Missionary benefits from recycled tech trash

Posted: 6/09/06

Missionary benefits from recycled tech trash

By Mark Cook

Special to the Baptist Standard

TAHOE CITY, Calif.—For home missionary Debbie Wohler, one person’s trash is her treasure.

Wohler, who serves in Tahoe City, Calif., developed a creative way to raise money for her mission that involves churches and used electronics.

Wohler hopes churches around the nation will help her by collecting used ink jets, cell phones and laser toners and sending them to a third-party company, Empties4Cash, which then sends Wohler a check for the collected amount.

The idea benefits both parties, and that is why Wohler is excited about the possibilities.

“People want to dispose of old ink jets and cell phones in an environmentally friendly way, and this way they can also help out a home missionary,” she commented.

It is a “win-win situation for everyone.”

“Our mission collects valuable money, and churches can safely dispose of used technological items.”

While it’s a bit out of the ordinary, Wohler believes this is the best way for her to raise money for the mission.

“We need a new 15-passenger van, and we need additional housing for more workers,” Wohler said.

Her mission works with local children and adults, and it provides transportation to their facilities so they can hear about Jesus Christ.

Wohler, who has served in the area 26 years, said “80 percent of the people in my town do not know Christ.”

She is more passionate than ever to “provide an opportunity for children and adults to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

With such a need for funds, Wohler is relying on faith.

She believes “nothing is too big for God” and is eager for many Baptist churches to get involved in supporting missions through the recycling effort.

For more information, visit www.tahoeministries.com, or e-mail debbiewohler@sbcglobal.net.