Stepping Beyond Ourselves

This is the first time that I’ve posted on my blog about something other than Haiti, but this seemed oh so worthwhile.

My husband leads an incredible small group of 7th-grade boys at our church and their heart for serving those who are hurting continually amazes me.

Over the course of the year, they have trekked several times to the little community of Fort Payne, Alabama, to prepare and serve meals to hundreds at Bread of Life Ministries’ community center. They’ve also helped with painting and renovation projects there, so that families have a comfortable space. Plus, they worked alongside homeowners to clear debris after the recent tornado.

A few months ago, these boys saw a need.

So they collected and gave away over 400 pairs of shoes……

…and fed 300 people!

Can you imagine?? They raised the money, planned the menu, did the shopping, prepared the food and served it –

… AND got shoes on a community’s feet before school started!

They’ve already done more than most adults I know and yet they refuse to slow down.

Next month, on Saturday, Nov 19th, they want to give 300+ Thanksgiving meal bags and serve another meal – but they can’t do it alone. If you can help by gathering a few groceries, giving a few dollars or coming with us to serve, you will get a sense of what motivates these precious young men. This is an awesome way to serve together as a family, class, small group or with friends! Here’s their letter:

Thanksgiving Blessings in a Bag

“Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever.”

1 Chronicles 16:34

Thank you for your support of our Transit group at North Point Community Church and Bread of Life Ministries. Be assured that you will be blessing a family as you fill this bag with the traditional Thanksgiving items listed below. Please use a large Ziploc Brand Big Bag or a decorated box.

We need to have the completed bags back no later than November 14th!

1- large can green beans (50oz) or equivalent

1-can french fried onions topping

1-can cream of mushroom soup mix

2- large cans corn (29oz) or 4 small cans (15oz)

2- cans peas

1- bag/box instant mashed potatoes

1- box/bag instant stuffing mix

1- can cranberry sauce

1- large can yams (40oz)

1-bag marshmallows

1- jar/can gravy

1-box Jiffy cornbread mix

1- box ready pie crust or pie pan

1-can pumpkin pie filling

1-can evap. milk

1-$10 gift card towards purchase of turkey from WalMart (optional but recommended if possible)

It costs approximately $25 to fill a bag, plus the gift card. If you cannot add the gift card, please fill the bag, anyway, as it will be a blessing, regardless. However, if you can include the gift card, this will provide the family receiving the bag with the funds to help purchase the turkey, since we are including only non-perishable items in the bag.

IMPORTANT: ONLY Non-Perishable Items can go in the bag!!!

Decorate the outside of your bag to make it special for the family receiving it. You may add notes, cards, crafts, Bibles or any encouragement that would be appropriate for a family. Most importantly, please pray for the family who will be receiving your bag(s).

You can also donate online (tax deductible) at www.breadoflifefp.com in increments of $35. We will use online donations to buy the food in Ft. Payne and create a care package from you. If you do this, we would also like to insert a personal card from you so that the meal is still a family-to-family blessing. (You can add a note on Paypal or send a longer one to me, so it can be included.)

THANK YOU!

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Update: Wanna see how the day went? Click HERE to see the video! In fact, I’m writing this in 2012 and the boys have gone back for a second year – and did it, again! The hearts of those who care never fail to awe me.