rachel jenae: give a little...

So the Monday before Thanksgiving we had an outreach to downtown Ft. Worth where we took food, blankets, hygiene bags and lots of volunteers to reach the homeless! A ton of people showed up for the event and we all carpooled down there to get everything set up. We worked with a local church (I can't currently remember the name) and I was so blown away by their hearts! They welcomed us with open arms and you could see the appreciation in their faces for us coming to help. When people started arriving the room packed out quickly! We had a few people singing Christmas songs and a few others we knew they would know, but the majority of the night consisted of visiting with them and simply asking them if they needed prayer. We had a great time and made lots of new friends!

One thing was apparent by this outreach and that was simply how many wanted to volunteer to help. We probably fed close to 200 people that night and probably took close to 75 people with us! That's a good ratio! We had so much food made and donated that I'm pretty sure there was some left over! But it made me stop and think. Think of the heart of compassion that was radiating from all those that volunteered, but also the understanding that this is what it's all about. If we aren't building relationships, giving our lives away, pouring out the reality of Jesus to people...then what are we doing? At the end of the day what will it all count for if we till our field, build our dreams, but don't pour into relationships with people...walk with each other through the ups and downs, open our homes, give up our cozy preferences and make room for the uncomfortable. This season make sure you take a second re-evaluate and make some extra room!