By Nicola Bartel
Nicola Bartel remembers a faithful supporter
Sometimes individuals cross your path that not only have an impact on your life but they inspire you to go above and beyond! Ed Spence is one of those individuals whom I had the privilege of knowing.
Ed Spence was one of Mercy Ministries’ biggest cheerleaders. He first heard of Mercy through a presentation at his church. Ed was generous and began donating funds from his personal ministry, collecting bottles and cans and giving to a variety of charities and individuals who were in need. Ed received a copy of “Echos of Mercy” and was so moved, and inspired, we soon became one of the greatest recipients of his generosity.
The biggest gift to Mercy was Ed’s choice to regularly buy multiple copies of Echos and pass them on to people in his world of influence. On several occasions, he sent flowers to the girls and staff to cheer them on, and regularly showed up to our events along with his family!
Sadly, Ed passed away suddenly this past December. He has left an amazing legacy behind and a challenge to us all to do what we can to help others. If I can think of a verse to describe Ed it would be John 15:13, “Greater love has no one, than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Ed’s extended family has generously donated $10,000 so that we can renovate a small on-site building to be used as our Intake Department.
Ed Spence, with his wife Joanne and mom Connie at the 2010 Mercy Walk
We will have a plaque on the building in memory of Ed Spence with a scripture chosen by his wife and daughter. Any left over funds will go towards the building of a gazebo in the back yard for the beautiful residents to use as a shelter from the sun and rain.
Our residents love to read and do their assignments outside in our peaceful back yard. A gazebo would make it possible for them to do that more often. The men’s group at Riverside Community Church, where Ed attended, has volunteered their time and expertise to build this and to help raise funds to complete a gazebo.
I invite each and every one of you to consider making a contribution on behalf of Ed to ensure we will be able to complete this project, doing our part to give life to John 15:3 by laying down our lives for our friends!
Click here to make a donation today. Request “Gazebo fund” or “on behalf of Ed Spence” to help finish the gazebo for our residents
