Yesterday was a wonderful day! I rode 24.6 miles and we made it to Live Oak, Florida where we met a man who portrayed more of the compassionate, caring, and gentle attitude of Christ than I have ever seen in my life. His name is Don. He is the Director/Proprietor of the Mayo Manna House in Mayo, Florida. When my assistant called me and told us she had arranged a place for us to stay, we figured the usual. We would pull into their parking lot and camp out. Right? Wrong!
Upon meeting Don, I was very at ease with his presence. He is a very soft-spoken man in his late 50’s with a great sense of humor. He simply told us “follow me boys”. Upon walking in the front door of the Manna House, I was immediately in awe by the cast amount of books covering the shelves bolted to the walls. Thousands of books, I was in paradise. I love books! Don asked us “If we would like the grand tour?” Of course we responded with a “Yes Sir!” He showed us all of the clothing, housewares, and the food pantry of the Mayo Manna House. This place looks like a thrift store you would see many small Church organizations operating. The difference with this particular store is, this stuff is all free! Don and the volunteers give this stuff away to anyone in need, free of charge!
After sitting down for a meal made by a volunteer of the Mayo Manna House, Don says “Well, you are all set! See ya in the morning!” I was amazed! This man had set up everything for our showers, a comfortable queen size bed awaited me in a bedroom at the end of the house, and he even allowed me to use his office to allow me Internet access. Steve and I both looked at one another in amazement!
This man showed us a perfect example of “helping the stranger in the land”. He showed complete faith by allowing two complete strangers into his house to do as they pleased. He fed us, let us shower, and pretty much told us to take what we liked. We could have whatever we needed.
Upon awakening this morning, I was still in utter amazement by the hospitality this man had showed us. Don arrived back at the Mayo Manna House about 8:45. After talking for a bit, he started packing boxes with food and everything else you could imagine! He wanted us to be fully prepared for our journey! We prayed with Don and said our good byes. He is a person I will never forget. He showed me the value of Living In Christ, not just with words, but by ACTIONS. I will never forget him. Christ has truly risen and is alive and well!
See ya on the road!
Jason
Don, a man I will never forget!
I am really interested in asking Don to sit on my Board of Directors!
“Christ is Risen” Don Wilson/Proprietor, Olde Tyme Barber Shop: Live Oak, Florida
Picture I snapped while biking yesterday.
To learn more about the Mayo Manna House please visit their website at:
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