It is with a reflective heart I write last OHH newsletter article. As we come to a close of 2025, we are closing this 20+year Andrews First Baptist Church ministry.

Ecclesiastes 3 speaks to us about TIME. With AFBC 2026 budget not including site rent and an aging team we are ending OHH-there is a time for everything. Some ministries come for a reason, some for a season. Once Upon A Time at Andrews First Baptist these precious memories flood my soul. Operation Christmas Helper-Fellowship hall was transformed in shopping paradise for families in need in our community. Food, clothes, books, toys, housewares, handmade quilts, blessing baskets, one on one witnessing sharing around table of goodies. All of our church family participated in this joyfully.

Little Brasstown took this idea to their church naming it Christmas Love.

Princess & The Pea-clean, gently used mattresses to those in need.

Pampering & Prayers (Melinda named) ministry to middle and high school girls. We had a room at AMS for girls to get needed supplies, food, a prayer request box, time with mentors to care and share. At our site a prayer room where girls and mentors shared concerns and lifted many prayers. We addressed abortion, unwed mothers and abuse from a Christian perspective who experienced these life changing issues . Sharing HOPE in Jesus. We met and prayed with missionaries there- then lunch. Participated in Operation Christmas Shoe Boxes. Praying over boxes, shopping , packing boxes and praying again. Visited TCCC for a day receiving manicures, pedicures, hair styling -then lunch. Practical life skills shared i.e. table placement, manners, etc. enjoying crafts -then lunch.

Make up party giving Mary Kay products and personal hygiene items-then lunch. Tea Party ministering to girls and their caregivers with beautiful decorations, delicious food and door prizes. Sharing JESUS. Girls modeled fashions from our site. We had an MC and professional photographer from our church family.

Visits to Carolina Rest Home sharing love and gifts. Last Pampering &              Prayers meeting with prayer support mentor, celebrating her 100th birthday.

Packed boxes for children affected by Hurricane Helene.

Shopping day at Belk's in Waynesville-then lunch. Our lunches were always funded by older ladies with a heart for young ladies.

Church bus was always provided for our trips. What a blessing!

School projects with our Andrews community : Mountain of school supplies, Pack a Bus with school supplies, AHS chorus ministry, Prom Dress Give Away, Backyard Bible Club at housing authority distributing food and personal items,

Kid's Food Bag Ministry: 100,000+ bags delivered these past 20 years.      Andrews is only school in Cherokee county to supplement Manna bags. Working with sister churches and loving, caring, sharing individuals that see the need to feed kids especially on the weekend. Remembering our great cloud of witnesses: Richard Conley, Robert Taylor, Bill Huffines, Jake & Linda Buchanan, Jo Early.

Kathy Nichols, Jane Carver, Dorcas Brooks, Terry, Laura, Jennifer Postell, Eddie Hoilman, Helen Wilson, James Bolick It is good to give thanks!

During school year: soup & crackers in bowl to kid's receiving bags. Back to School Packed book bags with breakfast for caregivers of needy children. Clothes, shoes give away to Grandparents and Great-grandparents raising children. Summer ministries: free ice cream cones @ Scoops, pool passes, snow cones giving out VBS flyers.

$500 Operation Help/Hope scholarship to WCU student who faithfully               delivered bags. Christmas & Easter treat bags with Christmas ornaments               telling the real meaning...not Santa or Easter Bunny.

Truly Help/Hope has been lived out these past years. There is HOPE on the horizon for Kid's Food Bag Ministry. Steven & Christie Dartez will lead this ministry 2026 working out of Second Baptist Fellowship building, these churches participating: Junaluska, Beaver Creek, Rowland's Creek, Andrews First and our dedicated contributors Mackie & Dr. Garland, FL & OK friends. Plans to supply 135 manna bags 135 supplement bags weekly. Manna will deliver bags to AES.

All these years we shared the love of Jesus, the gospel, needful items and food. God has supplied volunteers, a place and financial gifts. To Him be all glory given as we say LOOK WHAT GOD DID!

Love & Thanksgiving,

Nancy