A Feast Fit For Royalty
The Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter in Charlotte is an unremarkable large gray building. The upper floors house homeless women and children, giving them dignity, resources, medical care, and a temporary safe haven.
The Center tonight was far from dull, as Greg Jackson from Heal Charlotte brought an upscale dining experience to these weary women, allowing them to feel the love of Jesus as well as making them feel special and worthy of an incredible spread of food.
Beginning at 1 pm, chefs and food prep teams, many from StoneBridge, filled the kitchen and began dicing, chopping, and organizing pounds of traditional Thanksgiving fare. The menu included roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, rice, stuffing, egg rolls, cornish hens, and steak. Dessert was a choice of apple pie or frosted yellow cake. The amount of food that made its way to the fall themed tables was miraculous and truly would make one think of Jesus feeding the 5000.
In speaking with Greg, he adamantly stated that the guests were not to get up for anything at all. He wanted them to experience their finest Thanksgiving meal and be served from start to finish. On their tables was even the choice of Fiji or San Pellegrino water!
Around 4:30, Greg gathered the volunteers and a prayer was lifted for the homeless who would be coming in the door any minute. As they entered, joy was contagious in the room, as mothers delighted in the meal alongside their children. Laughter and conversation abounded between the volunteers who served and the guests. Those serving worked diligently to make sure every need was met, down to making sure the kids had enough lemonade and that to go plates were securely wrapped.
Roughly 25 volunteers from StoneBridge made their way down to serve those less fortunate tonight, and this event was such evidence of our congregation making themselves be placed for a purpose and heeding the call of our pastors to step out and get to know our Charlotte neighbors. Maybe it’s time for you to check out the service opportunities on our shiny new website (They are easy to find), sign up, and give of your time during this holiday season!
