Written by Amy Meyer, Connecting Lifestyles Coordinator at the Church

As we are learning about responsiveness this month, I have several examples recently that I would like to share with you. Sometimes when we put out an email request to share a need the response to what was asked can come slowly, and other times it is quick and we are blown away at how God is working. 

For example, I mentioned to our lifeGroup leaders that Leopold School is in need of snacks. I didn’t even make a big deal about it, just asked them to share the need in their groups so we could be a blessing and help fill a practical need.  The very next week, I got a text asking if we could use a pallet of goldfish crackers. 

I had no idea how many boxes that would be.  Phil and Jen W. were at Hy-Vee grocery store and saw that goldfish crackers were on sale. So they bought a lot of them. And then, the manager of the store came out to the parking lot and asked why he bought so many.  Phil shared that he is a teacher at Toki Middle School and that Leopold Elementary was in great need of extra snacks for the kids. 

That is when the manager said,  “would you want a whole pallet at a greatly discounted price?”  And the answer was, YES!  So, Phil brought them to church and lots of kids helped unload them. Phil took some to Toki and the rest went to Leopold.  Well, first they went to a parent of a Leopold student’s home who lives close to church. We unloaded them there as a holding place and she took a load over to the school.  There were A LOT of boxes of goldfish crackers - and everyone was amazed at the quantity and the generosity!  We also had several other lifeGroups respond and give snacks.  Our community contact from the school was amazed at the quick response and overwhelmed at the generosity!  Being aware and following through can really be fun and bring a lot of joy as needs are met.

Often people just want to be asked, and then they are so eager to help. Recently at Advent By Candlelight I invited Cindy (our Leopold contact) and also another friend, Hallie who lives nearby Leopold.  Cindy was sharing that on Saturday 12/10 they were hosting Toys for Tots at the school. And Hallie offered to help. Cindy thought they had enough volunteers and thanked her anyway.  On Wednesday (12/7) I got an email from Cindy asking if there was any way we could help provide snacks for the volunteers, and she said she was sorry for the last minute ask.  I emailed Hallie, who immediately responded with,  “YES, I’m going to Costco today. I’ll pick up whatever you need and deliver it to the school on Saturday.”  I was able to email Cindy right back and say, snacks are covered!  She was blown away at the quick response!  (and so was I)  I thanked Hallie in an email and she said, “I have been asking God to show me where I can serve or help meet a need, I didn’t know it would be so easy and obvious what to do, so thank you for asking.”  WOW!  

When we respond to what God is asking us to do, we don’t always know the ripple effect or blessings that can come. When we are praying and aware and listening we are better able to be responsive in the relationships that we are committed to and able to witness and be filled with compassion for those God leads us to.  Let’s keep practicing these habits and responding out of love to what God asks us to do.  

We invite you to partner with us in telling stories that highlight how God is working in and through the local church by supporting Collaboration Project today.