OceanSide church of Christ

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PANTRY PROGRAM

Victor M. Eskew

     “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).  All Christians come under the obligations of this passage of Scripture.  Since “every” Christian must do good, our good works can be done collectively or individually.  When such is done, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.  Of Him Peter said:  “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:  who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38).

     Part of the “good works” atOceanSide involves our pantry.  Over the past several months, it has been neglected.  Recently, Jennifer Willett has agreed to assist with this work.  Last week, the pantry was completely cleaned out.  Over the course of the next several weeks, we will be calling upon you to assist us in restocking our cupboard.  We will be providing lists of the food items that are needed in order to fill our shelves.  Jennifer has created “Hungry Henry” who will be awaiting your weekly food donations.  He will be in our foyer each week with big eyes watching and his big mouth open.  We hope that you will fill his hungry belly.

     Our pantry is going to consist of two sections.  The first section will be maintained to help the needy of the church and the community.  The second section will be a collection of specific food needs for Mt. Dora Children’s Home and Raintree Village Children’s Home.  We hope to deliver these items to the Homes each quarter of the year.

     In addition to the regular use of the pantry, we also want to use it for special occasions.  We can use it for food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We can also respond to brotherhood tragedies that can strike as any time, such as tornadoes and hurricanes.  At certain times of the year, we may have food drives that last for one month in order to assist a particular need of one of the Homes.

     We want our pantry to assist as many people as possible.  We want as many people as possible at OceanSide to be involved in our efforts.  Some may feel more comfortable giving monetary contributions to help with this work.  These are great.  They should be given to the elders who will direct the funds appropriately.

     Please pray for our efforts.  Ask God to open many doors of opportunity and service unto us.  Pray for Jennifer as she helps to coordinate our efforts.  If possible, lend her your time and assistance when it is needed.  In addition, please help us keep the pantry filled with food items.  What a joy it would be to have to tell you:  “You have brought enough.  The pantry is full right now.  We will let you know when more is needed.”  Look for “Hungry Henry.”  He can’t wait to devour your donations.