Stories
Hot Grill to Warm Smiles
There is an overload of the senses as the preparations began for the day. The heat from the sun on our skin, the smell of coals from the barbecue, and the sound of clinking of tin trays and knives against the table as tomatoes and lettuce are cut. Everywhere you looked there was something happening and something being prepared. Our Triumphant Mercy staff and about 30 extra volunteers were working hard to prepare the atmosphere for the day with our work and prayers.
Then the buses started to arrive. People were filing in. Children ran to the games and adults grouped together with friends that they had met at our community center. The garden echoed with laughter and voices. Over 900 people came from our beneficiaries despite the over 34-degree weather (92 degrees Fahrenheit). Over 2000 bottles of water and Over 1000 burgers were handed out. Many hadn’t been able to afford meat for months. So, a burger was a treat.
Some of the families we had been visiting the weeks before. In their homes there was sharing of pain, fear and many tears. But when we saw them Saturday there was joy and smiles. Some shared that it was the first “fun” thing that they had done in months since they had no extra cash to get out on their own.
Exhausted, sweaty but happy everyone smiled as they yelled thank you on the way to the buses. We were just as exhausted but with that joy from the inside of serving our people for the day. Seeing their smiles and happiness as they left made all the of perpetrations, sweat and work worth it. We are so thankful to Jesus and the teams of volunteers that made the day possible. We were able to show and demonstrate the joy of the Lord and give them a taste of His goodness.
