Season of giving

Last night was one of the highlights of the year for me. Our ministry hosted our second annual "Adopt-a-Family" evening. We work with God's Helping Hands to find a family to adopt for Christmas. This year we were blessed with a family of five as well as a senior citizen.

Around 6:30 pm, we gathered in The Hub (our main teen room) for a Christmas meal consisting of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and a lot more. (The real work started earlier when several parents and students started cooking the meal.) This was a fabulous meal - not just because of the food (it was yummy!), but because of the spirit in the room as well.

Imagine a room of over 60 people sitting around tables sharing a meal. In the center of this collection of people sat our honored guests. It was a festive and cheerful time.

As we wrapped up our meal, our honored guests came up on the stage, joined by a few students. We had some furniture on the stage next to the Christmas tree with gifts underneath. The teenagers took turns handing out gifts and enjoying the experience with our guests.

I want to take a minute to tell you how much I love the parents and teenagers that are a part of the Rochester Church. They are loving and compassionate people who are willing to give of their time, resources, and energy. They are salt and light in a world often draped in darkness. From the people who donated money, to those who shopped for the presents, to those who helped prepare, to those who were a part of the evenings activities, there were dozens of people who made this a special night. 

By the end of the evening we had provided a family with winter coats, boots, gloves, and more. Shirley, our senior citizen guest, received several gifts, including some gift cards to help with gas and other living expenses. Then we surrounded our new friends and prayed over them. I think Shirley expressed the most important gift she received when she said to the crowded room, "I don't feel alone anymore."

The apostle Paul said, "And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35) My prayer is that through Adopt-a-Family, our families have experienced the truth of these words.

shine!
Jason