As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, most of us will be enjoying dinner tables filled with more food than we can (or should) eat. If Thursday the 27th finds you gazing over piles of mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, remember that many in our community aren’t able to do that.
God has blessed us, so that we can bless others. And… God has blessed others so that we can be blessed.
God Answers Prayer Through His People…
How can a loving God allow people to go without food? This is an oft-repeated question, especially if you’re the one who’s going through a tough time. We pray “give us this day our daily bread.” But have you considered, that maybe God answers that prayer by giving daily bread to others so that they can share with you? And if you are one of the people who can gaze over mountains of food on Thanksgiving Day, are you doing your part to share with others?
The Pitman Food Pantry…
The Pitman Food Pantry, located at the First Baptist Church, has been an ecumenical ministry of five local churches for 12 years.
Each year, the number of people who come to the pantry for help increases, as the unemployed and underemployed find it increasingly difficult to provide food for their families. So far this year, in 2014, we’re serving (on average) 246 families per month.
God’s People Sharing…
We praise God that as the requests for food have grown, the interest in and support of the pantry has also grown. The number of dedicated volunteers and the contributions of food and money have truly been a blessing that has allowed us to continue this mission. Each week, our pantry cart in the Fellowship Hall is full.
God’s People Receiving…
If you are one of the families receiving help from the pantry, know that God is with you. Jesus identified Himself with the poor and hungry…
Matt 25:34-36
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
NIV
The focus on this verse is usually placed on the people who are doing the giving. But notice that Jesus says “I was hungry.” “I was thirsty.” “I needed clothes.” He didn’t say, “Hey you good church people… you should help THOSE poor people who need food.” He said “I was hungry.”
If you’re in need, Jesus is with you. Probably the only thing that can push Jesus away from you is pride and the feeling that you can go it alone. If you’re in need, come to the pantry. Jesus will be there too.
Come to the Pantry…
The Pitman food pantry is open for food distribution on Tuesdays from 6-7PM, Wednesdays from 4-5PM, and Thursdays from 12-1PM.
The Pantry is located at the First Baptist Church, which is at 30 North Broadway (across the street from the Post Office). The entrance is in the rear of the building (near the fence at the back of the parking lot).
