By Pastor Terrence Nichols, New Hope Church Community, Vallejo, California
Though their financial struggles continue, these believers chose to focus on giving to others this Thanksgiving instead of dwelling on their own hardships.
Early in November, church members prepared a Thanksgiving meal for five local residential treatment facilities, mostly inhabited by recovering addicts. Then as Thanksgiving Day approached, the members brought canned and dry goods to prepare baskets for needy families in the church and the neighborhood.
Once the community heard about the holiday spirit at New Hope, donations poured in. Turkeys, stuffing, potatoes, dinner rolls, and more filled boxes. Church volunteers worked diligently to prepare baskets of hope for more than 50 families.
Not Alone
Recipients also welcomed a listening ear and prayer. A single mother of three, who recently moved to the neighborhood from southern California after a difficult divorce, was grateful to find love just around the corner from her new home.
People want to talk about their struggles. They want to know that someone cares and that they are not alone. But it is our church members who received the blessing as they offered their neighbors Thanksgiving hope.
What You Can Do
Pray
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