Praise God for how He uses the unique gifts of many individuals and groups to serve our Winter Shelter guests! We had 68 guests for dinner and 32 overnight guests last Thursday.

In addition to all the volunteers' tireless efforts with the set-up, overnight sleepover, early morning cleanup and laundry which are providing basic necessities, other loving acts of ministry are being displayed as well.

For example, on the last Valentine's Day, many from our Children's Ministry came for the first time to bless our guests with music and treats. A crew from the Youth Group joined, and stayed to play incredibly beautiful worship music during the singing & sharing hour of the evening. 

The breakfast crew got up as early as 3 AM Friday morning to prepare a delicious hot breakfast for our guests and everyone appreciated the hot meals and love very much. (Sign up to help with Friday morning breakfast)

Just last Thursday night, a guest expressed the sentiment of many, that our church is the warmest and most welcoming group... all praise be to God. Small acts of kindness do not go unnoticed by God, as He says that "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40b). 

Old-comers and newcomers have been filling up the large room for singing & sharing, where people gather, encourage one another along, and openly express what they understand of truth and the gospel. Goals for that hour include fellowship, evangelism and extending Jesus' incarnational presence. 

There are some believers among our guests, often with amazingly strong character shaped by hardships, as well as sincere seekers. Although the hour does not always go as expected, the Holy Spirit does His work. 

Last Thursday night, one guest was drunk and argumentative, causing some tension (and humor) in the group... One of our volunteer consistently responded with grace, reminding us that we all fall short of God's glory and can stand by His grace alone... so who are we to judge one another? 

Thank you all for your acts of service, which are being used by God to weave together a tapestry of His love. If you would like to part of this ministry, we need more volunteers on both Thursday and Friday. (Sign up to serve)