Some people gush with gratitude. Others break down and weep.
Barry and Becky Renner have seen emotions run the gamut when the needy leave Malachi’s Closet with free clothes, cookware and hope in the wake of struggle and heartache.
The married couple say the outreach is simply God, via a collection of local kind-hearted and generous Christians, meeting needs. The name comes from Scripture in Malachi 3:10 about God’s provision and blessing.
“This definitely is not about us,” Barry Renner said, standing in the facility at 1420 Sycamore St. in Columbus, next to The Living Room church. “We’re just two average people heeding God’s direction.”
The now-1,300-square-foot outreach began two-and-a-half years ago on State Street after Barry Renner sensed God’s urging amid a morning prayer to launch the donation-oriented assistance.
“My first response was, ‘What?’” he said with a laugh, acknowledging that neither had any experience or background in such a project. “After that, the second question was how.
“But we discovered that God provides the way. Where we don’t have the answers, we have seen that he eventually provides answers,” Barry Renner added.
They helped 300 people that first year. This year, they’re already on track to assist probably double that number.
For more on this story, see Saturday’s Republic.
