The crime of arson committed against Rachel’s Thrift Shop one year ago has left us stunned and hurt, but I want you to know that God is still on the throne. We are not victims. God is faithful…always. Sometimes we don’t understand but that doesn’t change God.

Everything was lost in last year’s blaze, the building and all that was in it, including our beloved shop cat, Louie, who perished from the intense heat and smoke. He deserved better.

If you know anything regarding the arson at Rachel’s Thrift Shop on July 28, 2016 between 9 and 9:30 p.m. on Rye Cove Road in Stuart or if you recognize the person we have on security cameras on our Rachel’s Thrift Shop Facebook, please contact Investigator Brian Hubbard at the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 694-3161 or message us at Rachel’s Thrift Shop on Facebook.

The generous donations of clothing and thrift given to Rachel’s were used to bless the needy and to sell so we could help broken women and families and to eventually build a park to memorialize babies that have died by chance or choice. Rachel’s Thrift Shop has ministered to hundreds of unwed mothers, battered and abused women, the homeless, individuals coming out of prison and jail, victims of fire and domestic abuse and illness. We’ve given tens of thousands of dollars worth of thrift and clothing, each year, back into the community.

I would like to thank Patrick County for the honor and privilege of serving here for the last six years. You have blessed us with donations above and beyond our needs. There are no words adequate to thank the wonderful volunteers who have made it all possible. I want to especially thank our landlord, Stanley Fain, for his kindness. He, too, is affected by this arson, in the loss of the True Value Hardware Store.

I would also like to thank the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office for their diligent work on uncovering who did this crime and the local fire fighters who put this fire our quickly and professionally.

As a way to thank those who have volunteered, supported and shopped at Rachel’s, please join me for fellowship, coffee and dessert at Honduras Coffee Shop on Main St. in Stuart at 3 p.m. on August 5. Come catch up with your friends and have closure on our one-year anniversary of the fire. Everyone is welcome.

Remember that Jesus is still King and He cares deeply for you. He alone will bring comfort in sorrow, joy in the mourning and beauty from ashes.

Sincerely,

Donna Turner
Director
Rachel’s Ministries