Sometimes people ask me why the meal is so important.
I always tell them, it’s the meal that brings people in. And it’s the meal that helps them decide to stay and change their lives.
But that’s really just the beginning, isn’t it?
Lack of food can lead to malnutrition. I’ve seen teeth rotting and falling out. Desparately thin young men and women who look like they’re 20 years older. People who are so tired and frail you wonder how they can walk in the door.
You see, there’s really not much else to think about in life when you’re hungry. When you’re focused on survival, or the pain in your stomach, or when you’re worried sick about your child not getting food to eat, it’s pretty difficult to believe God loves you. Pretty hard to hear His still, small voice promising a better way.
That’s why we start with that meal. That first expression of God’s love. It makes life worth living for people on their way to self-destruction. It plants that seed of hope. It restores dignity. It’s that beautiful first step to a brighter future.
I am so grateful that there are those of you who understand this and support the Mission. Whether you give your time, donate food or hygiene items, collect blankets and shoes or even just pray, you make the changed lives possible, one meal at a time. Thank you and may God bless you for doing his work in Snohomish County!