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The day was a perfect storybook day. Clear, sunny, (not scorching hot), but a great perfectly warmed day with a slight breeze. It was the best day that anyone could have wished for or prayed for. We were obviously not the only one pleased to be sharing our, “more than enough”. When we saw the faces on the parents and kids who participated and received gifts and food, it was apparent that we, on the earth were not the only ones smiling. It took a lot of physical work and co-ordination of many of the churches’ assets to bring about this wonderful celebration. And this was just a pre-curser to what is planned for the upcoming week as we near the Christmas season. All who contributed their efforts were more than rewarded by the laughter and smiles evident every way one turned. More than fun, this was a rewarding experience for those of us who normally are prone to remaining out of the direct action behind our chosen pseudo conservatism. This Sunday was a chance to go all out to make someone happy while sharing in the excitement.
My wife and I are in a somewhat unique, enviable position of volunteering for the Food Ministry where the food is put together. Then we are in the distribution where it is handed out each week. We have also been meeting, encouraging visitors and being a small part of the Bus Ministry where folks are picked up for transport to and from our church. So we are fortunate to watch the progression of folks from on the street without a church to attending our church. The new faces are worth any effort that we could muster.
This Sunday, we were blessed to see so many new faces who had answered our street ministry calls. Some of those came were here for things missing in their lives. Many of the people new to us were from Plant City. We as a church have reached past our immediate vicinity and four walls of the church to touch more people for Christ than ever before. We are sowing into peoples’ lives daily, although we recognize some came as a result of seeds planted by others in whatever near or distant past. In a way, it’s sad that so many people need help, but on the other hand, this is a living ministry and we have the ability to give needed assistance now. Some of our workers were talking to the people, in turn teaching them to sow an item of food into their neighbors’ lives, and sharing their experiences at River Church. That is more than awesome. Our church is showing people how to take what they have and sow no matter what is available to share. We are showing people the Biblical way to move away from lack.
The church volunteers were wearing orange or yellow safety vests which someone remarked made us stand out like worker ants. In fact, when I looked across the parking lot, it really was like watching ants. Everyone was so busy with toy distribution, food ministry, bus ministry, hot dog sales, music, etc. A really great thing was everyone was smiling and friendly and jovial amidst all of the hard work. The pace was a little hectic, but we were having so much fun blessing people.
First time visitors seemed to enjoy being a part of this enormous family enjoying life. Will we see them again? Yes, we will see many of them. And perhaps some of them much later on in the great scheme of things!