Adel, you may not believe this, but we understand where you are coming from.
'We' agree with letting the people eat and Ministering to those who are open to it.
In my first Church of 18 years, I worked in the Benevolence Ministry. We had food, clothing, and financial assistance. We gave each family a small packet of our Church information and we 'invited' them to our Services as if we would invite a friend over for dinner.
We asked if they had any prayer needs and we prayed with and for them. We shared the love Jesus, not as a requirement nor a payment for our assistance, but as an act of love and as who we are in Christ Jesus.
Pastor often included a tape of one of his most inspiring messages with the packets. Adel, so many people came back just to hear another message and to to us for sharing and caring and for praying with them. We received so many testimonies of healings that took place in people's lives. Their children were able to go to school with their heads up knowing who their were in Christ Jesus. Many people through prayer received the courage to step out on faith and regain their dignity. Many got new jobs. Several people started businesses of their own. Several marriages were saved. Several marriages took place. The testimonies were endless.
No one begged the government for anything. As a matter of fact, we were self-sustaining. I learned so much more about giving and that giving was about more than the tangible things in life. We gave 'life' to others because of Jesus and His love for each of us.
I can't begin to tell you about our street ministries. We would have 'Bar-be-cues in the Parks and soooooooooo many people were ministered to. People are hurting and they need prayer. We had live music from our music ministry and the crowds came pouring in. No one was pressured to pray. Pastor indeed did Minister the Word of God.
And Adel... the people stayed because they wanted to and they wanted to hear that Word that was being shared. I remember the people saying... O Man... I wanted to hear more. They were serious. And that's when Pastor's bus Ministry began. On Sunday mornings we'd park a bus in the neighborhoods and whoever wanted a ride to and from Church, we were there to take them. They wanted to hear God's Word. It was changing their lives and the Holy Spirit was right there drawing them and ministering to their hearts.
Adel.. I can't even begin to tell you how powerful the overwhelming love that flowed. We thought it was just a picnic in the Park and God had other plans. Pastor's intention was only to welcome people to just come and eat. To enjoy the food and to take food home. But it changed and to God be the Glory.
Adel... again, I get it...We 'all' do. We get what you are saying. But sweetheart, so many people are hurting to hear what God has to say to them. They need Jesus and to know His love for them.
This food pantry in the article above isn't begging the government for anything and they are believing God by obedience to God's Word in Ministry.
Didn't Jesus Minister the Word? And did He not have a picnic for them as well with the 5 loaves and fishes? Feeding people tummies and their spirits is the great commission of Jesus. We cannot have one without the other.
The government is wrong in this and they had better repent and stop trying to control the Gospel of Jesus' Christ. This USDA is using nazi tactics, telling this Christian organization to remove all traces of God from their walls and services. They know not what they do, Adel. They know not what they do. My tax dollars alone have paid for them to be entitled to the food distribution from the USDA. And yes, I can say that without exaggeration.
I have paid thousands of dollars in taxes and if it amounts to only one block of cheese and butter and one carton of eggs and one bottle of milk, the USDA owes it to them and they had better give it up and shut up about it.
Love you much,
Adel10. I mean this. And believe it, you didn't post here by accident. Proof being.... you keep coming back. God has a message of love for you ........... right here.
Take and eat. We have plenty more that the USDA did not provide.