December 27 – “Donuts and some love”

We got some feedback on the Christmas Eve donut give-away.  One man took a box into the convenience store next to the church.  The owner happened to be working, so the Seasider told him, “You always give away food to people around Thanksgiving time.  This year we would like to give you this box of donuts to say thanks for working on Christmas.”  Apparently the store owner was pretty flabbergasted, so our guy added, “It’s from the church.”  Nice job.  Especially since the store owner is Muslim. 

Another couple followed their family tradition after the service of going out to eat.  As they finished up their meal, they found themselves the only customers left in the restaurant, which was about to close.  In true Seasider fashion, one of them ran out to the car and retrieved the box of donuts.  They presented it to the restaurant staff and said, “Thank you for working on Christmas Eve.”  The staff, again floored that anyone would do such a thing, was very grateful. 

The other anecdote I heard about came from the Seasider who stopped by the Santa Fe fire station.  It took her a while to figure out how to get in (she called to ask me for suggestions.  I wasn’t much help, but she eventually figured it out).  Once she found the right door, she discovered the crew on site after all.  And to her surprise, it was the very same crew that had responded to the call at her house when she fell and broke her leg.  The reunion was a fun was, as they remembered her as well. 

I always enjoy hearing these results stories from ministry actions we undertake.  Lots of times we never know what God does with our meager efforts, so it is very encouraging when there is immediate feedback.  Keep those stories coming in.  And don’t wait until next Christmas Eve to do it again.

Philippians 1:7 says, “It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me.”

Father, thank you for letting Seasiders be a part of touching the lives of a store owner, a restaurant staff, and a fire house crew with donuts and some love.  Amen.