“…And who is my neighbor?”
In Luke 10:25-37, ‘neighbor’ was Jesus’ main focus. However, “love” was the catalyst that led to the discussion. Love is about relationship. That’s why the first topic in the Food Pantry class is how to be a friend. Once people start to trust you, you will be able to serve them better. Although we want to provide for the food insecure, we want to serve them better.
On the eve of FHL week (7/18), FHL was a part of a Forum at the Indiana Statehouse Chamber about hunger and poverty. I spoke a little bit about my interviews with several community leaders and showed this short video on Hunger and Poverty in our Midst. There were many legislators including the 2 Indianapolis Mayoral Candidates and community leaders who shared their perspectives.
It was an event that was put together by Bread for the World and FHL was one of the Sponsors. In the end of the forum, the majority of the speakers and respondents agreed that we need to answer the question, “who are our neighbors.”
Simultaneously, FHL opened the newest incubated pantry – Faithful Hands pantry located at Christ Bible Church. Later the same day, FHL hosted a Block Party in the heart of the Mid North neighborhood – the MLK Community Center. This food pantry opens every third Saturday from 10am to noon.
Later in the afternoon, FHL hosted a Block Party in the Butler-Tarkington and Mid North neighborhoods located at MLK Community Center. There were several churches, ministries and organizations who helped out. There were music, games and food. We also registered children for the neighborhood VBS.
The VBS will run from Wednesday thru Saturday at Tree of Life Ministries – 40th/Blvd Ave.
There are other neighborhood events such as neighborhood outreaches at different apartment complexes including a food pantry at Hawthorne Place Apartments. All of these events and outreaches were designed to get to know our neighbors.
I will keep you posted about the rest of the FHL Week in my next Blog.
God bless,
Merlin
Addressing Hunger In Our Midst - the Official FHL Community Blog 