Celebration Dinners
|
We’d start at the State Street United Methodist Church—a stone relic of Camden’s glory days, now a decaying edifice surrounded by crumbling sidewalks. Walking through the church door, we’d catch the magnificent aroma of turkey, rice and beans, and warm tortillas. Albert Vega, an UrbanPromise afterschool program director, would lead us to a room of cheerful families and laughing children. Very easily, we’d be swept up in the festivities of our north Camden Thanksgiving dinner. But we wouldn’t eat too much—just a taste—as there are still four more dinners to visit. Next, we’d head to the south side of the city to Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Accompanied by the waft of fresh sweet potato pie, afterschool director Brian Newhall would guide us to a table surrounded by hundreds of children and families enjoying their feasts. The size of the crowd is a testimony to the staff’s years of ministry in the community. We’d then ride to east Camden and meet interns organizing platters of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for even more children and parents. We’d taste freshly-baked cornbread and listen to kids share poems and speeches about gratitude and God’s goodness. For the past 24 years, church basements have been transformed into banquet halls that send a message of love, care, and God’s good providence to families. All participate—grandmothers cook, teens sweep floors, staff set up tables, and children place centerpieces. I share all this because we still need funds to feed these 1,000 individuals. And it costs only $7 to provide a meal. So, in the next week, we’ll try to raise $7,000 to ensure no one goes hungry. I’m confident you’re able to donate $7 for one meal. Or, by giving $14, you’ll feed two of our children; for $35, you’ll feed a family. And a donation of $1,400 will provide Thanksgiving to an entire room of kids and relatives. Thank you in advance. May you have a joyous Thanksgiving with your own family. I look forward to hearing from you! Dr. Bruce Main P.S. I will be sure to forward you pictures from these amazing dinners! DONATE NOW: http://upusa.servicenetwork.com/Display.asp?Page=tgdinners&code=A1111 |
I wish I could take you for a ride around Camden over the new few days...