BETHESDA HELPS OTHERS, NEEDS OUR HELP

A local fellowship that provides free food and clothing to those in need has seen more than its share of lean times. But somehow, almost miraculously, help always comes through when it is needed the most.

The Bethesda Fellowship in Cape Girardeau run by William and Loretta Marshall has managed to survive despite operating during its 14 years of existence without a steady source of income or even a budget. For Bethesda there are no guarantees -- only the good-hearted people, businesses, churches and other organizations that come through when needed with donations of time, money and goods.

Bethesda, which operates out of a storefront in the old Unnerstall's Drug Store building at 630 Good Hope, currently finds itself strapped. But the Marshalls, who have carried the fellowship through harder times, maintain a faith in the goodness of people that has made the charity such a success story.

In 1991, Bethesda's funds had dried up. A woman stepped in and provided a monthly stipend that helped pay the rent and utility bills. In 1997, the woman had to curtail her donations, but another benefactor stepped in to help.

Again the following year the Marshalls feared Bethesda would be forced to close. The operation was at 14 N. Sprigg, next to Teen challenge Thrift Store, which burned on July 16, 1998. Smoke and water damaged the fellowship and its building, and the store had to be vacated for renovations to take place.

But someone stepped in: A benefactor helped the Marshalls lease the 630 Good Hope building, and the fellowship reopened in October.

Bethesda currently is in another pinch and has made a plea for donations. To contribute, contact the Marshalls at (573) 545-3104 or the Bethesda Fellowship on Tuesday mornings.

The fellowship is an amazing success story that has managed to plug along without a reliable source of income, supervisory personnel, paid workers and red tape goes along with government welfare programs.

It shows that with dedication to a cause and lots of faith and charity, people will find a way to take care of those in need.