CQ Summer 2016

I
knew I felt the nudge to join the R&D initiative, but I wasn’t
sure what community I should join. I thought, “Why
don’t they just tell me where I am needed and then I
don’t have to decide?” I could see myself serving in any
one of them. Bacliff interested me because I am very dedicated
to healthy eating and there was mention of a community
garden. Maybe I will try the Bacliff one.
My first experience at Bacliff was helping with the Houston
Food Bank distribution on the second Tuesday of the month. I
entered the park and said a prayer for God to be with me and
to let me know if this is where He wanted me to be. I, like Gideon,
needed a sign from God. I helped out that day by pulling
a wagon for those who needed the help picking up the food
and unloading it in their car. I was surprised by the huge
amount of food each person received. I helped a sweet lady
and her young son because they had just brought a small red
flyer wagon. When we finished the food line, I asked Ellen (not
her real name) where she parked her car. She said she had
walked from her house. We both looked at her small wagon
knowing there was no way. I offered to take her home so we
loaded the food, the red wagon, and my two new friends in
my car. When I got to their home, we unloaded the car and
the little boy, Max (not his real name) took me on a tour of
their house, proudly showing me his room he shared with his
brothers and the new refrigerator someone had given them.
They gave me a hug and I left knowing God had given me a
sign that I could be His servant in Bacliff.
At the next Sunday worship service, several in our group had
met a woman named Ellen and her son Max sitting in the back.
I never saw them, but I am sure they were the new friends I
had met. I looked for Ellen and Max at the next two food distributions
but they were not there. I began to be concerned
about them and really wanted to see them again. I drove to
their house on a rainy Tuesday and a light was on. Should I
stop? I really tried to find a reason why I shouldn’t. I wasn’t
invited. It was rainy. I really was uncomfortable stopping.
I passed up the house the first time, then turned around
and pulled in. They were glad to see me and I hugged them
and went on my way.
I haven’t seen them since, but I know God gave me two sweet
friends to show me not to be afraid to step out and show His
love. I hope it will be easier for me the next time and maybe
God will ask me to do something even riskier for Him. I know,
though, He was pleased that I took a baby step.
– Dolores Westerlund
CLPC member since 1987
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