March Madness

Dear Pals,
Second Saturday of the "new" system.....only my first Saturday, so I have nothing to compare it to. I can tell you we have a lot to learn from our friends about being patient. They are flexible, willing, kind, able, open, will not "touch" a thing without being directed to...and so thankful. The irony of the "new system" is none have been turned away...we put the system in place b/c of hoarding, madness, chaos, "people" who came from outside of the zip code, and folks who were selling the wares. Well in two weeks, we've given away all the food, created madness on our part, meaning I'm stressed b/c we've put "bureaucracy" on our friends, no one has been turned away,(b/c of zip code issues) and if they didn't qualify for food, they wanted clothes...one outfit they are told.
We just want to "love" people. love them as Jesus instructs us to do.There are great things that happen, and most does NOT revolve around food or wares. Most revolves around walking someone out to their car, us caring their groceries. Reading to a child while their parents are shopping, Someone helping "taco" find a pair of pants that fit, or helping Lonnie find jeans b/c he clearly can't read and figure out the sizes. Finding a turtleneck for Catherine, giving Charmaine(freemarket friend turned volunteer) a job, watching Zeldina & Marie busily(freemarket friends) packing bread, filling bags, and feeling like a "team member".
April is nervous she tells Terry, it's her first time to "volunteer", she's always been a shopper. April is the poster child of what God wants to see happen I feel. She came in November for Thanksgiving, Tim & Terry have dedicated their entire SUNDAYS to picking up April and two other families, EVERY WEEK...to come to church, b/c they don't drive and if they could don't have cars. She has applied for jobs, gotten a job, quit a job, still looking for the next job. She emails folks, joined a small group, was the one person who started a collection for the custodian who was badly injured in a motorcycle accident. She was given $5.00 and she wanted it to go towards Bible study snacks...that reminds me of the Bible story of where Jesus states she gave Sacrificially". She wanted her 3 year old son dedicated, her entire family came. Abby(youth leader) saw something in her....she GAVE April her car...Abby is now teaching April to drive, she is empowered by God and those who encourage her, those who are like Pauls' Barnabas.....telling her...You can do it April! We are so proud of you!
That is what we are about! Loving people, did they like the new sheets? Absolutely! Did they love the jeans and new under ware, without a doubt....but they really love it when we ask...hey...what's your name and tell me your story! Can I get you a hot cup of coffee?
Alonzo(first time friend) was blown away by his experience, he told JT that "you guys are the real deal." Terry S. had taken the time to talk to him invited him to church, he asked if there was a "Sunday school"...he came today...just as he was.
God is glorified....we just need to open up our hearts, risk getting close....OH, I forgot one thing, George(NHPC) took Moses somewhere, left Charlotte(wife) and she had no idea where he went, Moses has to be in his late 70's, he loved Carl...he's always asked about Carl(Jeanne's late husband), now George is taking care of Moses, Carl is beaming in heaven.
I'm so glad for the opportunity to give my heart, I am scared. Can we do it long term...I pray.
YOU are vital to the ministry............Just come and give your time, bring those wares that are building up in your home and have lost their value to you.
What you have to give is priceless. Time
I am blessed, I am loved, I am a child of God.
Love Cassie

Friday 9:30-12
Sat 10-12