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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Encouragement in hard times can come from a variety of places.

One group in Chilton County is sharing it through small pillows.

Yvonne Mitchell of Maplesville started her Prayer Pillow Ministry in November 2019.

“Initially, I was going to just give a few pillows away and just sew in my own free time, but God began to show me that there is a great need,” Mitchell said. “So many people are going through trials and sicknesses, depression and so many other things. It’s just our duty as servants of God to offer hope. I carry pillows in my car all the time because I never know who is going to cross my path.”

As she saw more needs and opportunities to provide hope through the pillows, Mitchell found partners for the ministry project. Now, there are about 10 volunteers “who help sew, stuff, bag, donate fabric, and ship pillows all across the world.”

“Every time it looks like our fabric is getting low,” Mitchell said, “God always sends someone to donate. It is a tremendous blessing.”

Many of the pillows and prayers are delivered in person, as the team has taken them to the nearest cancer treatment center, senior citizen centers and nursing homes, prior to the pandemic restrictions.

“As soon as the ban lifts completely, we have plans of visiting the veteran’s centers to provide pillows,” Mitchell said.

As the project has grown, Mitchell has begun the process of becoming an official 501(c)3 nonprofit.

“We are praying that this will open the door to receive more resources in order to bless others,” Mitchell said. “They are awesome conversation starters and during that time it provides us with the opportunity to minister to the needs of that person. I am just excited about what God is doing!”

Each pillow recipient also receives a flyer explaining how the ministry started as well as encouragement that God cares.

For more information, contact Mitchell at 334-366-5832, 205-217-1087 or prayerpillowministry@gmail.com.

The group is accepting donations of fabric, sewing supplies and monetary donations.

Donations may be mailed to 166 Mitchell Road, Maplesville, AL 36750.