On Monday, Jan Reister and her team of volunteers were featured on Houston's ABC13 News for their impactful ministry to the homeless.
“In the year 2015 I was looking for something to do that would help people other than myself,” explained Reister. “God led me to find out about the plastic bag mats.” These mats offer a more comfortable place for the homeless to rest, especially when the ground is wet, muddy, or cold.
Pastor Dan Schepmann shared his enthusiasm: “I cannot tell you how incredible joy that brings me as a Pastor, seeing people serving beyond themselves and sharing Jesus’ hope and life.”
Each mat requires about 750 plastic bags, resulting in a 3' x 6' mat that helps those in need while also reducing landfill waste. The mats typically take two to three weeks to complete.
How It’s Done:
Plastic bags are cut into strips and rolled into “plarn,” a plastic yarn.
Volunteers crochet the plarn into mats.
Finished mats are rolled up and labeled with the comforting words of Proverbs:
“If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
- Proverbs 3:24 (ESV)
How You Can Help:
There are two simple ways to support the Mat Ministry:
Volunteer: The Mat Ministry team meets on the first Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Life Center. No experience is necessary!
Donate Plastic Bags: Each mat uses hundreds of bags, and your donations ensure the team can continue making a difference.