Bread for the Hungry Soul

I’ve worked in benevolent ministry most of my years as a Christian. After Jesus saved me, I surrendered my life to Him and wanted to share with others the goodness and grace He had ministered to me. I was introduced to food pantries through the work of Operation Blessing.

Soon, I was working diligently through my local church and in cooperation with our region’s food bank. My long-standing philosophy in helping others is to give generously with no strings attached. Not only did we provide bread for the stomach, we also provided bread for the hungry soul.

One day as I was packing boxes for several food-insecure families, an elderly woman happened to show up. As we talked, I discovered she had been out of food for some time. If you’ve worked with food pantries you know there are seasons of great abundance and seasons when donations of food and other resources are limited. This elderly woman was seeking food when most ministries were suffering a time of scarcity, but we were blessed because our shelves were full. We had received extra donations from our generous congregation.

I began packing items for her and asked if she would like some bread. “I don’t need bread,” she quipped, “All I’m getting is bread. A person needs more than bread to live on.”

She was right. Her words were familiar to me. During food donation droughts many pantries only receive bread, cakes, and buns from their grocer suppliers.

This dear soul’s pantry was filled with bread. She needed more. Her body needed more. Her soul needed more.

“Yes,” I said trying to lighten the moment, “Jesus did say man shall not live by bread alone.” With that in mind, I asked if we could pray together. She agreed and seemed glad for the opportunity. She received more than bread that day.

I helped this dear soul by providing the most nutrient-rich offerings I had to share. She received food for her body and her soul. She was discouraged and out of sorts when she arrived but left satisfied. The Bread of Life had come and ministered to her.

Our pantry helped to meet the physical and spiritual needs of many families over the years. Our pantry helped me in many ways too. Through my offering of time and labor, I grew in faith and character by showing the love of Jesus to others.

*The Write Connection:

Write about a time in your life when your soul felt empty and Jesus satisfied your hunger.

The Bible Connection:

Read John 6:27, 31-33; 13:34; Matthew 25:34-40; I John 3:16.

From these passages, what are the benefits of seeking Jesus and growing in that relationship?

When we labor for others with the right motivation how does Jesus perceive it?

What are some areas of ministry you want to be involved in?

The Heart Connection:

Dear Jesus, we come to your table to learn about you as the Bread of Life. Satisfy our hungry souls through our relationship with you. Fill our spirits with your peaceable presence. Amen.

*The Write Connection is a one-day workshop presenting the biblical concepts of journaling and purpose boards with built-in creative time for the participants. Please contact CarlaGPollard via email to carla@carlagpollard.com if you are interested in hosting this workshop.