In 2000, the youth of FUMC traveled to Washington, DC for our Summer Mission Project. In the heart of the nation's capital the dichotomy of wealth and poverty can be seen within a few city blocks.
One of our favorite locations to serve was D C Central. This food recovery program began in the trunk of one man's car dedicated to traveling the city to dignitary's gatherings to save the left over food. This man's vision has grown to include trucks picking up food donations, persons being trained in food services and meals delivered to shelters throughout the city. The labor at D C Central is provided by recipients of the food. This is yet another benefit of this organization because it empowers the people to be trained in food services so they have a marketable skill when they leave the shelter.
This experience left Mark and Angie Hollar(members of our delegation) knowing they had to do more. Upon returning to Gastonia, the conversations began. The youth who had witnessed this program first hand joined Mark and Angie in taking the leftover food from UMYF to Cornerstone Christian Ministries. We encouraged other church groups to do the same.
However, wide our vision was at the time none of us had the resources required to implement a project of this magnitude. But the desire still burned in Mark and he was able to connect with a principal and student at Highland School of Technology to explore this food recovery program. Amanda, an outstanding student was persistent and thorough in research and red tape; however, she graduated before the project could get off the ground. Had we hit another dead end? Not to worry! A very capable Highland student was summoned to the Principal's office! It was our own Clay Hackney. Not because he was in trouble, but because he had the desire and drive to complete this project.
I am happy to report that in January 2010, food recovery began at Highland School of Technology. The food left from lunch in the cafeteria is boxed and donated to As One Ministries.
So to Mark and Angie and the other members of the 2000 FUMC mission trip thank you for your vision. It is never to late to see your dreams come true!
Becky,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I found that DC in 2000 was one of my favorite mission trips as well. I felt like we learned so much about being in ministry with homeless people. That encouraged us to respond when we returned home. It was amazing the insight that people had about gathering food that had normally would have been thrown away and making it available to those who wouldn't have any. I also found that the Holocaust Museum was far more emotional & meaningful than I thought it would be. I will always be greatful to have made that trip.
Jim Westmoreland
(swd)