Last night I had the privilege of handing out the envelopes filled with gift cards. Every. Single. Person. Gasped when I handed it to them...some cried, some stood staring at me in shock and disbelief, a few grabbed me and hugged me hard. We handed the stockings FILLED with toys and goodies to the kids while they waited for dinner. I could hear their squeals of excitement all over the dining hall while they pulled out their new treasures. The students from Trinity were quickly passing out plates filled with holiday food. Santa came and gave presents to everyone. Bibles were given to every person from the Gideons. As people left they were given handmade blankets, a bag filled with food and a sock filled with toiletries. It was incredible night. So many people gave to make it possible. I want to share three stories of people who really grabbed my heart last night. The first was a man who came out of the building overwhelmed with everything he had already been given. I handed him the envelope and told him what was inside. He stood frozen staring at me. Tears began to fall as he told me he just arrived in midland two days ago from Oregon. He was staying at the Salvation Army while he looked for work. He had no idea such generosity really happened. The next was a single mom. I had watched her all night. Each gift we handed her son brought New tears to her eyes. The two year old was thrilled to meet Santa! As she left the building and we handed her bags of food for both of them, the blankets, and toiletries she could almost not stand at her gratitude. When I got to hand her the envelope filled with gift cards she was shaking from her sobs. I grabbed her and hugged her. She told me her son spent six months in the hospital and in that time she lost everything. Car. House. Everything. Last night was the first glimpse of hope since all of that. Nearing the end of the night a man came out of the building with his bag, blanket, and Bible. I handed him his card. He said, how can you do this? I cant even understand how this really exists. People have told me for years and I never believed you were really here. I dont get my money for food until Monday. I figured I just would not eat for a few days. But, now he could not finish .... He hugged me and walked away. So often people think they are not worth it. They feel people have given up on them and some then just give up. I always hope our love and ministry lets them know they are valued and loved by God.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 16:09:48 +0000
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