Outreach Ministry

 Matthew 25:41-43 (The Message Translation)

"Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—

I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.'

"Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?'

The Imani Outreach Ministry Team is dedicated to serving those in need in the congregation and in the community.

 

                       Outreach beyond Grape Jelly Sandwiches!

Between December 1, 2009 and January 20, 2010 I spent thirty-one days at the hospital by the side of my beloved spouse.  Even with the twenty or so days my dear one was at home, I could do little else other than attend to the special care that was now needed.

My outreach ministry was put on hold.  The Pastor, the Deacon Staff and Outreach team members rallied to make sure Imani’s outreach still happened and that the brown bag lunches were made and distributed as always for both December and January.  Praise God.  I felt sad that I was not fulfilling my obligation as Outreach Coordinator.  For over eighteen months a large part of outreach here at Imani has been our brown bag lunches, which include a grape jelly sandwich made with love by one of our team members.

 

Here are some images from our Outreach Ministry:

 

I reflected on my sixteen plus hours a day at the hospital and all the people I came in contact with, especially all the families I shared a waiting room with as we waited to hear about our loved ones. Then God revealed to me that outreach is not always a grape jelly sandwich! Sometimes it is comforting families in the waiting rooms, holding open the elevator doors, or giving directions to someone who has gotten lost in the hospital trying to get to their loved ones in need. Sometimes it is just the reassurance of who is in control!

 Radical Hospitality is not just for Sunday evenings at Imani.  Rather it is a life changing event where we reach beyond ourselves to make a difference in someone else’s life. So when you think you do not have time for outreach, remember to hold open a door for someone, comfort someone, or simply share a smile with someone.  God’s Grace will shine through us and be a beacon to those in need of God’s all inclusive Love!

 Peace in Christ, Julia Fernandez, Outreach Coordinator