food for thought

yep. done.

It wasn't until a lady in choir asked me to help out with the food pantry that I realized our church even had one.

With headlines like this occurring more regularly, the need for food pantries continues to grow.

Our local headlines reflect the national trend. And of course, every set of layoffs trickles down and affects other businesses.

They interviewed a lady on the news last night. She was preparing to be laid off. While she still had a job she was using any discretionary income she had to buy extra food. She also had some money in savings.

Smart lady. She should probably make sure her resume is up to date as well. And buy seeds to plant a big garden.

Back to our church food pantry. One thing that amazed me is how many volunteers there are. About 100. And this in a church where the regular attendance is 500-600.

For a ministry with such a high percentage of congregational involvement , it keeps a very low profile. The food pantry is not part of the regular church budget. The church provides the facility, but as far as I can tell, none of the paid staff is involved in an administrative capacity. That means, essentially no overhead.

Last year over $17,000 worth of food was distributed. That makes for a lot of food, especially when you consider that Second Harvest only charges about $.26 a pound for food. And many people bring in canned goods, rather than donate money.

I have yet to hear a financial appeal, either from the pulpit or in the newsletter for the food pantry. It seems that they rely on God to supply their needs. And He does.

One day a man drove by the church and saw all the people lined up outside waiting for their turn to get in. He asked what was going on. He was told and promptly donated $500.

Another man bought turkeys for each family.

I am always so inspired by these stories. Stories of people who listen to God's voice. Who obey His call.

And of a God Who cares. And supplies our every need.