Couples plan ‘earth angel’ journey
Published: December 2, 2005
Two Chicago couples are described as “earth angels” by the author of the New York Times best seller “Where Angels Walk.” [Where Angels Walk]
Last Christmas, Bob and Carol Ryan of Elwood organized a trip bringing a truckload of goods to the Thornton, Ark., area, for needy people there. This year, they are getting help from Tim and Pam Good of Manhattan.
Both couples, members of United Methodist Church of Manhattan, have gained the praise of the best-selling author, Joan Wester Anderson
“I met the Ryans at a lecture I gave at one of the Franciscan communities in your area,” Anderson said. “I was talking about angels, of course. My seven books are about them and miracles. During the talk, I usually mention that we shouldn’t depend on the angels to do it all — rather, we should be earth angels and do as they do.”
After the talks, the Ryans stopped by and introduced themselves to Anderson.
They had been reading about her favorite charity lady, JoAnn Cayce, on her Web site at www.joanwanderson.com and wondered if they could take that message to heart and help her in some way.
“Our biggest need is always transportation because it is so expensive to send as much as she always needs all the way to Arkansas,” Anderson said. “The Ryans decided to do that. These are people who have never done anything like this before. They just went and got a truck and started passing the word.”
Anderson said the Ryans are people who have taken Mother Teresa’s suggestion to heart.
“Bloom where you are planted,” is what Anderson said Mother Teresa always said.
“There’s plenty of opportunity to serve, and they have done a beautiful job,” Anderson said. “I am so proud to know them.”
JoAnn Cayce Charities in Thornton, Ark., is a registered charity serving the needs of central Arkansas for more than 45 years.
Four generations of the Cayce family have been involved. JoAnn Cayce became involved in charity when she saw her mother helping less fortunate people. JoAnn’s husband, Hartsel, their daughter Joannie and Joannie’s son, Daniel, are all actively involved in the charity. Daniel and his grandmother, JoAnn, both have been honored by the Points of Light Foundation and National Caring Awards.
“I asked a neighbor for a truck, and everything just happened,” Bob Ryan said. “We went down and were much moved. I had never seen an area so poverty stricken.”
“The needs of the people are great,” Carol Ryan said. “Jobs are scarce, and many families are living in extreme poverty. Some families are living in not much more than shacks with dirt floors and no running water. When Hurricane Katrina struck, refugees from that storm moved into our area.”
This year, the Ryans have purchased their own truck and trailer. Bob Ryan and Tim Good are planning to drive down items Dec. 11.
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