Last fall, I absorbed an additional ministry responsibility, our resource center. We originally opened with clothing, a variety of food items, and some appliances. The resource center grew and we quite frankly were learning to meet people’s basic needs. So we asked a key question, “What do people need most or use most?” This led us to seek the help of local churches to partner with us on a winter coat drive including hats and gloves. Through this partnership, we gave every child the winter supplies needed to stay warm, and almost every adult walked away with their needs met as well.
Next, we asked ourselves why Hispanics were not taking the canned goods on our shelves. Simple, their custom is to cook with fresh items. Recognizing this, we began offering basic food baskets with rice, beans, pasta, sugar or flour, and cooking oil. Being able to share these items with families has had an amazing impact on the new faces we see every Saturday morning.
Suddenly, I found myself needing help greeting, assisting, and praying for all the families who come. I asked our faith community if anyone would be interested. Leticia began volunteering and I knew immediately she loved it. She took great care of people and gained confidence in praying for the families as they left. As a matter of fact, she recruited her sister-in-law Rosy to begin coming. Before long Rosy, too, was praying with people. Wow! Leticia multiplied what I showed her and now Rosy may one day teach another Hispanic.
Our mission statement is: Serving Hispanics to Christ and Mobilizing Them to Serve. It’s so encouraging to watch God make theory into reality!
Next, we asked ourselves why Hispanics were not taking the canned goods on our shelves. Simple, their custom is to cook with fresh items. Recognizing this, we began offering basic food baskets with rice, beans, pasta, sugar or flour, and cooking oil. Being able to share these items with families has had an amazing impact on the new faces we see every Saturday morning.
Suddenly, I found myself needing help greeting, assisting, and praying for all the families who come. I asked our faith community if anyone would be interested. Leticia began volunteering and I knew immediately she loved it. She took great care of people and gained confidence in praying for the families as they left. As a matter of fact, she recruited her sister-in-law Rosy to begin coming. Before long Rosy, too, was praying with people. Wow! Leticia multiplied what I showed her and now Rosy may one day teach another Hispanic.
Our mission statement is: Serving Hispanics to Christ and Mobilizing Them to Serve. It’s so encouraging to watch God make theory into reality!
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