A Simple Supper

For readers who are not in the West Plains area (and for those who live in West Plains but haven't heard about the West Plains Christian Clinic or "WPCC"), I want to give you some background information on this wonderful community project.

According to details supplied by my friend Becky Kiser from the group's website, the WPCC "seeks to improve the quality of life of the medically uninsured people in our community by providing affordable general medical care, preventative medicine and health education, and by making available spiritual counseling to those who seek it. The WPCC seeks to meet the needs of the medically uninsured without regard to race, religion, or creed of those who seek its services."

She notes that the clinic came into being when several members of First United Methodist approached their pastor, the Reverend Mark Mildren, about their desire to volunteer their services for uninsured people. He presented the idea to a planning group last August, and it soon developed into a citywide, ecumenical endeavor. More meetings followed, with the end result being that the clinic is set to open this July.

Volunteers are the backbone of the WPCC. Not only will all of the medical services provided to patients be done by volunteer medical professionals, but all the planning, organizing and paperwork is also done as a labor of love. Many churches are supporting the clinic as part of their Christian vision and mission, and a chaplain will be present when the clinic is open on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. The space where the clinic is located has been donated and so has the equipment and most of the supplies.

Becky Kiser also tells of the need for "Simple Suppers" which is a way for local folks to help. She says, "On clinic nights, we want to thank our volunteers and take care of them with a Simple Supper, as many will be coming straight from work. We are looking for groups willing to prepare an easy-to-eat meal for about 25 volunteers on a rotating schedule. Some ideas have been bag lunches, sandwiches, one-dish casseroles or pizza. Drinks and paper goods would need to be supplied, too, and be at the clinic by 5:15 p.m."

Isn't it lovely to see believers working together in unity to fulfill the call to love others? I am so glad to live in a place that, even though it has its share of problems like any other, is willing to reach out and help. I hope churches, other community organizations and businesses will come forward to provide a simple meal to one group making a difference. Those interested should contact Reverend Becky Kiser at 1stpresbychurch@centurytel.net or call 256-4247.