Open Food Pantry . . . Enjoyed by volunteers and recipients alike
Twice yearly Grace hosts an Open Food Pantry Day. Hundreds of volunteers work to collect, organize and host a day of shopping for individuals and families needing a little extra help. Food, and gifts are provided free and as you'll read below the most significant impact is often felt by those who are fortunate enough to volunteer their time to help another.
Stories:
Received Monday 12/21/09
Ethan Espinosa
On Saturday morning it was incredible to see the outcome of God's children
coming together to meet a need. God used us to influence many lives that day,
which if you think about it is pretty humbling because we are just as vulnerable
to these circumstances, had it not been for God's grace. What we did is a
perfect example of what each day should look like when we're serving the Lord.
Setting aside selfish opportunities for serving opportunities, and look how
greatly that effected people just in one day. Thanks Deb for putting that all
together. It was awesome being a part of a team like that. Surrender each day to
Christ and see how he uses you! peace, Ethan
Received Wednesday 12/16/09
David
I was touched to the point of becoming glassy eyed (real men don't cry - LOL) to
read how many people came to Jesus on Saturday. Programs such as the food pantry
are an expression of love and nothing is more effective at drawing people to
Christ than love. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful
and impactful program.
Received Monday 12/14/09
Sherry Yoo
I have served with the Food Pantry Ministry now for a couple of years
and lately have had the privilege of doing some last minute shopping in
preparation for our Open Pantry. It is such fun to walk through the
grocery store with several carts loaded down with boxes and boxes of
like items. I get all kinds of questions and the wonderful thing is, it
often is an opportunity to talk about our Lord and the work He is doing
through our church in reaching out to the community. What a blessing to
be a part of something that directly touches the lives of others both
in tangible and intangible ways.
Received Monday 12/14/09
Steve and Alis Eastman
It was a special day for my wife and me I was working in the prayer
room and this young lady who spoke Spanish needed a translator so i
got my wife and for the first time she shared the Gospel. As I spoke she
translated and the lady gave her heart to Christ. God could have used
anybody else but He is so personal He allowed my wife and me to share
as a team what a privilege and honor being used to further His kingdom
by His grace!
Received Monday 12/14/09
Sheri Stimson
It is such a privilege to be able to both participate and see how God
was at work thru the process of preparations for the Open Food Pantry.
Please continue to pray for the 306 families we were privileged to
serve thru the OFP. 60 adults and 4 children made decisions to follow
Christ on Saturday! God is working!! One thing that stood out to
several of our guest families was OUR diversity. That's exciting! They
saw the body of Christ working together! All ages, backgrounds, and
walks of life brought together as a unified body. These are dark days
for so many. Praise God for the light! May we be faithful to shine his
light in a dark world in need of swift rescue. I pray that your hearts
are renewed by the truth of our Savior and the joy he brings to the
world! Merry Christmas!
Received Monday 12/14/09
George Alegria
Personally, I've seen how prayer really works, and how God is in
control of all things.
People's hearts have been touched by the Holly Spirit, and the Gospel
continues to be God's Dynamite for salvation. It was great seen every
one working in harmony for the same purpose, and that is to provide to
others what God has giving to us abundantly, Love and foooooood! I was
glad to hear people saying how different we are, and how they felt like
at home being at our church, keep up the good work, and let's continue
praying for all of our new brothers and sisters in Christ.God Bless you
all!
Received Monday 12/14/09
Mike Gaston
What strikes me most about the OFP is the variety of volunteers that it unites in a common cause to serve and share Christ's love with people in need. It's a delight to see all kinds of folks pitching in: students, adults, and seniors; Spanish and English congregations; "task-oriented" types and "people-oriented" types, all coming together to share the love of Christ in practical ways. I'm sure God was smiling on Saturday as we represented Him - I know I was!What strikes me most about the OFP is the variety of volunteers that it unites in a common cause to serve and share Christ's love with people in need. It's a delight to see all kinds of folks pitching in: students, adults, and seniors; Spanish and English congregations; "task-oriented" types and "people-oriented" types, all coming together to share the love of Christ in practical ways. I'm sure God was smiling on Saturday as we represented Him - I know I was!
Received Monday 12/14/09
Dan Fetters
The grace of God was tangible throughout the Open Food Pantry Day. Every guest could simply receive, with dignity. All who came for some daily bread were offered relationship with the Bread of Life, Christ, the Giver of forgiveness of sin and the One who purchased eternal life for all who will believe.