January 7, 2009   Our History The first Helping Hand Missions Thrift Store (Stewart Street, Milton, Florida) opened its doors in May of 1988. The store helped those who had lost their homes and needed assistance with clothes, furniture, appliances, or food. All the items given where donated by the local community. A year later Helping Hand Missions began another store in Midway on Highway 98. The Lord blessed tremendously, and the ultimate goal was to create a central location in the Pace and Pea Ridge area and in May 1989, a store was finally constructed. “Our operation is based on the principle found in Luke 6:38, which reads, “Give and it shall be given…” We cannot count the times we have helped families in need. We are pleasantly surprised to find others donating back to us more than we gave away, proving that you cannot give more than the Lord. In April 1992, Helping Hand Thrift Stores expanded to Pensacola on Davis Highway in Ferry Pass. The ministry also expanded to East Brewton, on Highway 41, and in 2005, the five stores would join together to the central location in Pace to perform better customer service. The Red Cross, the DHR, local pastors, and school principals send us people who need food, clothes, or furniture. Helping people has been the goal of the Thrift Stores since the first store first opened in 1988. More than 60 people volunteer everyday washing and sorting clothes and stocking shelves. The Lord has blessed the Helping Hand Missions Thrift Stores, and will continue to bless with your prayers and donations. Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” The need is great! We cannot do the job alone. Helping Hand Missions needs your help. Help us help others. About the Founder Pastor Mac Johnson loved to help people. He had a burden for the needy. After graduating from Tennessee Temple, he moved his family to Milton, Florida in October of 1971 to begin their ministry with a local church. He not only had a desire for the spiritual needs of an individual, but he thought it necessary to reach out to their physical needs as well. He served as President and Director until his death, August 1, 2002. His stated purpose for Helping Hand Missions was to “serve the people of Santa Rosa County.” As a result of his vision with the establishment of Helping Hand Missions, hundreds of families have been helped in the surrounding area. If you would like more information about Pastor Mac Johnson you can visit http://www.faithbaptistmilton.org/History.