Comment

Comment by James Nored on October 24, 2008 at 10:53am

Here is a note from Linda Hardin about this week's food pantry ministry - "The HP Food Pantry gave away 26 bags of groceries on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Gay Johnson and Tammy Cain met with the people who came on Wednesday and Wilma Holloway manned the fort yesterday. We had one mother who came in and told us that we had prayed for her son who is in the army to return safely and he recently was discharged for medical reasons. She was so thankful and said her prayers had been asnwered. We've received other answers to prayers for these people and my prayer is that it is building their faith to the point they will want to come and worship and praise God. Please keep the people who come in your prayers and praise God that He is reaching them through the saints at High Pointe."

Comment by James Nored on October 24, 2008 at 10:51am

Linda, these are great ideas. Habitat has the those who are receiving houses to put in many hours helping to build other houses. The theory is that this helps build ownership and help people realize the value of this. This approach in the food pantry might help create these same results.

Comment by Linda Hardin on October 24, 2008 at 10:47am

James, I'm glad you commented on this. We've never turned anyone away. I think I'm going to make a special attempt to reach these people by praying with them in an attempt to soften their hearts. And maybe I could even ask them to assist the ministry in some way, like staying one afternoon and helping hand out food. Maybe this will open their eyes to how others may need help more than they do.

Comment by James Nored on October 22, 2008 at 12:46pm

Linda, I think that this is the struggle that is faced with all types of benevolent outreach. There are certain things I would draw the line on, such as giving money or gas. I'm just not sure that I can turn people down who ask for food.

Are there questions that could be asked of the regulars or actions that could be taken that could help prompt them towards gratitude or greater responsibility?

Comment by Linda Hardin on October 22, 2008 at 12:12pm

Wednesday and Thursday afternoons (1-3) are busy days for the food ministry because this is when people in need in our community come to request food. Some ask with humility while others seem to expect a "handout". Sometimes I struggle with this and think we should set limits on how many bags per month we should give. Right now, we're giving to all who come whether it be weekly or once a month. I'd be interested to know what others think about giving to the same people every week, who often leave without even a thank you.

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