The Disappearing Town

The Turnbaugh Family loves spending time together; playing games and enjoying the outdoors.  But like many railroad and factory towns in this part of the United States, Newport, PA has gone through some tough years, and it has been harder for the Jerry and Tabitha Turnbaugh to carve out time for their kids.

“When I see some of the businesses around Newport, shut down and boarded up,” says Tabitha.  “Some of them have even had their buildings torn down, its kind of sad to me because I’ve lived here all my life and that’s part of my history that’s disappearing too.”  

In her confusion, Tabitha turned to God’s word.  

“I grabbed that book,” remembers Tabitha.  “I hit the floor and I cried and I prayed and I prayed and I prayed every day, And I just knew something would work out and it finally did.”

Tabitha’s Mom tolf her about Operation Blessing partner, Bread Of Life Outreach, led by Pastory Gary Bellis.  

“The first time I ever brought anything home from Operation Blessing and the Bread of Life, my kids went through everything,” recalls Tabitha.  “there was stuff I could make really good dinners out of.  It really brought us a little closer together  - they could depend on me again.”

Today, Jerry is working full time hours again and Tabitha recently started a new job at an optometrist’s office.  Now, every chance they get, their family volunteers with the Brea of Lofe, to help other families in need.  

“When I volunteer for Operation Blessing and Bread of Life it’s rewarding, it makes me feel good at the end of the day, that somebody who was lost can now find a little bit of their way,” Tabitha told us.  

Jerry, is a man of few words but he told us that, “to anybody that helps out with Operation Blessing or to the Bread of Life, who donates or helps with even just their time I would like to say thank you and you’re appreciated.”

“I’m just really appreciative of places like Operation Blessing and Bread of life, I really am,” Tabitha said, tears rolling down her cheeks.  “It helped my family, and they still do.”