HEAR. (Our Ministry in 5 senses)

So much of what is said on Sunday mornings at our church is unspoken.

We serve a large crowd in a small space and yet for the most part, we don't have a rough and rowdy group of folk come through the serving line. (I won't lie, there has been an occasional scuffle.)

There is chit chat, greetings and a little small talk, but for 75 people, the noise level is minimal.

But if you stop for a moment, the screams coming from our people are deafening. Downcast eyes, full of hurt and pain. Slumped shoulders carved out from a life of rejection. Broken spirits inside of bodies that are tired, weary & worn down.

What I hear from our people is the silence of shame and embarrassment.

And it's intense. Louder than any shouting match you've ever heard.

No one plans on living a life where they need to accept a free meal on a regular basis.
No. One.
They are poor people, overwhelmed by the journey life has taken them.

I hear it when they look me in the eye and say thank you. I hear it when they reach for the bag from the food pantry and shuffle on out the door. I hear it when they clean their plates and hope for seconds. I hear it as they stuff their pockets with whatever freebie is on the table that week.

We've worked really hard to be a community that is generous with what we have. We are committed to being loving and kind and giving. Yet we recognize that this one small meal on Sunday mornings cannot erase a lifetime of choices & circumstances.

And so in faith, we continue to step forward, serving eggs & toast, knowing all the while that we are in partnership with THE ONE who hears these quiet cries more keenly than we ever can. It's why we do what we do. It's why we believe in what we are doing. It's what motivates us to continue, even when we are exhausted and cranky and ready to stop listening.

Because we know God hears the cry of human hearts everywhere, even on the West Side of Charleston, WV.

Time to get up, God—get moving.
The luckless think they're Godforsaken.
...........
But You know all about it—
the contempt, the abuse.
I dare to believe that the luckless
will get lucky someday in You.
You won't let them down:
orphans won't be orphans forever.

The Message, Psalm 10:12-14