This week the Pastoral Team had the privilege of dropping off 10 hampers to families in need. The beautiful hampers made by you looked great, had fantastic gifts, and were truly a blessing!
When we arrived to drop off our hampers, to be entirely honest with you – I thought that Lifespring had done her part and taking on 10 hampers was probably a bulk of what they need. However, we found out that they had 215 families sign up for hampers and they were short 25 hampers.
In the midst of this community housing complex, I could sense God trying to get my attention – I didn’t realize the tremendous need in our city. I didn’t realize the ridiculous struggles that so many have. Out of the 10 hampers Lifespring provided, 9 out of 10 were for single parent households. I wonder how many of the 215 families that signed up for a hamper are in a desperate need for help.
Romans 10:14-15
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
This Sunday, Lifespring is hosting a Christmas meal. What may seem like just another Sunday and another feast, God has been impressing on my heart – “how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard”. This Sunday is more than just a meal – this Sunday is an opportunity for God to touch lives. We heard from Sam Lai that he came to Overflow for an event – he didn’t mention the turkey, he didn’t mention the lights, he didn’t even mention playing basketball – he only remembered that it was that night he received the Lord Jesus as his Lord & Savior. Everything after that… is history.
We invited all of our hamper families to this Sunday’s Christmas Meal Celebration and we would like to encourage you to invite your friends and family as well.
In trying to put into words what I envision, I was reminded of a song that Silvia Yu shared with me – one where the church is simply a tool, an opportunity, for God to work. Please take 4 minutes of your time to listen to this song – use it as a prayer for this Sunday. We may be serving food, but more importantly we are providing opportunity for God to move.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfgTTH4OCEQ&ab_channel=EssentialWorship – Steeples by Mia Fields
Bridge:
When people come, I pray they’d encounter
Jesus alone. The truest of treasures
When people come, No matter their story
I pray they’d be changed. From glory to glory