Retirement means something entirely different to Jim and Karen Flint than it does to most of us. When most people think of retirement as slowing down and spending their days in quieter pursuits, these two are busier than ever! Karen Flint, along with her husband Jim, are currently serving TWO missions for the Church. They are Home Storage Center missionaries, and Employment Resource missionaries. They have become immersed in the world of serving our fellow man through two very needful avenues.
Karen tells us that the HSC (Home Storage Center) serves many non-members as well as members. She says, "It used to be about 70% non-member usage, but that has slowed down in the last year. It is picking up again. Many of the non-members are better prepared than we are today. They are worried about the economy and scared about what might happen. We know that if we follow the prophet and are prepared we shall not fear." She mentioned a recent experience with a non-member who stopped in: "The humanitarian aid that is given by the church locally is extremely impressive. Just the other day we had two women from the Bloomington area come in who had helped during the tornados in the Henryville area for several months. One woman mentioned she was by the way the church helped, and loved the cleaning buckets that the church has available. Apparently she knew from experience that that church could be counted on to come through with bleach and other items. It sounded like she has a small group of people that have a commune-type religious organization in Bloomington. At the end of the tours Jim always bears his testimony and gives them an opportunity to take a Book of Mormon and very few turn the offer down."
She goes on to say, "We have had some choice experiences and have made some wonderful friends. I am still working with a non-member friend and we have wonderful gospel discussions all the time. Jim and I have taken excess items to Eastside Community Center, Turning Point and Love Chapel. We have had the opportunity to help with Hurricane Sandy service projects and helped fill the first trucks with items for Henryville and dropped off quilts in New Albany for them as well. A church service mission is extremely fulfilling and is the best of both worlds. We serve but when family needs or special occasions arise we are able to co-ordinate our time to enjoy the best of both worlds. We may be in Colorado but we are in touch with the people we are serving by computer and cell, even while we are gone."
Their other mission, serving in the Employment Resource Center, is rewarding as well. Karen tells us that, "the Employment Resource Center is a great place to come for help if you are unemployed or interested in upgrading your job. We can help with resumes and job searches, help you with interviews and networking skills, and also give you career testing. If you need extra help with education or skill development the church has additional resources available that can help you to become more self-reliant." They travel to various wards and give presentations to the leadership so that these resources can be tapped into.
The ERC Office is open every Tuesday and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from 9 to 3. They are also available by appointment.
The Home Storage Center is open every Tuesday and Saturday from 10 until 2. Everything comes prepackaged but they also carry red and white wheat in bulk. They still have some black beans, great northern and refried beans in bulk as well as dehydrated onions and carrots, but when they are gone they will not be getting any more of this items in. The HSC takes cash, check or credit cards. You do not have to call ahead.
They also have some amazing water bottles that are available. They filter approximately 200 gallons of water and are great for your emergency supply. The price list of all items are on the provident living.org website.
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