The Miracle of Feeding Others

41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And all ate and were filled; 43 and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand... men.    Mark 6

Today is the last for our Inn from the Cold meal ministry in 2015. Hot, nutritious meals are served every evening for six weeks, forty-two days in all. Several thousand meals are offered and gratefully received during this period.

Our guests can come in at four for coffee and tea, with the meal served at five. There is usually both soup and salad, along with the main course and dessert. A local dairy, Reid's, donates milk which is a big hit because it is expensive. We receive donations from a number of generous sponsors and through Gleaner's Food Bank.

This week I interviewed guests who were more than willing to answer questions. It occurred to me later that these are folk who don't get asked their opinion very often, and as I asked the questions others would wander up and offer to participate.

I discovered that the majority walk to the church from rooming houses and apartments in the downtown. Some take the bus and a very few drive, but those on foot often struggle to get here on snowy streets and in frigid cold. This is the second year of intense winter.

Almost universally they love the food, some downright rhapsodic about their favourite meals. It was touching to hear some of their stories. A young couple has come back to Ontario from British Columbia and have yet to find work. These meals have made a big difference and they were both very articulate in describing their experience. Grandparents come with a grandson whose mother works from 2:00 until 8:30. Because of IftC he gets a hearty and healthy meal every day. One guy who looks like Gandalf after a bender cheerfully told me that he began training decades ago for the United Church ministry and named the two-point charge he served. Some of the older women come to be with others rather than stuck inside during the bleak days of winter. One younger woman was glad that I was writing her answers because she doesn't read and write all that well.

Nearly all of them wished that the program ran longer, and while our Thank God It's Friday frozen meal ministry is a big help, it's not the same as coming into a warm and friendly room for a well-prepared supper. The overwhelming tone of the responses was gratitude. Along with the Salvation Army. St. Matthew's, Eastminster, and Gleaner's we are providing an essential service in the community. While we don't proselytize, we do this in Christ's name.

I am so grateful for the chefs and the administrators and the 170 volunteers who make this meal ministry happen each year. They develop a strong sense of camaraderie within their teams. Thousands of dollars in cash and thousands more in food is donated every year, which is essential to the viability of both ministries.

I do feel that these ministries are a miracle of generosity and that through them Christ is present in the heart of Belleville.