On Good Friday, the Mission hosted its annual Easter Banquet, which comprises (1) a short chapel service; (2) a feast served by joyful volunteers; (3) volunteers washing guests’ feet, praying with them, and giving them new shoes and socks; and (4) distribution of backpacks full of snacks and personal items.
We hope you enjoy the following stories of three guests’ experiences at this year’s banquet.
Marquita (Meme)
Meme (pronounced Mimi) has spent the last several years homeless, addicted to drugs, and sleeping in the woods and on the streets. A friend told her about the Mission’s Easter Banquet, promising a good meal and new shoes. Meme attended, and it changed her life.
Pastor Mike’s message in the chapel touched her deeply, reminding her that God loves her immensely, despite her flaws and mistakes. She committed her life to Christ in the service.
At the foot-washing, volunteers from a local church washed her feet, prayed for her, and asked if she needed additional help. She admitted she was homeless and was sleeping in the woods, and Meme moved into the Family Home that afternoon.
Meme says that entering the Mission saved her life. She now can control her diabetes and has begun to grow in her faith. For the first time in years, she has hope for her future and realizes that God loves her and offers her a life of dignity and joy.
Line
Line (pronounced Leen) and her three sons moved into the Mission about a month before Easter.
She attended the Easter Banquet, and during chapel, the pastor emphasized how much God loves her and how valuable she is. The effect was profound – she re-dedicated her life to Christ, and her life at the Mission since has been secure, loving, and faithful.
Line recalls the two volunteers who washed the feet of her and her two-year-old son. They introduced themselves, asked about her family, prayed for her, and shared God’s love in an inspiring, memorable way. The photograph on the cover of this newsletter depicts the four of them.
Floyd
Floyd has been a guest at the Mission’s home for men for approximately a year. Previously, he served a long prison sentence and was addicted to crack. He is now sober and says he would have died on the streets if not for the Mission.
He worked in the kitchen during the Easter Banquet, and the volunteers there were delightful. They cheered loudly and enthusiastically whenever guests entered the dining room, and they spent time getting to know the guests and sharing Christ’s love with hundreds of visitors.
Floyd also got his feet washed and received new shoes and socks. On the day after the banquet, the Mission staff washed the feet of those who had worked at the banquet. In doing so, the staff embodied and reflected the love of Christ. It was a profound experience in humility for all involved, and Floyd will cherish it forever.