuries to his fingers that make it difficult to get hired. The food he receives from the pantry allows him to use the little money from his part time job for utilities and other expenses. We are glad to have Ed here working with us through a special program of Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. |
Misty’s Story
Life has not been easy for Misty, a single mom of 2 girls expecting her third. She has suffered as a victim of domestic violence, lost a job she enjoyed, and is not eligible for most government assistance due to mistakes in her youth. She was delighted to be received at Mission For All Nations so warmly over a year ago and appreciates the regular help with food, clothing, and the spiritual encouragement. She volunteers 2-3 times a month-more than the minimum necessary to receive monthly assistance. Misty is bilingual and a much appreciated volunteer. She likes to remind others “People can change”, as she has experienced much personal growth in her life. She is one of many clients we count it a privilege to help make it through the month so that she can remain in her home. |
Gabby’s Story
As a teenager, Gabriella tried running away to escape the domestic violence in her home. When that did not work, she got married at 16. Her daughter, Samantha, was born the next year. At 19, unhappy with life, Gabby began doing drugs and she and her husband separated. For the next 5 or 6 years drugs-especially meth- controlled her life. Then, she visited her friend, Amber, who had graduated from Mission For All Nations’ transitional program. Gabby was not yet ready to give up her lifestyle, but she felt for the first time that there might be hope. The next time she landed in jail, Gabby decided that it was time to give her life to God and she contacted the Mission and began the enrollment process. Gabby says that the best thing about her life now is that she finally feels peace. She graduates from our one year program in two weeks. She has worked through issues surrounding her addiction, received computer training, and taken classes at Metro. Last week, she started a full time job. Now Gabby can look forward to the future for herself and her daughter. |
Debbie’s Story
Debbie Robbins, 56, never had a need for a pantry before. Her husband had been a fork lift driver for 27 years and they had a nice life until he had a heart attack. He couldn’t do anything by himself so she had to stay home to care for him. Even though he had been declared 100% disabled it took a year to get disability checks. Debbie thought that they were going to go under. She says, “I don’t know what I would have done without Mission For All Nations. Everyone was so nice to me. The first two times I came in, all I did was cry and everyone asked if I was okay. I do not care for other pantries–I have never been treated as well as Mission For All Nations treated me. I would be so excited to get my pantries. Now, when I come in people know my name.” She had tears in her eyes as she continued, “Going from a family with an income to nothing was really hard. When I get enough money I am going to buy glasses. I can’t afford them now so I wear 2 pairs of the strongest Walgreen glasses they have because 1 pair is not strong enough.” Debbie’s son moved in with them recently to help pay bills. Frank is now recovering. Debbie has scheduled to volunteer every Tuesday night. “I want to be able to help out. I would have been lost without you guys.” |
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Chuck’s Story In February, Chuck lost his job and he has not been able to find another one. He said, “It’s kind of hard – no one seems to want to hire.” His wife is on disability and her income is currently supporting their household of six. “The food helps towards the end of the month and the clothing helps with the kids” he says. Chuck enjoys volunteering and likes being around the mission. Recently Chuck needed to do community service hours for Omaha Housing Authority. He knew just where he wanted to go. We are glad that Chuck is fulfilling his hours here. |
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Joan’s Story Joan and her husband Bill are both disabled. Joanie has had multiple surgeries. As a result they have had additional expenses including expensive medicine. The pantries were much needed and helpful, so she is very thankful. We have had the opportunity to pray with her for her surgeries. She says, “It’s a wonderful organization and has helped us a lot with food & clothing. You have really helped us spiritually by praying for us. Everyone is so friendly. It is really nice to come to a place where people are so nice to you.” |
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Sheila’s Story Sheila Porter says that she appreciates the love that she feels when she comes to volunteer. Mission For All Nations has helped her through some hard times with monthly pantry orders. She feels like it’s another family to her. Sheila is always asking her friends and family to come and volunteer here. She is excited because she has just recently graduated from college with a degree in computer science. |
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Melissa’s Story Melissa, a young mother with two girls and a meth addiction spent six weeks in our transitional home more than two years ago. She then received her sentencing and spent a year and half in prison for her drug charges.
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Ben’s Story “Mission For All Nations has helped me and my family get through the year. Without your help we would not make it. God bless you for helping us.” In July, Ben Randle’s son in law passed away, so his three grandkids came to live with him. Their mother (his daughter) stayed in St. Louis trying to regroup after the flood and tornado. He is a disabled vet and his girlfriend can only work part-time because of medical problems, so that makes it difficult for them. He is happy there are places like |
Guadalupe’s Story |
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She was especially thankful to have a place to receive Christmas gifts from. “I don’t have any money for Christmas gifts” she explained. She was also appreciative that she got to choose a turkey or a ham for her family Christmas meal. Her part time job does not earn enough income to support her family of six. She has four boys ages 15, 9, 4, and 3 and her husband does not currently have work. Since they do not have much money they also come to our pantry where Guadalupe sometimes volunteers.
“For me this is a home away from home, a second home, & I know that me and my children are always welcome here. You always have a warm presence here.” She is especially thankful because we helped her family a lot last Christmas. She was able to get Christmas gifts for her children along with food, clothing, and household items. Vanessa volunteered to receive additional help previously when she and her husband were unemployed. |
John’s Story, Part 1 |
I was born in the Omaha area. As a young kid looking for entertainment I found the nightlife and drugs. Caught up in pleasure and having no concept of responsibility, I found my girlfriend was pregnant. I was sixteen. She was fifteen. We moved into a run down trailer home together and slowly got off drugs. Then she was pregnant again and at 18 I had two kids living in a trailer with holes in the floors and cats coming up through the floorboards. Yes, cats! At this point I realized that my dead-end jobs weren’t cutting it. So I finished up some school requirements, married my girlfriend and was off to the US Army. Things were going great. No more welfare and food stamps. I was promoted quickly and was an E-5 sergeant in about 4 years. I was going to college in my spare time. But the Army and my own ambition took a lot away from my family. Between a lot of deployments and extra time in school, I lost family time. After 6 years in the Army my wife threatened to leave me. So when re-up time came around I called it quits to save my marriage. Then my wife left me anyway. I was completely lost. So I came back to Nebraska to try and find a job. I couldn’t find a job to save my life. I didn’t understand, I had college and military experience and nobody would even interview me. Although I couldn’t find a job, I had no problem finding my old habits: drugs and alcohol. Except this time I found meth, ice and coke. It wasn’t long before I was hooked. I wanted to forget the pain of losing my family. |
John's Story - Part 2 |
Although I couldn’t find a job, I had no problem finding my old habits: drugs and alcohol. Except this time I found meth, ice and coke. It wasn’t long before I was hooked. I wanted to forget the pain of losing my family. It wasn’t long before I was dealing and using on a daily basis. Drugs quickly became the focus of my life. I thought it was 2002 eight months into 2004. Over time my morals and every thing I was changed. I didn’t care if I lived or died. All I cared about was dope. I started seeing all of my friends dieing or going to jail. I wanted out. I tried to quit on my own, but failed. It wasn’t until one of my friends got out of jail and got into a program at Mission For All Nations that I found the desire and strength to change.
I visited Mission For All Nations where he was living. The people were great. My friend was off drugs, going to church and helping others. I too wanted this joy that I was seeing in my friend. I gave my life to Christ. I too found that peace. I didn’t know Pastors Josue and Mary very well then, but I walked up to them with tears in my eyes and gave them a hug.
From that day forward Jesus has been working on my life. Today I am very happily remarried and have another child. I have regular visitation with my first two children and I brought them with me to volunteer this summer at the mission. My addictions have been kicked and God has given me my own business.
Even though I never received a pantry, clothing or shelter from Mission For All Nations, I was fed the Word of God when I was starving, I am now clothed with God’s righteousness and I am sheltered from the storm of this world. I thank Jesus and I am forever grateful to Mission For All Nations. |
Silvia’s Story
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Silvia was about to give up all hope. Her house had burned down, her son committed suicide and her husband and daughter were in jail. When she came to Mission for All Nations she was truly in the depths of despair. We were able to help her not only with food, clothing and furniture but also help her to find hope again. Her daughter is out of jail and now enrolled in our one year mentoring program. Silvia is faithfully working every week and helping others. Our staff recently helped her paint and move into a new house. When Silvia saw one of the two sofas that our basic assistance program provided she cried out saying that it was exactly the same as the one burned in the fire. She was especially thankful. Please remember Silvia as she still has many obstacles to overcome. |
Loura’s Story
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I came from an abusive home and at age 13 I was put into foster care. I knew about Jesus but I did not know him. As a teen I went to church and felt safe. I began doing drugs when I was 16 and by age 18 I was pregnant. I got into a cycle of drugs and alcohol and abuse. At age 28, I began doing Meth. When I came to your pantry, 4 or 5 years ago, I had been on Meth for around 8 years. My teeth were rotting out. I knew if I didn’t quit, I would be dead. Through your services I started going to church and God opened my eyes. I have now been drug free for 4 years. I want to encourage other people on drugs and tell them what God has done for me. I want to serve Him and give back like I do by volunteering at Mission For All Nations. |
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Susie's Story:Hard times caused her to be homeless for a year. Helping organizations were able to meet her needs and in 2004 she obtained her GED. She knows that God helped her get through the tough times and is now happy to have a house, a job and a car. Everyday as she cooks a hot meal and cleans her home she thanks God. While Susie is back on her feet now, she still needs help sometimes to make it through the month. She is glad God put Mission for All Nations’ Food Pantry here to help prevent homelessness; and she enjoys volunteering here. |
| Carolyn's Story: Carolyn was often discouraged when she first came to get a pantry and volunteer over 3 years ago. She lives nearby and volunteers regularly on Saturdays.We have helped her during times of unemployment, her husband’s high medical expenses and various needs with her children. She has a new perspective on life and loves volunteering here. |  |
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Marta's Story: Marta’s baby girl, Jessica, contracted MRSA and was hospitalized for 9 months. Their family of five had to move from Grand Island to Omaha for Jessica's care. As a result, her husband was without work for several weeks which placed them in desperate need.Someone referred Marta to Mission for All Nations. She received food, clothing and prayer.After prayer, Jessica began to make significant improvement. Marta signed up as a volunteer and is delighted to find a place to receive food and prayer. |
Recently, a man approached us with this story. |
| My name is Jim and I was raised in a decent home, but eventually became an
alcoholic. When I came to your food pantry, I had nothing left except the clothes
on my back. I was able to get some nice clothes for a job interview and a week’s
supply of food. At my request, the person that interviewed me prayed that I
would get a job. Then, I had an interview and got a job that very week. Coming
to Mission For All Nations’ food pantry, was the turning
point in my life.
Thank you for making a difference in my life. |
AMBER GRADUATED IN 2005 FROM MISSION FOR ALL NATIONS TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM.
A friend of mine who had been helped by Mission For All Nations told me that the Anayas might be able to help. I knew I needed to change my life or I was going to lose Max and Macey and go to prison. So I met with the Anayas and I went to church with them. I decided that I had to give my life to God. They took me, Max & Macey home for dinner. They called some shelters to see if there was room available and there wasn't. I thought I would have to go to back to the meth house to sell drugs to provide for my family. Then Pastors Josue & Mary said that I could go live at the Mission as part of their Transitional Housing program. I was relieved. It was hard at first, but they stuck with me and I with them. I started my Drug Court program and two classes a week at the Transitional Housing program. I also volunteered 20 hours a week and attended church. I knew that I was meant to be here and it was a God thing. As time went on, I could see a difference in Max & Macey too. I graduated from drug court and from the Transitional Housing program both in March 2005. I started working for a small business; however, after a few months they were unable to pay me. So I started volunteering here at the pantry again. They really needed me and I enjoyed the work. Now when I see people who come for pantries that I used to do drugs with, I tell them that there is hope. Recently, I was hired as the pantry food manager. Max, Macey and I are blessed beyond measure to be involved with Mission For All Nations. Amber |
Amber's Story: My name is Amber and my son's name is Max and my daughter's
name is Macey. Two years ago I was released from Douglas County jail on meth possession
and other charges. I was thankful to be sentenced to drug court instead of prison.
I went to stay with a friend who sold drugs with me. I got my kids from their
father's mother who had been keeping them for 8 months. They came to live with
me on the streets. We had nothing: no clothes, diapers, or food so I sold drugs
and stole to provide for my children. With my record I couldn't get a job or
state assistance. "For I was hungry, and you gave me meat:
I was thirsty, and you gave me drink:
I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you clothed
me." Matthew 25:35.
Copyright 2004-2006©
Mission For All Nations, 5210 & 5218 S. 21st St,Omaha, NE 68107