New Life Food Pantry Updates
Note: Click here if you are looking for Food Pantry Needs.
Update - October 2008
Dear New Lifers,
Recently, I was reminded of the Bible passage, Mark 6:37, when Jesus disciples came to him with the problem of feeding the 5,000. Jesus said, "You give them something to eat." He knew what he was going to do, but he answered them in this way. It reminds me of what we are called to do as a church and it is even more of a reminder of the faithfulness of the New Life congretgation in supporting our food pantry over the past two years and what God is working on through you.
Whether it has been food or funds you always come through with what we request of you. WE have recently been challenged with increasing numbers as all area pantries have beeen, but know we can continue to feed those who come to us every three weekds because you respond. Do you realize we have served over 230 families in the past two years and it has been possible because of you and your support of this minitry, even during those tough economic times.
Let me give you a glimpse into one of the lives you are touching. WE currently serve a family who is dealing with their worst nightmare; caring for their 20 year old daughter who has stomach cancer. Mounting medical bills, insurance red tape, not being able to leave her side for very long, days of endless worry and fear are just a few of the things this family deals with on a daily basis. We have not onlyl been able to bless them with the food you ahve provided, but have been abel to witness the love and care of Jesus Christ who sees them and is walking alongside of them during this tough situation. We take their hands in ours as we do with all our recipients and lift up their specific needs to our heavenly Father. We have witnessed some amazing answers to specific prayers for this family through all of this. And we ask you as a congregation to keep them in your prayers as well.
Thank you, Jennifer Huizinga (J_Huizinga@comcast.net)
Update - September 2008
New Lifers. A big thank you to all of you for such a great response! You replenished our food pantry this past week and made it possible to serve 58 families that came to us for help. That is the most we've ever had! We passed out 137 bags of groceries. We are in awe of how you have embraced and supported this ministry over the past year and a half. What God is doing through you is nothing short of amazing.
Update - Summer 2008
If we had to sum up into one word how we are doing the word would be: GROWTH!!!!!!! The word is out and has spread that our pantry is up and running and is a solid source of support to those in need in the Lincoln Way area. We are currently serving 147 families. This is 100 more than last year! Look how God worked to grow us as our resources grew.
December 2006 - 1 family attends
March 2007 - 10 families attend
June 2007 - 27 families attend
April 2008 - 58 families attend
* attend means they received help from our pantry in the way of groceries and personal items
What goes on during pantry days?
We meet these families face to face on pantry days (every third Wednesday). We find out what their needs are, let them know they are cared for by new Life Church by talking with them and praying with them, then gladly help them out to their cars with their groceries and donated clothing. The groceries they are given are pre-packed bags of groceries put together by our food pantry volunteers and they are given one, two or three depending on the size of the household.
What are the pantry's greatest needs?
Our biggest need right now is food. Due to the tremendous growth of our pantry, we are running low on several items.
Click here if you are looking for Food Pantry Needs
Another need:
Prayer.
Many or our recipients openly share with us about their needs and struggles to provide for themselves and their families. Please lift up the following general needs and struggles of our recipients.
- Finding steady employment and job opportunities
- broken homes and relationships
- overcoming addictions
- numerous health concerns
- family and relations serving our country in the military
- transitions in their work and home
- and their search for God and trusting his leading and guiding their lives.
Also, more and more of our recipients are Spanish speaking. If you are bilingual and have an interest in helping us with the food pantry please contact Jennifer Huizinga at J_Huizinga@comcast.net or not your interest on a Welcome Card.
We thought you would also like to be made aware of groups who have, over this past year, made generous donations and supported to our pantry with hands on service and collections: Children's Hunger Fund, Apostolic Christian Church of Hillside, Hoops for Hunger, Cadets, Big House, Gems, Boy Scout Troop #55, Union School, Chelsea Elementary School, Lincoln Way East Boys Volleyball Team, New Life Friendship Club, Jam Club, B.O.B., Body Tech Total Fitness, C.P. Meat Market, Crafty Clovers 4H Club, New Lenox Post Office, Pepperidge Farm, and you the New Life Congregation.
Last but not least our awesome volunteers who give their time and effort to help with the running of the ministry. They range in age from teens to seniors and they willingly pitch in wherever needed. If you are interested in joining the Food Pantry team please click here for opportunities. All types of volunteer opportunities are available.