The Gift of Giving

This is a guest post by Victoria Verberg who served Christ in the poor on Christmas day.
It is beautiful to see God's people bringing the church outside of the four walls and into the streets.

"Christ has no body not but yours; no hands no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which He looks compassion on this world; yours are the feet with which He walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world."


Hot, homemade turkey noodle soup, chicken barbeque sandwiches, brownies, oatmeal raisin
cookies, coffee and hot chocolate were on the menu this past Christmas Day for our homeless
and less-fortunate in downtown Grand Rapids. All were served with a smile by the Verberg family and friends at the Veteran’s Park.

Hearts on both sides of the food table were warmed as cold fingers served and received
items of sustenance. In lieu of material presents this year, the Verberg Children were provided the opportunity to receive the gift of giving. For three cold hours, the Verberg kids and other volunteers passed out food, drinks, warm clothing and boots to the underprivileged residents
of our community.

Many conversations took place with a variety of extremely interesting people, sharing stories of misfortune, hard times and poor choices. When asked, the Verberg kids summed up their Christmas experience as “awesome” and “the best Christmas ever.”


This inspiring event is part of Amy Oatley’s “Jesus on the Streets” program. Each Saturday, a chosen person or group is given the honor of providing a meal in the Park. The Grand Rapids Young Marines Staff is in the process of booking a date for the Young Marines to participate again in this worthy project.


May our Lord bless you and keep you in His loving arms today and always as you serve HIM.