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.”
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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.
Now, the pair hopes that God will provide more volunteers — maybe 20 per month — to handle tasks ranging from sorting donations to working with clients who arrive by appointment. They also regularly seek avenues for networking with others to cover building and utility expenses — and are exceedingly thankful for those who have given support thus far.
Barry Renner works at North Vernon’s Stearns Supply Center by day and with his wife also operates Restore Roof and Exterior Cleaning locally. So the couple normally reserves four to five evenings per week to the clothing-bedding-and-more outlet. They stand amid tables of children’s clothes, adult shoes, kitchenware and more — and grow emotional when they speak of how God has worked in the building to show love to those released from jail, those released from drug addiction and other situations.
Consequently, the Columbus natives looked absolutely puzzled when someone asked them why they give so much of their time and effort for a cause that they once knew only in a limited way.
“This is about showing God’s grace and about being obedient to what God wants us to do,” Barry Renner said. “We just want to love people and to take care of people.
“When God inspires you to do something, you find a way to make the time. And you make sure you’re all in.”
So they regularly fill 50-gallon bags with clothes, toiletries and related items for those who have been burned out of their home, for those who have lost jobs, or for those who simply have lost their way. No judgment. No questions asked.
For them, a need stated is one they will work to meet as best they can.
Plus, with every client who visits, they offer one thing more, with a client’s permission: passionate prayer.
“This is so worth it,” Becky Renner said. “Half the time, by the time we’re done praying, they’re crying, and we’re crying.”
Barry Renner said he realizes some people may not fully understand or they may even feel cynical about the struggle of some who have landed in a tough place by their own poor choices or decisions. He mentioned that he and his wife soften nearly every time they hear the details of those in need.
“If people could hear their full story and what so many of them have endured, they probably wouldn’t feel (hardened) that way,” he said. “These people definitely do not want to be in the situation they’re in or the circumstances they’re in.”
The couple acknowledged they are building the ministry one step at a time. They hope to pursue a nonprofit status soon. Beyond that, they await divine direction.
“Honestly, we have to go back to the answer we give for everything else,” Becky Renner said. “And that is, whatever God wants for this is what we will do.”
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Where: Free clothing outlet at 1420 California St. near downtown Columbus. Also includes toiletries, kitchenware, bedding and other items.
Hours: Open by appointment. Contact can be made through a message via the Facebook page at Malachi’s Closet 3:10.
Leaders: Barry and Becky Renner.
One regular need: Gift cards from stores such as Walmart, Target and Aldi, mailed to Barry and Becky Renner, P.O.Box 328, Elizabethtown IN 47232.
Other ways you can help: By checking current needs at the Facebook page at Malachi’s Closet 3:10.
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