An Unexpected Missionary Moment
While out on her usual dog walk, Sister Margaret Ricketts of the Poole Ward spotted a wall full of teddy bears that were being given away. She noticed how clean and well looked-after they were and let family and friends know in case anyone wanted them.
When there was no interest, Margaret thought of a local charity that regularly travels to Ukraine, delivering toys to children in hospital. It felt right to gather the teddies for them. Wanting the homeowner to know where the toys had gone, she wrote a short message on the back of a picture of the Saviour, explaining her plans and leaving her name and number.
Perhaps expecting that to be the end of it, Margaret was surprised and touched to receive a phone call in response. The man on the phone explained that the toys had belonged to his daughter, who had tragically lost her life in a car accident. He had only recently been able to face sorting through her belongings. He told Margaret that he had more teddies and kindly offered them to her if she thought they could be used.
Margaret gratefully accepted, knowing the charity would welcome them. When she returned to collect the extra toys, she and the man had a beautiful conversation in which she was able to share her faith and bear quiet testimony of Jesus Christ.
What began as a simple walk became a moment of connection, comfort and service—one that blessed not just children far away, but hearts much closer to home.