Half Million Meals - by Suzie Unruh

In Wikipedia the definition of Generosity is “the habit of giving without expecting anything in return. It can involve offering time, assets or talents to aid someone in need.”

But I believe it should also read “the Redeemer church family in DeWitt Michigan”! I mean WOW it amazes me that in 2013 the food pantry hit the half million mark for serving meals to families in Clinton County. This church family is a genuine example of generosity and I feel blessed to be part of it! From the time volunteers put in each week, the donations we receive of non-perishable items, the financial support from the church family and the prayers -- all fit the definition Generosity.

I am so fortunate to have my job at Redeemer and to be able to see the smiles (and sometimes tears) of relief from the families that visit; it is touching to hear their stories and to know that we have made a difference. With the support of Redeemer and the surrounding community we have been able to help the elderly couple that doesn’t have enough for food and medicine, the young mom who was living out of her car with her 3 year old and the families that live in the subdivision at the end of Schavey that have lost their jobs or stricken with serious illness and just can’t make the mortgage and provide food for their kids. The generosity that flows from this church is uplifting and makes me proud to be part of it! Thank You – for being a prime example of what John Wesley wrote in one of his letters; he encourages us:

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”