Our birthday party for the homeless – what a blessing!

      Recently, we held a birthday party in conjunction with one of our appeals.   I never dreamed that something as simple as a birthday party could generate so much happiness.  In the past when we have sent out this appeal, we have had the party but it has been very low key.  This year we decided that it was a great way to get the homeless in to the Mission for services.  We didn’t know what to expect but we had advertised it well handing out flyers at dinner time and taking flyers down to the river.  We served cheeseburgers with fries, lettuce salad, potato salad, root beer floats, cake and ice cream.  Our recovery clients who work in the kitchen as part of their JOBS program made the cake from donated mixes.  They made a full sheet white cake, topped that with pudding, and topped that with a chocolate cake.  The end result was a 32 pound cake covered in chocolate icing and decorated with M&M’s.  It was a creative piece of food art. 

     I was working in the kitchen when I heard that we had folks lined out the door.  We served in the chapel on this day because we thought we might need the extra space.  It’s a good thing we did.  We were blessed to have 330 people to serve on this day.  Everyone received a present.  The men were given underwear, a pair of socks and a package of candies.  The women were given notepads, makeup, and assorted other items that women enjoy.  The children received notebooks.  All of these items for the presents were donated.  I don’t remember seeing so many happy faces, laughter, and smiles.  People didn’t want to leave the dining room.  Our friend, Steve Embry, played the piano while folks ate and talked.  His music added to the festivities in a grand way. 

     In the mist of telling folks happy birthday and clearing tables, I was suddenly overwhelmed.  My eyes teared up and I fought to keep the tears from running down my face.  I thanked God for the opportunity to make people happy.  I was sorry there’s so many homeless folks.  I thanked God that we used this simple act for an opportunity to share His love with people who are hurting, in need, mentally ill, addicts or alcoholics; people who face the harshness of rejection, poverty, and survival on a daily basis.  I thank God, in my weakness and inability to see beyond the work, that He takes us places that He wants us to go.  A place of love, peace, and goodness as we share His love and mercies!  God bless all of you who contributed to this event!