Don't Give them any hominy

"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40)





On a recent mission trip with the youth, I shared an important lesson I learned as a teen.





It happened early one morning at breakfast. The Civinettes were collecting Kans for Kids so I was looking through the cabinet for items to take. My dad looked my way and said "don't give them any hominy". I asked "why not? we have a lot of cans. " He replied, "exactly, if we won't eat it, what makes you think they want to?" Thirty-five years later, I still remember that lesson of giving to others the best that you have, not the leftovers.


In a recent sermon, Rev. Sally shared a wsimilar awakening at a meal for homless in her community. She went to seve expecting a soup kitchen line and was surprised by the candlelight dinner atmospehre.


The next day Sarah, one of our recent high school graduates came to me and said "I feel called to serve that kind of meal before I leave for ECU." Literally all I did was pray and make a call to As One Ministries for a time to serve a meal. Sarah had exactly ten days to pull this off. I understand her mother even said, "Sarah, are you sure you have enought time?" Say no more, Sarah answered the challenge. She called friends, congregation members, and others to garner financial and moral support.


Today, Sarah's dream came to fruition. Tables were decorated with fresh flowers and candles. The serving table was overflowing with homemade macaroni and cheese, chicken casserole, fresh tomatoes, greenbeans, corn, grilled chicken, pound cake and so much more! The youth offered generous portions to their guests. Smiles and warm greetings were exchanged. It was as if we had known each other forever.


As Sarah heads to a new community, she takes with her a servant heart shaped by her faith family.


Nothing is more central to the church's mission than transforming the lives of others by offering one's self in God's name. I would say to all those who supported Sarah in this endeavor, "thank you for helping to create the kind of world you want to see!" And by the way, there was certainly no hominy at the meal today!