Good Shepherd Children Understand That Love Is an Action Verb!

On January 15, 2009, a very moving photo was published in the Life section of the News and Observer. A nine year-old girl and her mother are featured standing in line at the Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen. The girl is bundled in a coat with the hood up; on the wall next to her, someone has scrawled, "Love One Another." The mother is quoted as saying, "We didn't ask to live like this. It's especially tough right now." The expression on the child's face reveals complete bewilderment, and it is gut wrenching. She, and her younger sister, are two of several children who are eating their lunch under the roof of the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Enter in-God's mercy!!! The photo appeared in the paper on Thursday, Good Shepherd children (and their parents) had a collection the next Sunday, and by Tuesday, a child's backpack and a baby's diaper bag were ready for distribution to this homeless family. The backpack was crammed with pencils, markers, paper, notebooks, story books, tape, glue, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brushes, combs, hair products, hand sanitizer, soap, socks, gloves, a hat, tissues and a small toy. There was even a gift certificate for McDonald's! The diaper bag was crammed with diapers, wipes, baby toiletries, a sipper cup, food, a snow suit, blanket, and small toys. The bags were discretely delivered by the soup kitchen director within the week. All this has happened because love is an action verb here in Children's Ministries. The response that is seen is one of compassion. It is Christ's own love that enables our families to respond swiftly and passionately. So much so, that a backpack ministry has already begun with the excess donations! Three more backpacks have been placed in the soup kitchen awaiting future needy children. If you would care to contribute items or make a cash contribution to this ongoing ministry, please contact Janet Gilliam (831-2003 or ). Join us in acting out what it means to love one another.