What happens when an army of volunteers cook up 110 burgers, 120 hot dogs and pie a la mode at Gano Mission Center’s Bless the Homeless Independence Day Picnic?
Everyone gets blessed!
Organizers Greg and Annadell Robbins are thankful that 51 people without homes, cars and food were able to get out of the heat and enjoy a great lunch and uplifting message from Executive Director Jeff Chadwick. One attendee named George fought back tears as he thanked those who made it possible. “I used to come here and get food and leave,” he shares, “but now I stay until the very end to hear about the love of Christ, and I want to thank you for doing this for all of us.”
He was one of dozens who appreciated sitting among red, white, and blue decorations and hearing Jeff’s message of “true freedom in Christ.”
Blessed to be a Blessing
Sharon, who was in the serving line, shared her observations. “It blessed my heart to talk with our community guests as they came through the buffet and see many with big smiles on their faces.” Sharon happily made to-go plates for guests who were thoughtful enough to take food to others they knew were hungry.
““It blessed my heart to talk with our community guests as they came through the buffet and see many with big smiles on their faces.”
— Sharon, volunteer at Bless the Homeless Picnic
“Food insecurity in times of quickly-rising prices becomes even more of a critical need,” notes Executive Director Jeff Chadwick. “Our weekly luncheons and food pantry are even more popular and necessary ministries this year.”
Each guest was thrilled to receive a shirt, shorts, or jeans, underwear and socks. Lori, who assisted the ladies with their new clothing items, adds, “We were able to encourage them, pray with them, and even laugh together when they mentioned the fun of shopping.”
The festive indoor picnic also brought smiles to the MCH staff, summer missionaries, and all attending the weekly meal for area seniors.
““[Miss Wendy] came up to our table with a solemn expression, asking prayer for a friend. And after our prayer time, she left rejoicing and saying she needed that today.”
— Mission Centers of Houston Summer Missionary
One of the college interns manning the prayer table received the blessing of being a blessing to a guest named Miss Wendy.
“[Miss Wendy] came up to our table with a solemn expression, asking prayer for a friend. And after our prayer time, she left rejoicing and saying she needed that today,” he shares.
Each guest happily received shirt, shorts or jeans, underwear and socks. Picnic food also brought smiles to the MCH staff, summer missionaries and all attending the weekly luncheon for area seniors!
