We want to share stories from some of the people who participated in our Holiday Table Outreach. It entailed picking up a filled bag of groceries to bless a friend, neighbor, co-worker or family member and offered an invitation to The Bridge. If you have a story to share, please let us know. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated for all the families who received a grocery bag during this Outreach.
And now some stories…
“Who could use a Thanksgiving Bag from The Bridge Pantry?” The Lord brought to mind some neighbors down the street who have been caring for their adult sister who had a stroke two years ago this December. We officially met these neighbors during last December’s ‘Covid Christmas’. A large group of us were caroling in our neighborhood one night and there was the sister laying in a hospital bed in their front living room! We saw her immediately through their large bay window. She motioned to her family to open the blinds wider to see and hear the singing in the street. I was so touched by her presence that night.
Ever since I’ve made a point to wave to her every morning on my walk and bring her flowers every now and then. It’s got to be hard sitting in that bed day after day! Her brother likely finds it equally challenging caregiving 24/7. He does an amazing job caring for his sister in the most sacrificial ways I’ve noticed. I have run into him at the grocery store picking out her favorite ice cream so she can take her meds easier. These are challenging days for this family. My neighbors!
“Yep, the Thanksgiving Bag will go to them”- it was decided! A simple brown bag of goodies that can bring encouragement, support, and best of all, the love of Jesus.
I delivered the bag and spent the last 45 minutes talking to the two of them about how they are both doing. It was good to reconnect beyond our morning wave, and the door is open for future visits!
– Julie P.
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Before I grabbed a bag last Sunday, I had no idea who would be the recipient. I had even asked a few friends the week before if they knew of someone who was going through a difficult time and who could use some holiday groceries. I asked God to show me who could use the blessing of the bag. When I grabbed the bag, I opted to take one with a Spanish Bible, still not knowing who would receive it.
Then, on Monday morning, I decided to give the bag to my cleaning lady who was arriving that day. So I wrote her a note in Spanish to let her know that my church was giving her a gift to show her God loved her as a bless for their Thanksgiving holiday. Later, that day, she called me when I was at my office; she was so grateful for the gift. It turned out that because some of her customers were ill, she had less work – and she was having a hard time. She was so thankful for the gift of the groceries. She kept saying, “Gracias, gracias, muchisimas gracias!”
What a joy it was to share God’s love with Elvira and her family. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to bless others in Jesus’ name.
-Teresa T.