From the very beginning, we sensed that this summer was going to be different, full of changes and transitions. Not only did many first-timers apply for summer staff, but Gleanings’ staff also stepped back to seek the Lord for His perspective on what this season should look like. With God’s guidance, our leadership team pioneered several changes. One of the most obvious changes was splitting the events of our weekly Love Feast into two nights. Thursday nights were a time to honor our guests; interacting with our volunteers was a priority. Games were played around the tables and people often shared their silly talents with the entire room. The fellowship was then followed by inspirational guest speakers. Friday nights were dedicated to honoring our Lord by setting a couple of hours aside for worship and prayer, drawing closer to Jesus. Many teams experienced the soup plant for the first time. During the periods we were low on fruit, had spare volunteers, or the peach plant was not operating, people had the opportunity to trade hands sticky from peach juice for clothes seasoned with garlic. But wherever they worked, the job was accomplished, and food was produced for the hungry. Our staff was privileged to be involved with our committed group of summer staff. Not only did summer staff band together at work, they intentionally bonded during their free time, nurturing healthy relationships. One challenge this summer was whether or not we would be capable of filling all the necessary roles around Gleanings. Areas in question included the kitchen and positions at the office. One by one, God brought the needed volunteers. One can confidently proclaim that Gleanings was blessed this summer. With every turn, there is something for which to be grateful. Reflecting upon the evidence of the past enables us to always look to the future, confident of the Lord’s goodness.
The heart of Gleanings For The Hungry is simply to care for people the way Jesus does. We fight for the lives of God’s cherished children, declaring His love by word and deed. Recently, we received the testimony of a family living in the Ndwedwe Valley, South Africa. The day after receiving Gleanings’ soup mix through the partnership of Container Ministries, some of Crossroads’ staff paid Zinhle’s family a visit, soup in hand. This quality soup, enriched with all the essential vegetables required for a healthy meal, feeds many families in the Ndwedwe valley. Like many families in the Ndwedwe valley, Zinhle’s family struggles to make ends meet. Zinhle’s mother, Noma, works hard, taking odd jobs to eke out a living, all while being active in her children’s lives, caring for them. They live in a mud house, which is falling apart, and daily face problems due to scarcity of electricity and limited access to clean drinking water. Crossroads has stepped in to assist the family by providing food, clothing, bedding, and toiletries. Zinhle receives breakfast daily from Crossroads Nutrition Program, enhanced by the product sent from Gleanings. Zinhle’s family is also working closely with Crossroads to source out selfsustaining projects to generate income and food. This relief is a temporary measure as they seek more permanent paths out of their destitution.
Our fall soup season is quickly approaching, and we expect many volunteers to serve with us at Gleanings. Did you know that we have a waiting list for teams desiring to sign up to come and make the soup? We are living in this upsidedown world, where people pay to participate, being part of the solution for hungry children! The kingdom values of our volunteers and staff blesses me to no end. Jesus gave us an example of what it means to live selfless lives, and we are partaking in His character and nature when we do the same. I hope to see many of you this fall, and if you haven’t signed up you better hurry to get a spot next year! With much love to all our Gleanings’ family and friends, Fritz Meier
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