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Truly Moved:
A lady friend of mine (she's Apostolic) likes to volunteer at food pantries and soup kitches on a pretty regular basis. She'd told me all about one church where she volunteers and I felt led to volunteer too.
So, this past Wednesday (April 31, 2010) I volunteered at a local church that hosts a food bank. The church is an independent church yet its roots are Pentecostal (AoG). The church is humble and comfortable, located in an old Church of Christ building with beautiful stained glass windows. The church is an inner city church in one of the poorest areas of the city. Those receiving food are asked to attend a short worship service prior to making their way downstairs to the food line. The service was simple and from the heart without the vibrato or the bells and whistles of most of the larger affluent churches I've attended. I could feel the presence of God very strongly there as the word was preached and a woman ministered in song. During the altar call volunteers head downstairs and prepare to give out food for those attending. The line was so interesting. People from all different races, income brackets, walks of life, etc. I saw a man who had been laid off from a major local company and never thought he'd be in a food bank to help ends meet. I saw some who were truly destitute. All were very gracious and thankful until they approached the dessert table. There they were given bags and were allowed to pick their pastries. Naturally there was a lot of "I'm taking that." "That's mine.", kind of thing... but nothing serious become of it. Those volunteering were allowed to take several bags of groceries home once all those in need had been serviced. My cabinates are absolutely bursting with food and goodies because of this church's generocity. The pastor and I talked and he watched me the entire service. After service he stated that he could see an anointing all over me and that I had a calling on my life. He then stated that they were a "door opening ministry". The Spirit of God was so strong we both had goosebumps.
It was a truly wonderful experience. Helping the poor by giving food was one of the most rewarding things I've done this year.
Interestingly enough... I'm feeling led to go back at some point in the near future. I can't get it off my mind.
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