Impressions from the Operation Hungry Picnic

Dave McGhee – July 26, 2009

Yesterday was a wonderful day for a picnic! It was sunny, warm (almost hot) with a slight breeze, and low humidity. This was my first time attending either of Operation Hungry’s yearly events; the Christmas banquet, often held at Faith Presbyterian Church, or the summer picnic, this year held at Brahan Springs Park. I thought I’d put down a few beginner’s impressions.

There were a lot of very nice people there!

First there were the folks from the churches that were helping. St Bartley’s Church was the organizer this year. At the opening prayer there were maybe 5-8 churches recognized as being there. Frank, Charlotte, Doug, and I were there from Faith. We were the minority group. All of the folks were very friendly and had a heart for doing this ministry. It was very well run. If I had to guess, I’d say there were about 25-30 folks from the supporting churches. I’d also say that most of these churches already had some relationship with the hungry that were served.

Of course, there were also the hungry of Huntsville. I’d say there were about 50 folks. I’m not a “mingler” by nature. Frank and Charlotte did most of that from our team. But here are my impressions of those that attended. Now let’s just throw away the stereotype “homeless” images. These were clean, friendly people. They were probably more integrated than the church folk there to serve. Everyone was polite. Several had children. One gentleman had children and a Grandmother; he looked very weary. There were a number of folks that came later as things were wrapping up and I imagine at least some of them were getting off work from jobs they had Saturday morning. It sounds cliché, but honestly they could have been you or I, but by the grace of God! They had there own network, obviously many acquaintances among them. There was lots of conversation and greetings that flew across the group. Yet I could make out very little of it? It was like a different language?

The food was great! One of the churches had a professional smoker/grill going, cooking some great chicken. There was some very good coleslaw there too! There were baked beans, hot dogs, bread, chips, packaged deserts, drinks, and water. Faith was in charge of watermelon. Pat and Frank had worked out a deal with Kroger for a reduced cost on 20 or so watermelons and ice. The Kroger manager (on Drake) said “no charge”! But that was not until he asked Frank to see the check. So “good faith” money has a meaning for charity work as well. Any leftovers were being taken to “Pathfinders”. Frank tells me that is a program that is basically a “3/4” way house for folks on their last steps of recovery and reentry into the world.

So, I would heartily recommend participation in these efforts! I would say this is probably more of a case where Faith can send a team of folks and/or dollars to support the churches that are really active in ministry to the hungry and homeless. We just don’t have the relationships in place to minister directly to them. I would say it is a very safe environment for older elementary and definitely youth to participate in.

Agape!

To Whom Do We Reach Out?

by Dave McGhee, July 14, 2009

To whom do we reach out; and why?

These are two very big questions with answers that are really, at their core, very simple. First, as a previous blog from The Missional Church Network shows, God truly has shown a heart for the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners throughout his biblical story. Second, as Christians, Jesus reminds us that we have been commanded to reach out to our neighbor in what is known as "the Great Commandment."

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." - Matthew 22:36-40

The trouble usually comes when we try to find wiggle room and try to fit that commandment into our comfort zones. Check out Luke 10:25-37 and you'll find a story you're probably familiar with. Jesus was not about making us comfortable!

Now most people in the world these days can get behind the second part of the Great Commandment even though they don't like the commandment part. There is generally a strong altruistic desire, particularly among younger people, to help those in need. After all, it's the right thing to do. Our capitalistic society shows this is true. Businesses tap into this desire because it makes them money. News and political organizations know this because it gets them ratings and votes. So it is a basic part of our make up to have this desire. The good stuff just gets lost in the bad stuff.

So what is different about Christians and their motives for doing good? Contrary to popular opinion, and some bad choices made in church history, Christians do not do good works to earn their way into heaven. Rather, when we start developing a relationship with Jesus and experiencing all the good things that brings, we feel compelled to share that with others. Now we're all human and we're all at different stages of that relationship with Jesus but the bottom line is that we try to respond to, not earn, the love that God has shown us through his son Jesus and pass it on.

Mission in Christian terms is following Jesus’ example in delivering his message. Mission is about building relationships that allow us to do that.

• We build relationships with those we help.
• We build relationships with those we serve with.
• We build relationship with God when we pursue His work.

Come and see ...

The Downtown Rescue Mission & Faith – A Reciprocal Ministry

By Chris Hyde

One mark of a good outreach ministry is that it spiritually renews and refreshes those involved in carrying out the ministry. That trait is evident with Faith’s monthly ministry at the Downtown Rescue Mission. When returning from a service at the DRM, I often feel a little guilty that I may have benefited more than those who where supposedly on the receiving end of this ministry. By the end of a service I am not always sure who was ministering to whom but I know that the Holy Spirit was present and I was witnessing God at work in people’s lives.

There is nothing quite like witnessing the unmistakable work of God’s transforming power in the lives of his people to strengthen one’s faith. Yes, I have also seen that at FPC but to be honest it has not always been easy for me to see. Maybe it’s spiritual laziness but I don’t always want to have to work to see how God is making a difference in people’s lives. At the typical DRM service you don’t have to work at it.

The expression of humble, thankful witness to being given the opportunity of a second chance is common place. There is much gratitude to God for the basics of life and it is obvious that many of the residents feel that they have been saved in every sense of the word. Because of the testimony that is regularly offered by mission residents and FPC participants, I leave feeling spiritually renewed and thankful for the blessings that God has given to me and others.

Faith has been leading a monthly worship service at the DRM for over 15 years. This is a growing outreach ministry for us with participation by Faith members more than doubling over the past two years. It is also a family friendly ministry where children often attend and participate. Currently the 30 minute evening service occurs on the third Monday of each month from 7:00 to 7:30, in the chapel of the new DRM complex located at the former Westminster Academy facility off of University Drive. We gather at FPC from 6:15-6:30, for prayer then carpool to the mission; returning to Faith by 8:00. All Faith members are welcome to join in this ministry by either taking part in the service or by simply joining us for this time of worship. For questions or to receive email reminders about the DRM ministry contact Frank Broyles at fbroyles@presby.org.