Shelby County Outreach Ministries would like to recognize a
very special person. Her name is Iva Parker, or, as many have
come to know her, Sister Iva.
Sister Iva has a very special ministry and at 97 years young she
is such an inspiration. We call it a ministry of love. Sister Iva
makes prayer quilts. Each quilt bears a little note that
says “this is more than a quilt. If you look closely at every stitch
you will see her love for sewing as well as her love for people.
In this quilt is an abundance of love. May this Quilt be a
covering of God’s love in the lives that it warms.” It also comes
with a testimony from Sister Iva that says her greatest passion
is living for God. She is a faithful member of Dreka Pentecostal
Church in Shelbyville, Texas.
Her favorite Bible verses are Acts 2:38-39:
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all
that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Sister Iva states also, if you met her and forgot her, you have
only lost a friend. If you met Jesus and forget Him, you have lost
everything.
She generously donates these quilts to Shelby County Outreach
Ministries so they can be used as Prayer quilts. They are
reserved for those who find themselves in desperate need of
prayer. Sister Iva and we hope that each person that receives
one of these precious quilts feels the love and warmth of our
Heavenly Father wrapping His arms around them. The Lord
loves a cheerful giver and Sister Iva is just that. She gives her
time, her love, her labor, and her heart in the work she does
and expects nothing from it. Her reward is knowing that her
efforts will be a blessing to someone in need. All of us at
Shelby County Outreach Ministries wants her to know just how
special she is to our Ministry and to the people who receive one
of her quilts. We love your quilts, but more importantly, we
love you, Sister Iva. Thank you for all you do to help others.