“Can we buy presents for everyone at the dinner?” my fourteen-year-old daughter pleaded.
Great idea,” I enthusiastically stated as we embraced. We were a week away from our first Christmas party of our newly founded feeding ministry called Word in Action Ministries.
Depending solely on a few monetary or grocery donations at that time, we decided $5 per gift was what we could afford. Candy, gloves, hygiene items, along with a nice glass frame exhibiting a Christian poem were wrapped securely in donated pizza boxes. That is, after Sister Robin convinced me to wrap them by offering to help wrap. I had been unsure whether or not to wrap verses placing a bow on top only, since wrapping without sight is super time-consuming.
Looking back, I’m so glad we made that choice. Tears welled up that special night as I overheard one young man comment how he hadn’t had a present to open in six years. Sounds of giggles, squeals, and the ripping of paper drowned out all conversations. One lady remained with her gift in front of her. Her eyes were fixated before she spoke softly as her fingers gently pressed the tape back to look new again. “My husband couldn’t come tonight. I want to take this home and let him open it. It will be the only present we have to open.”
Holding back the utter shock took every ounce of energy I possessed. These people weren’t homeless some had jobs, but most were on disability and had no family. It was one segment of society I hadn’t realized were overlooked at Christmas time.
This Christmas memory lay imbedded deep within my soul, for six months later, that same boy died in an accident, and the woman passed in October. Knowing we were able to provide a simple gift of love gives me peace. Seeing them have something to look forward to, dress up for, and to smile about gives me pleasure. They are not alone, and they have something to open.
This year, I would like to thank Becky McDonald’s Character Ed. class for supplying the majority of items in the shoe boxes, and for wrapping them to make someone’s Christmas a little brighter. They passed out 119 gifts on Dec. 18th. Kudos to these future leaders!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all!
Remember…Jesus is the season, and WE are the REASON!!
© 2015, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
Jena,
Reading your blog made me tear up once again…..we are driving home from our family Christmas gathering in Kansas City and I read this story aloud to everyone in the vehicle. We must count our many blessings every day for God is so good. Part of counting our blessings is reaching out to others with our hearts but also through actions and in love. I have witnessed this Christmas dinner for several yeaes now and have loved watching so many beautiful people be truly blessed!
Pastor Robin
Yes, you have. YOU have played a vital role in many, especially this first Christmas. God bless you for all your sacrifice and giving. Many blessings in your future.