A couple weeks ago, Sligo members did something that made and will make a difference. Even though Festival of Praise has been an annual Sligo event for some fifty years, this time members took more seriously Paul’s words in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good.” Sligo stepped up to meet a great need at this time of the year, and in so doing set a record in the amount of food brought to the church on November 23 to provide families in and near Takoma Park with a Thanksgiving Basket.
Because of the generosity of Sligo Church members and friends, enough food was distributed to provide over 16,000 meals. The generosity of the Church community was so impressive that in two weeks from now Adventist Community Services will be able to provide food for another 15,000 meals. By any measurement, this is remarkable!
Numbers are of interest but they do not tell the whole story. A volunteer was tasked with interviewing those in line waiting to receive their basket. Questions were asked, such as, “What does this basket mean for you?” “Why is this Center important to you?” “How does this impact your life?” The volunteer was impressed with many responses: “We know we should eat healthy.” “We know we should eat more fresh produce.” “We struggle but with the wonderful ACSGW pantry we can be healthier.” Others responded by sharing that the basket provided enough that they could prepare a nice meal and invite friends and family to share it.
What a wonderful impact! Numbers tell an important story, but enabling a family to be hospitable and be in a position to share and provide for others is much more important. As someone indicated in one of our church training sessions a few months ago, in serving others and in sharing with them, as our Sligo members and friends have done, we are giving them a taste of the kingdom of God.
A big thanks to Sligo Church for giving hundreds of families a taste of the kingdom of God! I am grateful that this November the Church lived out Pauls’ guidance in 2 Corinthians 8:7. Because of their faith, because of their compassion, because of their love, they have also “excelled in this grace of giving.”
A Prayer: God, let my actions be a blessing and point to you. Empower me to reflect Jesus. Help me to honor You by sharing the abundance of blessings that you have given me. Amen.