Random Acts of Kindness – Feeding the Least of these
Luke 14:12-14 NIV “Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Wow, today was simply amazing. As most of you know we feed the homeless/less fortunate once a month and today was an amazing day. This has become one of the most special days in our family’s life. Before we open the doors to serve someone prays over the event and today Danielle prayed. It is so cool to watch the circle form and everyone holding hands.
More than anything else that happens during the meal, we want God to be glorified and for everyone to feel his presence, not just those receiving, but those volunteering. We have gotten to know so many of the people we serve and we know them by name and they know us by name. It has opened the door for so many friendships to be formed. Everyone has a story, we don’t know why some are down and out, but we can get to know them and love them and let them know we care. Everyone wants to know someone cares about them and that is what we are called to do. Our prayer continues to be that as people are coming to be fed physically, we can also feed them spiritually by the love they feel.
It is nice to hear so many compliments, compliments of how kind everyone is when those being served leave. Today, we were able to feed approximately 145 people today. Thank you Jesus, simply AWESOME. We were also able to spend some time with Craig and Dennis. Both men that have become family to us and that we love so much.
As always, as soon as we open the door to start serving, people are lined up and ready to come in. It is so cool to see familiar faces and new faces. Eric and his wife, Phyllis, have gotten to know us and Phyllis has paralysis of one arm, so Eric always has me or Isaiah help with her plate while she get their seat.
This may seem like something simple, but I know it matters to them and Eric and Phyllis know we care about them. It is so cool to walk in the auditorium and see the fellowship taking place, kids laughing, smiling, and enjoying all the yummy Cupcakes from Janae from 7 Little Cupcakes. She is AWESOME!!
We were able to hand out 60 care packages today; we always run out too quickly, but we always pray whoever receives them is blessed and God watches over them.
We had a few new helpers today, Gladys, Ed, and Shelby. All 3 wonderful addition to our volunteer crew and such huge blessings to us. It is so nice when people just dive right in and help out. Gladys and Shelby had dish duty (LOL) and they made a great team.
John and Connie who help at almost every event also. John has become quite the food runner for us. He doesn’t miss a beat and makes sure no pans go empty without having them completely refills and Connie, well, unfortunately she always gets bathroom duty, but she knows how to handle this and we appreciate her. Tim and Tammy and their kids were back again and Tim had garbage duty again. Not the best job, but he never complains and pitches right in. When the garbage is almost full, he empties it and gets a new bag in. Some jobs are more fun to do than others, but all the jobs need to be done to make this day run smoothly and I love watching how everyone just joins in to do whatever it takes to make the day go off smoothly.
That’s what being a part of God’s family is all about, serving others, and not worrying about ourselves. Tim and Tammy and their kids are wonderful people. They have helped in a tremendous way and doing some of the worst jobs out there, but serving with joy. I love Robin. She is always there ready to do whatever also, pitches in, and always with a smile. So happy every month to see her!! Nancy was back today and it was so good to see her also. I have known Nancy for many years and love her to pieces. Heidi, well she is just the volunteer queen. She helps at all events and no words are needed, she just does what needs to be done with a joyful spirit. Then there is Tiffany and Brad who are part of our family. They always go the extra mile to put a few special touches on the day. Today, they brought some McDonald’s coupons to give away to the kids; such a cool way to show the love of Jesus to hurting families. I love you Tiffany and Brad. Danielle and Vanessa, well what can I say about them that I haven’t already. They keep things in line and do all the behind the scenes stuff with me and I appreciate them more than they will ever know. I love you guys.
Our 4 little ones, who I love more than words can even express. They serve with joyful hearts each month and today two of the kids who come each month showed up and ran over to our kids and gave them the biggest hugs. They were all so excited to see each other again. Jadyn told them to sit down w/them and eat. It truly melts my heart that our kids do not see a difference. They love with no barriers. They love the way Jesus tells us to love. As the two girls were leaving, I heard the kids say, I will be praying you come back next month. It doesn’t get much better than that. Then there is Jamie (my other half). He is always out there serving with a heart full of joy. He has so much setting up to do before the event, but always somehow manages to get it done and loves interacting with everyone. I know each time I try to personally thank each and everyone of you that help make this possible; whether making a monetary donation, donating food, volunteering, or praying over the event; it all matters. I cannot thank you all enough and I truly hope you all know how much this means to so many. Lives are being impacted because so many of you care about others. None of us can help everyone, but all of us can help someone, and when we do, we serve Jesus. Love you guys more than you will ever know!! GOD IS GOOD. . . ALL THE TIME!!
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My name is Joni Meyer-Crothers and I run this couponing/money-saving blog along with my husband, Jamie. We love to show others how to save money in a BIG way! We do all the work for you. . we do the matchups and show you where to get the coupons, many FREE printable coupons. Sit back and follow the blog and watch your savings increase! Couponing is a ministry for our family as we we love to show others how to save and share from their couponing harvest!
