What happens when armies of volunteers cook up 110 burgers, 120 hot dogs and pie a la mode at Gano Mission Center's Bless the Homeless Independence Day Picnic?
Everyone gets blessed!
Organizers Greg and Annadell Robbins are thankful that 51 people without homes, cars, and food were able to get out of the heat to enjoy a great lunch and uplifting message from Misson Centers of Houston's Executive Director Jeff Chadwick.
““I used to come here and get food and leave, but now I stay until the very end to hear about the love of Christ.
And I want to thank you for doing this for all of us.””
One attendee named George fought back his tears as he thanked those who made it possible. "I used to come here and get food and leave," he shares, "but now I stay until the very end to hear about the love of Christ, and I want to thank you for doing this for all of us."
He was one of dozens who appreciated sitting among red, white, and blue decorations and hearing Jeff's message of "true freedom in Christ.”
Blessed to be a Blessing
Sharon, who was in the serving line, shared her observations. “It blessed my heart to talk with our community guests as they came through the buffet and see many with big smiles on their faces.” Sharon happily made to-go plates for guests who were thoughtful enough to take food to others they knew were hungry.
“ “It blessed my heart to talk with our community guests as they came through the buffet and see many with big smiles on their faces.””
“Food insecurity in times of quickly-rising prices becomes even more of a critical need,” notes Executive Director Jeff Chadwick. “Our weekly luncheons and food pantry are even more popular and necessary ministries this year.”
Each guest was thrilled to receive a shirt, shorts, or jeans, underwear and socks. Lori, who assisted the ladies with their new clothing items, adds, “We were able to encourage them, pray with them, and even laugh together when they mentioned the fun of shopping.”
The festive indoor picnic also brought smiles to the MCH staff, summer missionaries, and all attending the weekly meal for area seniors.
““[Miss Wendy] came up to our table with a solemn expression, asking prayer for a friend. And after our prayer time, she left rejoicing and saying she needed that today.” ”
One of the college interns manning the prayer table received the blessing of being a blessing to a guest named Miss Wendy.
“[Miss Wendy] came up to our table with a solemn expression, asking prayer for a friend. And after our prayer time, she left rejoicing and saying she needed that today,” he shares.
April Canik has worked on a church staff, consulted with churches of all sizes, and currently serves as Communication Director for Mission Centers of Houston. She is a Baylor alumnus with a passion for kingdom communication. April loves helping churches and organizations share faith-building stories.
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Photo: Melancholia by Romanian artist Albert Gyorgi.
Mission Centers of Houston seeks to bring positive change by working with children and schools to increase student success.