Wow, what a week it’s been! Last Friday’s blog was all about how could we respond to the Government’s disgraceful decision to not allow the Free School Meals Scheme to stretch through half term – and at the same time a couple of people in our church were having conversations about what to do, which resulted in the “Big Hearts in Biggleswade” food drop off and collection on Wednesday, Thursday and today.
We decided to open the church as a connection point for people who had been moved to give food, and naturally for those who needed to collect some for themselves and their families. A willing team of volunteers was assembled, whose ages ranged from 7 to 70; tables were set up, and the food came in. Loads of food. The people of Biggleswade have been so generous and shown themselves to be truly “Big-Hearted”, thank you SO much.
At time of writing we have been able to feed just over 100 people over the three days. That’s 100 people who would have otherwise gone hungry this half term. It’s been pretty emotional – for those receiving the food, but also for those donating, and for our team as they have heard the stories behind the need – stories of love, and of sacrifice in the midst of difficulties caused by Covid 19. Single parents, divorced parents, even an elderly grandparent looking after four grandchildren. Some folk were happy to leave details and be referred to Jo for further support, and most received an invitation to King’s Corner.
An added bonus was for those of us “on team” – we got to be back in the building with other people from church! Also the look on people’s faces as they came through the doors and saw the food was a joy to behold.
Please do pray for all who have donated and received food this week – that they might find their deeper needs met in the embrace of God’s love. It may be that we will need to do this again in the Christmas holidays so if you missed out this time and would like to be involved, let me or Jo know. Any other ideas are also gratefully received!
And rejoice with me that we have such a caring church family here at BBC – to be part of this family is a joy and a blessing in itself. As Paul says in Philippians 1v3-6, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
God bless, stay well
Martin