Making Connections

It has been Paul's dream since the conception of Food for Life for the ministry to one day have a building of its own and to have partnerships with local churches that share our biblical beliefs and heart for ministry. God alone knows when the ministry will have a building of its own, but during the last few months we have been able to make some connections with churches that did not previously know of the ministry.

A few weeks ago Brookwood Community Church brought their youth group and provided special music. The next week the youth group from North Hills came and ministered. North Hills has eagerly partnered with us as a church body, which is an answer to the prayer of Paul's heart. This past week Word of Life Ministry from Simpsonville came and brought kids of all ages to help serve, and even though Word of Life is a relatively small church, they were able to collect 60 coats to give to those in need. I considered that to be a stunning number of coats brought in just one week. They also put together little baggies filled with gloves, hats, soap, and cards that the children had made themselves. The cards were the most special gifts of all, in my opinion. This time of year is my most favorite time of year, as it is for so many Americans who have friends and family surrounding them with lovingkindness. However, for most people, if it is not their most favorite time of year, it is because it is actually their least favorite time of year. For many, it is a time in which they remember the loved ones which they have lost to broken relationships or to death. They see families all around them building memories and creating traditions, and it is as if they are looking through a window, and they are on the outside. When we reach out to them in personal ways, it is in a small way an opportunity to invite them into our world so that they are not just on the outside looking in.

We have also had sprinklings of volunteers from other local churches, which is helping us to make other connections. We have in fact had so many volunteers in this Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season that it has been hard to make sure that they have all felt connected. It is our desire that volunteers will realize that even if there is not a need for them to help prepare or serve the food, there is always a need for them to take a plate of food and sit down and share their lives with the homeless or destitute. It would be wonderful if we had 60 volunteers and 60 homeless people, because that would be an opportunity for every volunteer to make a connection with at least one individual in need on a personal level. God can use those relationships built to change the lives of those who have never experienced mentorship or positive role models.

We are thankful to have served 80 meals this week with the help of about 35 volunteers. Our prayer is that God will bless the relationships being built.

~Charity