Passing by a sun-drenched hill last week, I noticed early morning dew vaporizing, forming steam over wet grass.

The misty puffs appeared for a short time, and were gone, so like our lives. A new shop in Greystone is based on this theme.

Vapor Thrift Store is situated across U.S. 280 from Jim N’ Nick’s, and is one of many like this nationwide whose funds go directly to Vapor Sports Ministries to provide for the world’s poor.

The store is airy and bright, fresh with many bargain–priced new and gently used clothing, indoor and outdoor household items, such as furniture, rugs, drapes, small appliances, decor, books and DVDs.

Tacoma, Wash., native and Vapor Sports Ministries President Micah McElveen now lives in Sylacauga.

“I’m in love with the poor, not just the idea of a helping ministry. My inspiration is Christ and the needy,” McElveen said. “Christ was serious when He said, ‘Go make disciples’. Life is only a short time for all, but especially for the poor.”

McElveen spoke of a Bible verse which inspires him, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away,” from James 4:14.

Vapor establishes centers for humanitarian aid in third-world environments.

McElveen and his wife lived in Kawangware in Nairobi, Kenya, setting up centers for safe drinking water, food distribution, infrastructure improvement, health and wellness services and child education.

The pillars of the Vapor ministry are local faith communities in these countries, who minister using sports as a springboard to influence the broader community.

One supporter of the ministry is Aaron Kampman, All-Pro defensive end for the Green Bay Packers, who states on the Vapor Ministries Web site, “At Vapor Sports Ministries I have found committed people who seek to be instruments in transforming lives and providing hope.”

Remember Vapor Thrift Store with your nicest unneeded items. Vapor Sports Ministries’ motto is “Life is a vapor. Don’t spend yours on the sidelines.”

There are simple ways to help. Support by shopping, and donate goods for a tax write off. Both options are a win-win. See Vaporsports.org and visit Vapor at 5443 U.S. 280 in Greystone.

Gladys Sherrer can be reached by e–mail at gsherrer@hotmail.com.