"Whatever you do for the least of these, you do unto Me." Matthew 25:40
Recipe for a Matthew 25:40 Day:
- Mix together 68 passionate St. Matthew sixth, seventh, and eighth graders
- Blend in 20 extremely helpful St. Matthew parents and teachers
- Fold in approximately 35 compassionate Lutheran high school volunteers
- Knead together with a generous scoop of Jesus' love
- Add 4 semi trailers and 5 trucks filled with food, handmade quilts, clothing, school kits, toiletries, and other basic necessities
- Place all items into 5 train boxcars
- Simmer in the beautiful sunshine at the Detroit ConRail train yard
- Bake for 2.5 hours or until done
- Enjoy the taste of being the hands and feet of Jesus and the joy that comes from helping those in need!
Yesterday, our sixth through eighth grade had the awesome opportunity to load train cars with donated goods that will travel to the Lutheran World Relief Distribution Center in Maryland. Some of these items will be further shipped to third world countries; some will return to the state of Michigan, but many of these items will go to locations affected by the devastation of the recent hurricanes. When we speak to former students, it is amazing the impact and the powerful memories alumni will express regarding this experience. Listed below are just a few reflections current students shared after yesterday's experience:
"Today at Boxcar Loading, God taught me that doing service projects can be fun, and that helping people feels good inside. Also, that being kind is always the right option." ~ Kierah Streather, Gr. 6
"God taught me how to serve others by using teamwork. We had to work as a team to help people who don't have the advantages we do. I learned that some people need help, and we should be the ones to provide what they need." ~ Abby Terrasi, Gr. 7
Lauren Abdou, Gr. 8, wrote "...doing small acts can make a big impact. Loving others, even people who you don't know, is easy."
"We were loading boxcars to help people in need. We packed soap so people could stay clean and take showers. We also packed school supplies so people can go to school and learn." ~ Evan Stocke, Gr. 6
Maddie Tinskey, Gr. 7, stated, "Each second that I spent working hard, someone else will have to spend one less second working hard. The thought that just a few hours of my time would impact many days of someone else's year was wonderful. It is so amazing how God can take us, His servants, and allow us to do work for just a few hours that will impact people for the rest of their lives. I sincerely hope that I eliminated someone's need for soap, or helped a child go to school, through God's awesome power."
"God taught me that others need help, and we are those who can change that." ~ Alan Golden, Gr. 8
Cadie Linville, Gr. 6, reflected, "Sometimes we need to put others before ourselves and be thankful for all we have."
"Even though we don't know the people we're helping, we should ask God, "What do You need me to do today?"" Jacob Bennett, Gr. 7
"You serve God right where you are. You don't have to travel all around the world." ~ Gus Nelson, Gr. 8
We praise God for "giving these students His eyes" yesterday and allowing them to help share the love of Christ with those in need.
In His love,
Mrs. Palka