I have live in Minnesota for five years. During this time there have not been very many times that I have asked for help. I am from the south and used to very warm climates and people. People will state that Minnesotans are always "nice" but I have found them to be more like "ice" on an emotional level. As I suffer from an emotional illness that causes me to withdraw I will b the first 2 admit that being southern can b trying n very emotional. I m glad 2 have thick southern skin that helps me 2 continue 2 try 2 b accepted here. I know that this has helped me 2 survive with few friends. During the last year I had a few financial issues that caused me 2 seek help from Grace Baptist Church in Waseca. They have a woman pastor that I was unfamiliar with as I rarely actually go 2 church. My father was a Jew from Jersey n my mom was the daughter of a Southern Baptist minister in TN. Religion caused us 2 b outcast from both families b4 even being born. Unfortunately, we ended up being raised without ANY faith. I know now that this could have helped me immensely during the hard x following the death of my newlywed husband n brother. It was only through people n churches that truly "practice what they preach" did I learn, n m still learning, the grace of God. I HAD attended church @ Grace Baptist when I did particate in what I call "formal religion" but I was sure they would tell me we what all the other churches had told me. Quite simply they stated that funds r used only for regular church members. Although I had only spoken to the secretary n dropped off my application I could not tell U how surprised I was when my electric bill was paid the same day of my request b4 being shut off last winter. This church truly practices what they preach n I will never 4get the relief n warmth from both this church n my electric heat as a FL girl strived 2 make it during a MN winter. Waseca is truly blessed by this church's quiet but continued support 4 ALL it's citizens. This Christmas, as I say my thanks for the blessings I have received this year, I want 2 say thank U to Grace Baptist for their emotional AND financial support during what could have proved 2 b a very cold x in MN 4 me. Thank U Grace Baptist n all of ur members as well. I continue 2 thank u in my prayers this Christmas season.