This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, September 2023

The U.S.A. And Labor Day

By James Lowe

In 1894, Labor Day became a federal holiday in the USA. It is celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the work and contributions of laborers to the development of the USA.

Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. Labor Day was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. By the time it became an official holiday in 1894, thirty states were already celebrating Labor Day.

Labor Day is called the “unofficial end of summer” because it marks the end of the cultural summer season. For many years, students returned to school the day after Labor Day. Now, many schools begin the “Fall Semester” in early August. However, some states, such as Virginia, require most school districts to have their first day of school after Labor Day in order for the amusement park industry to operate successfully into Labor Day. In the USA, Labor Day marks the beginning of Fall Sports, such as College Football and the Southern 500 NASCAR race in Darlington, South Carolina. In fashion, Labor Day is (or was) considered the last day to wear white. Many Businesses run sales during the Labor Day Weekend. There are also numerous fun events, including concerts and parades.

In our Christian walk, “labor” is a vital part. While we are saved by grace, James 2:17 tells us, “Faith that doesn’t lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead!” As we enjoy the Labor Day Holiday, I challenge all of us to show that we are Christians by our love. (John 11:35, “If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.”)

Strength For The Day

Each week, PAYH shares a devotional called, “Strength For The Day,” by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. In addition to being a retired US Army Chaplain, he is also the husband of our co-founder, Glenda Anderson Leonard. His writing is both moving and inspiring and will most certainly lift your spirit and encourage you in your walk with God. To receive his weekly writing, you can subscribe online at payh.org. You can also read past writings by clicking here.

Southern Valley Donates A Walk-In Freezer To PAYH

In the winter of 2021, we suffered a fire that destroyed our food pantry and walk-in freezer. Southern Valley saw an opportunity to help us by replacing the walk-in freezer we lost. Southern Valley is a family-owned and faith-based farm operation located in Norman Park, Georgia.

Thank You Altamaha EMC

PAYH would like to send out a special thanks to Altamaha EMC for providing the funds for the sofas in the Achenbach Room. The young men spend many hours relaxing, watching TV, and playing games here. We appreciate your partnership!

Snack Trip To Turkiye (Turkey)

We did something new and fun with the young men. We went to Turkey! (At least, virtually.) While “visiting” Turkey we tried many snacks and compared them to the ones we eat here. As you would say in Turkish language the snacks were very “Lezzetli” (Tasty). PAYH enjoys expanding the boundaries of the guys’ and creating for them new experiences. We hope you enjoy the pictures above of our snack trip to Turkey. We will “travel” to Indonesia in two weeks.

In Remembrance Of Nick Greene

It is with a heavy heart, that we announce the passing of a pillar of our PAYH family, Nick Greene. Nick was an incredibly vital part of the Youth Home. He served on the PAYH board from 1994 until 2016 and was the chairman of the board from 1999 until 2016. In addition, the Paul Anderson Golf Classic was founded, because of Nick’s passion for the Home. Since its inception in 1994, this tournament has raised over $4,000,000, which has provided an opportunity for young men to have a second chance. His investment in the young men was personal, as he took them to college football and hockey games, along with quite a few Atlanta Braves games. He made many trips to Vidalia so that he could know our boys. We honor Nick’s dedication and devotion to the Kingdom work at PAYH.