A project to support LaGonave Alive, a mission outreach effort in Haiti, started two years ago at Watertown First UMC in Watertown, South Dakota.  The missions team members at Watertown Frist were brainstorming ideas for possible projects for the year.  After brainstorming possible projects for local and national missions, the chair asked if anyone knew of an international mission.  Sue Togel responded, "Well, yes I do! My brother, Bruce Blumer, and his wife Sharon, started a mission project called LaGonave Alive that serves the people in LaGonave, Haiti."

By the next meeting, the team decided to invite Dr. Blumer to speak at worship services in June 2014.  In addition, the mission team voted to give the congregation a challenge. The mission team would match what the congregation gave to LaGonave Alive that weekend.  The congregation was obviously moved by Blumer's message that weekend. They gave over $2,000 and with the mission team match--Watertown First UMC provided LaGonave Alive over $4,000 to LaGonave Alive.

In 2015, the mission team wanted to have Blumer back to speak at worship services.  He told about the LaGonave Alive's goals for the year of obtaining 2000 school supplies, school uniforms for 100 children and scholarships for 23-25 children/young adults. 

"This sent a light bulb into my head....what if we (missions team) helped to achieve their goal?  Being an educator myself--I thought--we need a visual," said Togel.

Through input from the missions team and Rev. Sara Nelson, Watertown First UCM the "Clothesline of Love" became the visual for the mission project.  Twine was strung up around the top of the sanctuary--where the balcony is.  When a person donated $1 they received a die cut of a pencil (or other school supply) that they could write their name or decorate as they wished. If they donated $5 they received 5 die cuts.  For every $15 they received a die cut in the shape of a uniform.  For a specific scholarship amount they received a cut out of a person.  Each die cut was hung on the clothesline with a clothespin. Week-by-week people coming to worship could watch it fill up.

To boost the effort a $1 challenge weekend  was held.  The challenge--"everybody in worship today throw $1 in the marked baskets by the doors."  Missions members spoke and tried to out-challenge those worshipping at each of the three services.

Another promotion for the "Clothesline of Love" happened through Facebook. One week the church office team put Watertown First UMC's goals to help LaGonave Alive on the church's Facebook page. A link to the on-line giving site was provided so that people who may not be able to be in worship for several weeks could still give. A person living in Rapid City, South Dakota, not a part of Watertown First UMC's congregation, gave on-line to the effort. 

Pearl Geffre, secretary at Watertown First UMC, put a chart in the bulletin each week with the goals to work for and the totals given by the congregation the previous week in each category.

The "Clothesline of Love" started in May 2015 and by the time Blumer arrived to preach at the three worship services on June 14, 2015 the clothesline was basically filled. 

"I didn't have any idea about any of this. I was so surprised," said Blumer.

The "Clothesline of Love" giving means 228 students in LaGonave, Haiti will receive school supplies, 29 students will get a uniform ($435) and $975 is available for scholarships.

The message of the project and from Blumer is that we all can do something to help in the world. We don't have to go to Haiti to make a difference. We can help serve our local banquet, make school or layette kits, help with Sunday school, visit people in the hospital or nursing home, write notes to people or start something new.

"Bruce is a great speaker and he obviously moves people when he tells us about his mission. I think watching him start small and seeing each year how the mission grows is inspiring," said Sue Togel, Watertown First UMC Mission Team.  "He also shows us how God can use each of us if we are open to listening to Him and then acting on it!"

"We hope to continue our efforts in the future," said Cindy Hartwig, co-chair of the mission team. "We were overwhelmed by the repsonse from the congregation when we first started and grateful for the continued generosity."