Our visits that day went well. We used the time to check on families who were signed up and would soon be receiving food baskets from our church. It was a light-hearted day of visiting, eating, and preparing.

The following Saturday was delivery day for the baskets. The church had more than sixty baskets ready to go, and nearly half were scheduled for Sabre City residents. Volunteers again headed out in pairs to deliver food and grocery gift cards. As the deliveries were underway, we heard from several volunteers that people were approaching them to ask about receiving baskets. The pre-set list was so long that we didn’t have baskets to spare, but somehow things worked out. A basket would be returned as undeliverable just as a request for an additional basket would come in. It was a hectic morning, but in the end, we were able to meet every need.

By early afternoon, my friend Gail and I were the last to head out with three baskets to deliver. As we drove to our destinations, wewere waved down by Vicki, a woman we’ve gotten to know well during the last few years. She said there was one more person who desperately needed a basket. She called him stubborn and prideful. He was working but hadn’t been paid in weeks. He’d refused to take food from anyone and “didn’t even have a loaf of bread” in the kitchen.

Our last three baskets were committed. We weren’t sure what to do, and we were tired and ready to go home. We went ahead with our deliveries and then decided to swing by the church to raid the food pantry. We pulled together a bag of miscellaneous cans of soup and vegetables, some pasta and stuffing, a box of pancake mix and syrup. We drove to his house with some trepidation. How would we be received by this stubborn man?

We considered leaving the bag on the doorstep, but as we pulled up, we spotted him working in the garage. Like a bear, he came out, wary and challenging our presence. Who were we? What did we want? Why were we there?

Finally, I blurted, “We have groceries for you.”

He bent over and nearly broke down, and thanks burst from his lips. He was so grateful for this bit of food that we had offered. We talked for a few minutes and then left him to his business, but we were allshaken by the experience.

Sure, the day had been full of joy and blessings. It’s always fun to give to people. But with this final delivery, it was as though God was saying, “Don’t be tired or half-hearted. This is important work. These are my people, and I want you to provide for them.”

Being part of the Fire Department, I am not allowed to bring up Jesus to the people I am called to help unless they open the door. I continually pray for opportunities to share His name with those I am called to help.

Upon my arrival at the scene, I stood out by the fire apparatus and waited. Two firefighters came out, and I asked them if they needed a chaplain yet. They looked at me somewhat funny and said the person had died and they had already called the sheriff and coroner. As they were cleaning up, he came back to life. They said it was a “spontaneous restart.” I call it a breath from God. I pray that this man and his family use their time wisely.

I said, “Of course!”

She responded, “Would you mind saying a prayer for my daughter? She is in jail right now, due to her alcohol addiction; she is in so much trouble. Would you pray that she will have the strength to do what is right?”

There were not that many people in the restaurant yet, but those who were there saw an unusual sight – a waitress and two men, holding hands in a little circle, praying for her daughter. The moment reminded me that our lives are on display; we don’t know when we are speaking loudest.

Joe grew up in a religious home, but without the understanding of Christ’s love, forgiveness, or strength. Fortunately, his neighbor had been discussing spiritual issues with him. When his neighbor suggested they meet with me, he was willing to try most anything. We talked about his situation, his religious background, and the issues at home, and then shared the significance of coming to Christ. We discussed the importance of approaching his problems from God’s perspective and the power God can bring in resolving relationship issues and heart attitudes. Joe bowed his head and prayed for Christ to become a part of his life and to begin changing his life and the home situation through him.

What happened next was miraculous. Joe intended on going home and initiating a conversation with his wife. To his amazement, she started the conversation, and they began reconciling that day. Things seemed to go better with his daughter, his stepchildren, and their shared children. Places of employment that Joe thought were avoiding him began calling him for interviews, and he anticipates entering the work force very soon.

Joe’s been attending church and finding fulfillment in the songs, messages, and fellowship. His thoughts of self-destruction have left, and he can hardly believe the change he has experienced through coming to Christ. His family hasn’t joined him yet, but they are seeing a difference in his life. His neighbor will begin discipling him in the near future, and who knows – perhaps his family will follow in his footsteps.