I have to tell y'all about how well the St. Francis Sack Lunch Ministry is going!
We are half way through our fifth week of re-opening this wonderful ministry.
New location, new name, same awesome volunteers plus many new awesome
volunteers and a whole lot of God's goodness and grace!
I am serious! Everyday is amazing - people drop off supplies; chips, fruit, crackers,
cheese, lunch meat, bread, decorated sacks, coats, socks, waters, coffee and the list
goes on and on! Janice and David only have to pick up a few things when they
go to the store now, only one shopping basket instead of two big honking carts!
We started off with just a few people finding their way to us and each day we would
serve a few more. It has been wonderful to see all of "our regulars" the ones who
used to come - so glad they found us once more! The first three people we served today
we had never seen before. They are all so grateful and appreciative for such a simple
meal. Yesterday, John, one of our faithful volunteers, picked up forty brand new, lined
trench coats from the Salvation Army (they gave him a super-great deal) and we gave
everyone of them away today! I wish you could have seen the looks on their faces as
we helped them find the right size for them. It was a very humbling moment when two
young men came in and they were shivering. Literally shivering, their faces red, thin
shirts and wearing flip flops. They were so thankful for the coats that went all the way
to their knees. We were also able to give everyone a couple of pairs of brand new
socks. We didn't really think we would see that many people today because it was
so cold and wet outside - that just reiterates the need for this ministry. One man, who
had just put on a coat and was waiting for his lunch exclaimed to Ken,
(another amazing volunteer who dropped by just in case we needed help, and we did)
he said, "Look what God gave me!" Ken smiled and said something like, "Yes, it is
a gift from God." Stephanie handed out cups of coffee for those who wanted coffee
and we all worked together in peaceful accord. Everyday we pray that God will
send those who are hungry to our open door.
We don't have a board of directors and our ministry is supported totally by donations
and the kindness and goodness of everyone who helps out. So, if you are wondering
who is in charge of this ministry, God is. This is God's ministry and as for all the many
volunteers and the people who support us with the gifts they bring, we are all blessed
to be a part of God's amazing grace!
Life is a gift - go out and share your gift with others - be a light in the darkness! We
may not be able to help everyone but if we all help someone our world will be a
better place!
Blessings to you and yours!
Bye for now, Sharla
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