March 5 – “St. Vincent’s House”

The other day we delivered the canned goods that Seaside has been collecting for our February mission project.  I checked with our local Food Bank expert, and she recommended that we take it to St. Vincent’s House in Galveston.  They have a Food Bank ministry up and running, and it would eliminate the middle man so to speak.  We had never been to St. Vincent’s, although we have driven by and seen the outside.  It has been painted in some wild colors and designs, so the building really stands out.  I was excited to see what it looks like on the inside. 

That became a bit of a problem, though.  We couldn’t find the front door.  Every open door we came to led to a hall way with closed and locked doors.  Oh, except for the one room that had a group of children in it.  We found out later that the room was a site for some state testing.  I finally ended up looking up their phone number on their website and giving them a call.  I think they need some better signage outside.

Once inside and relieved of our bags of cans, we were given the grand tour of the facility by the Food Bank manager.  The lady was very sweet and carried herself as a consummate professional.  Their Food Bank not only feeds families, but they also prepare special goody bags for homeless people with things like Vienna sausages and easy open tuna fish, crackers, fruit cups, and energy bars.  Very well thought out packets.  The organization also runs a clinic in the same building.  They have several exam rooms, and they are even working on an area for dental work.  It seemed to be staffed by a nurse practitioner and nurse assistant along with office staff.  I would say it was a clean, safe place for the ministry taking place. 

Chris asked if there were ever occasions where they needed outside groups to come in and do work for them.  She explained about our retreat center and the questions regarding local ministry opportunities that we field all the time.  Smart thinking by my wife, there.  That is definitely an option.  They have a coordinator for projects like that, doing everything from freshening up paint (and there is a lot of that) to various odd jobs around the facility.  I would imagine in the summer their needs would also expand to children’s ministry programming as well.  All in all, it was a great experience, and I would like to follow up to find out about how they cooperate with other groups like Galveston Urban Ministries.

Psalms 16:5-6 says, “Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”

Father, bless the ministry at St. Vincent’s House.  Meet their specific needs so that they can be as effective as possible in meeting the needs of their community.  Amen.