August 5, 2018

NUMBER OF PEOPLE SERVED
Food Closet		Backpacks
Last Week	438	Last Week	N/A
Since January 1st	12,568	School Year	12,850

Hundreds of people are served by the Food Closet each week with food and other assistance. Hundreds more have been helped through other aspects of the Outreach Ministry. The interaction with many is limited, sometimes to just a single event. They get the help they need and while grateful, they move on. I have come to accept that this is the role we have, with hopes that what we provide brings them relief and demonstrates that the people of Holy Trinity care. In some cases, however, relationships form. You never know when that might happen. I always feel it is the Holy Spirit at work and my role is to, as Fr. Dave told us a few weeks ago, let “Jesus take the wheel”. On December 23, 2015, we had a single mom and her son move into the Ministry House. I remember thinking even then that she was a survivor. I knew she was going to make it; she just needed a little help. She had left a bad situation and even though she was working, they were living in her car. It was obvious she cared deeply for her child. A few months later, through a contact made within the community, we were able to get her into an apartment that the owner was willing to rent at below market value. She is still in that apartment today. During these three years she has gotten a new, stable job and has utilized other services that have been arranged for her. We stay in touch as she still needs food and a gas card from time-to-time, but overall she is doing well. She most recently came to see me last week to bring me up to date on some medical issues and help she might need in August. I am proud of her efforts and seeing confirmation that she is indeed making it.
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About four months ago, I received a call from another young lady wanting to know if we could provide some food. She, too, was living in her car and while not ideal she had been able to make it work. When she came in I learned that she had some disabilities that made it very difficult for her to hold a steady job. Her spirit and drive were inspiring. Since our first meeting we have had several conversations and she has come for additional food and gas cards. While she is still currently living in her car she came to see me last week with some exciting news. She has been awarded a grant that will enable her to live in her own apartment. She should receive all the required paperwork within the week and can begin searching for a place to live. As she spoke the smile on her face and sparkle in her eyes was amazing!

These are just two examples of people who have met life’s challenges head on and, with your help, are succeeding. Please pray for them and all those seeking assistance.