A Food Bank User Gives Back

The Food Bank has been a staple Bethel ministry for nearly 20 years now. Corrie Vanderzee has led the ministry almost from the day of its inception in 1994.  (She ran the ministry for 17 years, turned it over to Laura Hutchinson for two, and is now at the helm again.) In a ministry like this, you don’t often get to see how your efforts pay off long-term in the lives of those you serve, but recently we got a happy surprise. 

We received a call at the church from a woman saying that she would like to make a donation to the food bank.  It was an unusual request since we don’t normally take donations—the food is all provided from a central distributer.  The woman explained: she once used the food bank at a time in her life when she was down and out.  Now she is back on her feet, and she was eager to give back.  Later, when she stopped by the church to make her donation, she briefly described her current work life.  She is indeed doing very well for herself.  What a success story!

Perhaps you are working as a volunteer in the church.  There are probably times when you wonder if your hard work is making any difference.   Be encouraged.  This story is evidence of how God uses our efforts to touch the lives of people even when we don't know it.--Pastor Tom

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