Central Serving our Community this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time where we connect with family, eat and reflect on the things in our lives we are thankful for. Stomachs are filled with turkey and pumpkin pie. Our bellies ache from laughter when we hear a joke as we sit around the table.

However, not everyone in our community is fortunate enough to have family in the area or the ability to provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal for their family. Our local economy has left many families wondering where daily meals will come from. This is where the people of Central Wesleyan stepped in.

I'm very thankful to attend a church where our body of believers responded to the Lord's prompting to step out and love our neighbors. On November 23 & 24 over 225 CWC people volunteered by either helping at a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or delivered a Thanksgiving basket of food to a local family. These volunteers were young adults, empty nest couples, grandparents and parents bringing their kids to serve others in our community. I'd like to share with you a few of the stories that came from volunteers as they showed love to our community:

We sat with Sally and her 5 kids. She is a beautiful lady with a lot of love in her heart. I was touched by how patient she was with her grandkids, two of which have special needs and take a lot of work! She was truly a blessing to us. Though she did not say so much as this, I know financially things are not easy. She is on a very fixed income and yet she seems to clothe and feed these kids. I just felt the desire to bless her in some small way this Christmas since I'm sure she doesn't treat herself often. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to serve. It was so festive and fun.

Some of the guys at our table were ones that many would kind of 'pass by.' But not Central. They were SO warmly received, served, loved and made to feel like one of the human race!

My sisters and I went to a single mother's household. She was two weeks away from having a baby and had two other children under the age of 3. We were not sure what to expect, but she was obviously in need of some adult time when we came. We were able to talk with her about life and being a mom! My sisters and I had been talking about how we could give to another family. Before we left I asked her if there was anything else she needed, and she told us that anything would help. So we have decided to do some fun things for her and her family this holiday season. This was such an easy way to share God's love. Thanks for the opportunity!

Thank you to all those who served by putting your faith into action!

Chris Hofland