It has been very interesting week as far as Caring Hearts Ministry is concerned. Another ministry was moving their freezer/cooler section and called and wanted to know if we could use some extra food and produce. Of course we said yes, after checking with Ids\a. So on Tuesday we made a distribution to a different colonia through Ida's church Iglesia Bautista Manuel. She was able to round up a helper, and we unloaded and helped sort items - after many folks were called that there was extra food available, we wound up feeding 50+ families. Then on Friday, we had an over abundance of food and provisions (including even a glucose monitor) for our regular distribution. As we drove into the colonias and our point of distribution (Brenda's yard) we were met with a huge sign( in Spanish of course) laying out the rules and regulation for picking up food. We are still being careful of how we distribute, talking care with masks and gloves and social distancing to help with the healong our country of this virus. We felt overwhelmed as we were met with a long line of smiles and waves from the folks in line which helped us to understand how much needed these provisions were. As usual, we had a limited number of helpers so we pitched in and helped to fill and distribute many boxes of food. All of the ladies were in a fun mood, and we all laughed as one of them closed a truck on the car and a part fell off!! we sent her back to the packing line before she could cause more damage!!!We left after the line quit, but a few more folks still drove up. If I ever believed n the fishes and loaves, I certainly did that day - as we filled and handed out boxes to 170 families!!! A couple of times I looked over my shoulder to see how the food supply was coming and felt that we seemed to be running low after about 130 families were provided for, but to do another 40 seemed impossible. But therugh God, all things are possible. returned home somewhat exhausted but felt so warm and good knowing that God had provided and 170 families would not go to bed hungry.
We are all still under the shelter at home ordinance, although I did read that Texas may soon loosen things and begin to open the state. It is hard to believe that we have been home bound for over a month already - but have grown used to staying home and taking care of ourselves as well as protecting others. We have been very innovative so tha our diet is varied, and we have more time for the Word - also to relax and enjoy this down time. It is interesting to note that we really don't miss the hustle and bustle of daily living.
This morning we watched via the internet the Southern Comfort Sunday sermon with Chaplain Marty Zeigler. He and his wife Edna are still here in the Valley, as are a lot of folks who have chosen not to leave for their permanent homes a sof yet. Marty faithfully prepares the Word for us from his outdoor patio. It is so relaxing to listen to the birds chirping in the background - although they are not the beautiful sounds of the Northern songbirds, they are a delight to hear. Then we prepared to join our home church, Prairie Grove Christian Church to listen to Matt Tibbet, the youth minister, present the sermon and to take communion with our church , together although apart. Matt's word this morning pertained to belonging to a church - not necessarily the building itself,but the communion of it's people. God saved us from our sin, but also saved us into communion. What does the communion of a church look like? It is the acceptance and love emitted from the people there. When we attended the very first service at PGCC years ago, we immediately felt that love and acceptance (even though we were Northerners!!). And we still feel that to this day. Examples of a communion of a church is found in Acts 2:42-47. It shows us what community with the early church was all about. There were committed meetings and preaching every day, as well as on Sundays. Jesus was the hub and they structured every around Him - some folks today seem to structure every around themselves and their own lives, leaving whatever left over room for Jesus. The disciples of the early churches were bold, preaching in the same town in which Jesus was crucified. That was a dangerous situation. They were selfless - they sold some of their possessions to help others. There were no needy people among them. They were open - open to everyone. In God's eyes, everyone was open to hear the Word- Jews and Gentiles alike. He wanted all people to belong to the family of God. Being a Christian is a lofty goal, but but is attainable. Fear is the opposite of faith - it stands in the way of being a good Christian. You may lose your job, your free time, even your family. After Easter, we seem to take our eyes off Resurrection and tend to focus again on our earthly life. Did we really commit ourselves to Christ on the cross?? We have to be open to welcome others to join us in loving and accepting Christ.
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