My checklist and assignment was completed this morning by 5 a.m. 40+ peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, 35 cookie packs, pick up men’s shirts, hygiene packs, and any other bins from the Westbrook warehouse supply of donated items. Orlando rush hour traffic was in its usual frenzy compounded by an ominous weather report. Hurricane Matthew is churning its way towards Florida. Maybe the Pillow Project can be postponed. Maybe the Pillow Project should be postponed. Hurricane preparation is important.

Ephraim, Gleon, Jerry, and I arrived near our usual meeting place. The sky was sunny; the weather was its usual hot, humid, typical Florida summer day, albeit October. We drove to the usual locations along Orange Blossom Trail. We saw the usual faces, now very accustomed to our time and place. The car trunks opened and the people gathered. All were hungry and eager for the handouts. Each person we encountered wanted “stuff”. The most amazing gift we have to share is the gift of redemption, the gift of God’s love and forgiveness. Oh that they would see the most precious gift of all –Jesus.

The team met, shared, prayed, and served our Lord today. No great stories to report, no outward evidence of any great conversions. Not today. As we were leaving a man approached me with a question, “Will you be here next Tuesday, what is your schedule”? The story continues.

Once more the ministry affirms us, and once more we learn the blessing of serving.

Oh, and the hurricane preparations? We have time to spare, Weatherman says Friday.

Elaine