AWO Easter Outreach

I type with a heavy heart today. I have just returned from spending time with my kids, who accompanied me on a journey to seek out and bless those in our community who currently find themselves homeless. Today was quite different from previous Easter events, as we did not host the usual community-wide outreach event offering free entertainment and food, but instead traveled around seeking individuals out. I gathered the AWO kids together to share with them about the real meaning of Easter, as I do each and every year. This year I went further by explaining to them about Passover and also sharing with them a sample of the Seder meal. As we partook of the grape juice, unleavened bread, and parsley together, I believe the meaning of Easter changed for them. It was wonderful hearing them discuss the different aspects and watching it sink in all the things our Messiah did (and still does) for us. Afterward, they assembled "goody bags" for our outreach event. Each bag contained an assortment of items, such as canned tuna salad and crackers, cookies, granola bars, a toothbrush, various snack items, tissue, bottled water, candy with scriptures on it, and the Prayer of Salvation. We drove around looking for people in need and happened upon two different "homeless cities," so to speak. I must say I was more than a little shocked to see what we found here in Valdosta, Georgia. What a shame that so many live in abundance while others live in such need. We found men sleeping on blankets tucked into a crevice underneath a bridge, with all of their wordly belongings piled around them. Each of us was quite humbled by what we saw. The AWO kids themselves handed the bags that they put together to these men and saw the appreciation and gratitude etched on their faces. They got to experience the blessing of GIVING, even though they themselves are not so fortunate that they have an abundance to give. I believe it is so crucial for these children, who live in such need themselves, to experience what it is like to be the one reaching out to help others. While they could have used that food themselves, they selflessly gave it to someone else. I believe we were all changed today, and I thank God for the opportunity to go out and bless others, and for the Divine Appointments that He had in store for me and the AWO kids today. If even one of those people prays that prayer of Salvation, then what a huge blessing our actions today will have been! We must walk in obedience, always thinking of others before ourselves, if we are to accomplish the work He has set out for us on this earth. I pray I never forget that!