Trick or Feed

Even though it has been a while since we did Trick or Feed, I continue to reflect on the experience with you. Given that it was Halloween, I was all set to take my kids around to get their fill of candy (and believe me, they were all set as well!-). Yet, the addition of collecting can goods for the NC Food Bank on Halloween moved me into the world for a different purpose.

As I knocked on doors with my daughters in tow, we said, “Trick or Feed,” instead of the usually greeting on Halloween. We had gotten word out the week before, but many of them needed a reminder about what we were up to. We were able to talk to our neighbors about what the NC Food Bank does for the hungry in our state, how our church was involved in helping the hungry, and that we were doing this because we believe that Jesus loves hungry people.

They were surprised to hear that over 100 young adults and college students were spending Halloween caring for the hungry because they were convinced Jesus loves hungry people. Collecting can goods was just a practical way that we could show them God’s love. When they heard that so many were involved in neighborhoods throughout Durham and Chapel Hill, five of my neighbors invited us into their homes so they could load us up with more food and supplies! They were happy to contribute, and thanked us for including them in the mission.

Samantha wrote a follow-up email to all those in our neighborhood listserv to thank them for participating with us and being so generous. She received an email back from one of our neighbors asking why we had to wait for next year to do this again!

At the end of the day, we were able to raise over 2,300 lbs. of food for the NC Food Bank. Many more were able to engage in conversation with those who gave about Jesus’ care for the hungry. NC Food Bank estimates that this amount will offer 2,720 meals this year. All this was done in about 2 hours of collecting from 100 people.

This simple mission engaged countless numbers of our neighbors, proclaimed God’s love & mercy for the hungry, and provided 2,720 meals that will feed people all over central and eastern NC. I almost feel ashamed to be so surprised by the impact of 2 hours of intentionally using our resources to engage God’s mission, but I am.

This mission reminds me how wealthy we are, and what a joy it is to spend our resources on those who have none. Pray with me that we will be a community that uses all our resources to demonstrate God’s love to our neighbors. Who knows what God is capable of doing through us, but it is fun to think about!