USA (MNN) ― Here's Life Inner City has spent two decades sharing the celebration and gratitude of God's bounty with the poor in the United States.
Here's Life's Ted Gandy says their teams assembled thousands of boxes of donated food, across 15 cities. "A 'Box of Love,' of course, is intended to go to a family of six, where they can celebrate Thanksgiving in the sanctity of their home. It'll have everything they need for that meal as well as the Book of Hope. It's a wonderful piece that communicates the Gospel very, very well."
Volunteers do everything from collecting the food and packing it, to delivering it door-to-door. It's the first touch point. Churches in the area have identified families who are in need, and that personal encounter often becomes a heart-to-heart exchange between a Christian care-giver and a needy family.
That first exchange forms the beginning of a friendship, then a spiritual connection, and maybe a life-long relationship.
This year, the Boxes of Love includes a Book of Hope, the pictorial harmony of the Gospel. Gandy says the love of Christ is transformational. "That's what the 'Box of Love' campaign is all about: to connect with people who have real needs and say to them, 'We're here to help you break the cycle of poverty, to connect with you beyond Thanksgiving to the rest of the year where we can provide some things and help you grow spiritually.'"
Gandy shared this story of a man named Issa. Pastor Isaac, from north of Minneapolis, was surprised when he offered a Box of Love to Issa, a man who had recently moved to his neighborhood.
Issa was at first suspicious, then vehement: "I don't want to receive food from you. You must leave!" Pastor Isaac left the home, but he left the Box of Love outside the door, knowing Issa needed the food.
Issa's idea of Christianity was distorted, but he later admitted that the huge amount of food really impressed him. This generosity began to expand his view of Christianity.
Ahmed, a relative of Issa and a believer, began to talk with him about faith. Over time their conversations deepened; Issa also reconnected with Pastor Isaac. Ahmed invited Issa to join him at church, but he resisted.
Finally he agreed, though he promised he wouldn't respond to the message. "I might even leave early," he added. Yet by the end of the service, Issa had opened his heart to Christ. He is now an active member of his church and eager to share his joy with others. One box, one touch, one heart.
Even though Americans are getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in just a few days, there's still time to get involved. This year, HLIC wants to minister to a minimum of 16,925 families, in addition to Boxes of Love given through other initiatives. It costs just $36.71 to provide a Box of Love. Click here to find out how.
