“'Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’” Matthew 25:34-36 NKJV
In the best of times, there are always people in need. It might be due to a sudden job loss or an illness that keeps someone from being able to work. Some families find themselves growing, as extended family emergencies create the need to take others in, adding to the burden of feeding the household. Regardless of the cause, food insecurity is a growing issue for us today.
Add to all of this the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, and there is a recipe for a very dismal situation, where the needy can suffer greatly.
In Polk County, those who do not have enough food come from a wide variety of socio-economic strata. Many people have never experienced the lack of food, and facing this new reality is nothing less than daunting. Imagine awakening into this new reality. Last month you went to the market, paid for your food with the money you earned, and now help is needed.
When there is a need, there should be no concern for how a person got in the situation. Our only concern is the fact that they are hungry. Finding oneself in need is a humbling experience, and grace is needed more than ever. That is where a food pantry can be a great blessing.
Caring Hands is a network of Christian Churches and community partners that mobilizes eastern Polk County for compassionate service toward our neighbors.
While this is a season of struggle for families in central Iowa, it is also a golden opportunity for the faith community to be the hands and feet of Jesus, as we reach out and share what we have been blessed with. Your extra food can fulfill the basic needs of your neighbors, and the money you donate can be used to purchase more specific items for those in need.
In feeding those who need help feeding themselves, we show others the love of Jesus and open hearts to the presentation of the Gospel. By feeding bodies, we can have the opportunity to feed souls, enriching the lives of those who need hope.
There is nothing worse than feeling hopeless and awakening hungry, wondering where the first meal will come from, and if there will be another. Feeding oneself is the most basic of needs.
Today, you can be the light for someone in the darkness - someone hungry. It is easy to take for granted having all that one needs. A sudden loss of food security cast even the future in doubt.
We are most like Christ when we look after the needs of others. In times of difficulty, people notice the good done for them, and the charity provided. It has a strong impact on emotions and lives, and has the power to lift one's spirit, and help someone live another day.
In blessing people, we must remember that everyone matters to God. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Like a lost sheep, He is willing to leave the 99 to find the one. There are no labels, no conditions, and no judgment.
Everyone has a part to play. You might be able to give food or money, or you might be more comfortable assisting those who come to the pantry. You might be one dedicated to prayer. There are many things to do at Caring Hands, and we have a place for you.
It is all about Jesus! We do all we do to guide hearts to Jesus Christ.
Consider donating to the Caring Hands Food Pantry today!
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:37-40 NKJV
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