Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith God’s Gift of Pets: Animal Rescue Advocate Lavonne Redferrin and Country Singer Irlene Mandrell
We’re celebrating one of God’s most special gifts: our pets. Animal rescue advocate Lavonne Redferrin and musician Irlene Mandrell have been deeply touched by God’s creatures and share sweet stories of how animals have impacted their lives. Lavonne Redferrin is the founder and executive director of Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, which not only matches animals up with loving families, but works with local organizations, like prison ministries, to provide the therapeutic benefits of being around animals. Lavonne tells us about the earliest days of the organization and why she thinks God blessed us with the gift of pets. Growing up, Irlene Mandrell saw her fair share of miracles as she watched her sister Barbara rise to country music fame, then saw her sister Louise’s star rise alongside her own as the three formed the group Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters. Irlene reflects on everyday miracles and special relationships she’s had with her family, her pets, and with God.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
“6 Things Pets Teach Us” download
Davidson County TN Second Chances (Offender Dog Program)
Irlene Mandrell’s “God Rains Miracles” book
Interview Quotes:
“Proverbs 12:10 is an organization dedicated to saving as many of His helpless as we can.” - Lavonne Redferrin
“[The] animal has blessed [inmates] or taught them patience or given them something to wake up for inside those bars.” - Lavonne Redferrin, on the Second Chances program with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office
“[Proverbs 12:10 is] at the point that we place an average of a thousand animals a year.” - Lavonne Redferrin
“We truly are dedicated to all [animals] in our care.” - Lavonne Redferrin
“The best way to show your animals that you love and care for them is to give them a proper home in which to live.” - Lavonne Redferrin
“We've had animals surrendered to us, and they will literally sit and watch for hours and days for that person to come back.” - Lavonne Redferrin
"Push back the demands pressing in on you, and create a safe space around you, a haven in which you can rest in Me." - Jesus Calling
“I truly believe that [animals are] everything God meant for us to be.” - Lavonne Redferrin
“You’d wish God would just slow down time a little bit because everything's so wonderful. And I just find myself thanking Him.” - Irlene Mandrell
“God rains miracles all around us—we just have to look for them!” - Irlene Mandrell
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