Local child shares God's love through outreach ministry
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

Morgan Shirley displays a number of the bears she recently distributed to patients at the Greenville Shriner's Hospital as part of her ministry.

Local business owner Angie Shirley always believed her 8-year-old daughter Morgan had a giving heart.

"She is always coming up with new ideas that help others rather than herself," Angie Shirley said. "It is a trait not found in a lot of kids."

But after Morgan approached her with the thought of beginning her own ministry to reach out to her peers, Angie had her answer.

Morgan has started an outreach ministry called "Morgan's Love Ministry for God's Little Ones."

As part of the project, she distributes stuffed toy bears and other stuffed animals and candy to patients at the Shriner's Hospital in Greenville. The third grade student at Boiling Springs Elementary School takes these treats around each holiday season in an effort to bring happiness those being kept in medical care.

"She wants to do something for every holiday," Angie Shirley said. "I think she is already planning for things down the line such as Halloween."

Morgan began the ministry this past Christmas by taking children at the hospital white bears adorned with red bows, signifying Jesus' blood being shed for the cleansing of sin. Attached to each bear was a card emphasizing the young girl's message - "God Loves You."

She recently made another run to the hospital, distributing 25 heart baskets to patients.

According to her mother, Morgan came up with the idea after a trip to the Judgment House at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church in Spartanburg.

"She was not even supposed to go to the Judgment House, but I am glad she went because it sparked something in her," Angie Shirley said. "It was already decided from God that she was supposed to be there."

During one of the scenes, the young girl learned of Hannah Sobeski, a child with a similar desire to help others.

"I learned that while Hannah Sobeski was in the hospital she visited other children and gave them cross necklaces and stuffed animals," Morgan Shirley said. "It made me realize that I would like to share the love of Jesus and make a difference in the lives of sick children."

Morgan has shared her experience of reaching out to children that are sick and shut in with teachers and fellow students at school.

"They were really excited about it and liked what I was doing," Morgan Shirley said. "It was the beginning of a good conversation."

Next up for Morgan is Easter, when she plans to distribute 125 baskets to patients at the Shriner's Hospital.

"I want to do something for all of them," Morgan Shirley said.