She sat alone, quietly waiting for her meal to be served. She didn’t have much. Her clothes were tattered and worn. The shoes on her feet had seen many nights and more than a few miles. She looked at me intently as I handed her a small cup of fruit punch.
“Thank you” she said with a smile. “and Happy Easter!”
Her meal was served and in the matter of minutes it was gone. We asked if she would like more and she responded with a quick “yes please.” She consumed a second plate of food, and then a third, and then a fourth. Over the course of an hour or so she had eaten a lot of ham and potatoes and a few pieces of pie. As I watched her eat, I could not help but wonder when she had eaten last and when she would eat again. We have worked with our city’s homeless population on many occasions and I did not recognize her. I worked third shift at The Mission for awhile and she had never come in for breakfast. She was a new face. I do not know her story and I probably never will. But I can tell you that I had never been so happy to see someone eat.
Volunteering at The Fort Wayne Rescue Mission is always a rewarding experience. We are big fans of the organization and the work they do. They provide three meals daily for anyone in our community who needs it. They provide short-term shelter for men in transition and long-term shelter and programs for those looking for life-long transformation. The Rescue Mission changes lives through the power of Jesus Christ.
This experience was even more special since it was Easter. What better way to celebrate the resurrection of Christ than by serving others. We served drinks and desserts, cleaned tables, and threw away trash. We served as a family. We served with friends. We served because we care. We served because we love. We served because we should.
“If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:1-4
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