A Joyful Bounty

Patricia, Jeffrey, Jacob, Maria… the list goes on. It’s amazing what happens when you look someone in the eye and call them by name. It’s humbling what people share when you ask how they are doing and offer a listening ear. It’s heart-warming, but shouldn’t be surprising, how God blesses our efforts when we take the time to show His love in tangible ways. People feel cared for, and they are more open to hearing the Good News. Here is how that has played out during shelter in place at CityServe’s Compassion Network. 

Our Joyful Bounty event was cancelled due to COVID-19. In an effort to bless those families who had originally signed up for the event, we decided to proceed with “Plan B.” The generosity of our local congregations and a partner organization made it possible to gift these families with an Easter basket, a gift card for groceries, children’s Easter books and activities explaining the resurrection story, a Bible, and an offer for prayer. But we didn’t want to just hand them these items; we wanted to know them as people. Our volunteers made an intentional effort to ask how each family was doing, what needs and hardships they were currently experiencing, and how they could pray for them.

One person teared up after being prayed for. When asked what the tears were about, the person responded, “I’m not allowed to cry at home. I’m only allowed to be strong.” Our volunteer wisely gave this person permission saying, “You can cry here. It’s okay.” There were many more conversations – some families grateful for the tangible gifts, others grateful for the chance to share their stories. Our hope and prayer was for God to use these conversations in each family’s life, to open doors for future relationship, and to create a curiosity towards the Gospel.