Good God, Good Times, Good Results
Published 11:50 am Thursday, May 16, 2024
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By Michael Klaus
Minister of First Christian Church
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Sometimes it is best to do things with a group. When the church works together it is one of the most beautiful things there is. Thanks to the leadership of an Elder at First Christian Church, we were able to help a ministry called Kids Against Hunger. Kids Against Hunger was established with the mission to significantly reduce the number of hungry children in the United States and to feed starving children throughout the world. About 50 people from First Christian Church and the Elizabethton Rotary Club teamed up with the goal of packing 27,000 meals for people and families locally and for a shipment to Guatemala.
Setting up four assembly lines, we began our task with prayer, seeking blessings for our efforts. Soon, the air was filled with the aroma of apple cinnamon oatmeal as we diligently worked, each pack providing six meals. Despite the fatigue setting in, our teams persevered, seamlessly transitioning to cover for one another when needed. With only a brief 5-minute break during more than four hours of continuous work, we were driven by the commandment to feed the needy, echoing Jesus’s instruction to provide sustenance to the hungry crowd (Matthew 14:16).
The goal was 27,000 meals. We ended up packing 30,000 meals. Hair nets were sweaty, gloves were wrinkled, and old backs ached but we did it.
There was a great atmosphere of fellowship. One participant said, “We had a great time communing with one another.” That is community, community is not to gather for no reason, but with a reason. The church has a reason to share the love of God with the world and sometimes we share that love by helping fill an empty belly. Thank you Kids Against Hunger for letting us be a part of something that pleases God and shares God’s love with people who need it.
