Cheerful Giving Fuels Volunteers
A Bible study with the topic ‘give thanks in all things’ was the unexpected inspiration behind an initiative that sees BlazeAid volunteers provided with delicious meals after a day’s hard work, thanks to the Torrens Valley Lions Club and Lutheran Church members.
Elizabeth Hermann, a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Birdwood, says the small-group Bible study with Pastor David Kuss raised an interesting question – how does one give thanks for the recent bushfire which swept through many Adelaide Hills towns?
“Reading through the study there was a paragraph about every time a Christian helps another – providing, washing dishes, sweeping floors for example – a Christian is thanking God for His blessings,” says Elizabeth.
“And so it wasn’t a difficult task (to say yes), when my husband Malcolm was asked by the Lions Club to find groups to provide meals for the BlazeAid volunteers.”
Local Lutheran church members also responded with a resounding ‘yes’ when asked, including Faye Pfeiffer (Woodside), Barbara Schubert (Lobethal), Rosalie Hughes (Springhead) and Kelly Mathews (Birdwood). Food and helpers flowed as the word was spread amongst their congregations.
Based at the Lobethal Recreation Ground, the church teams work on a fortnightly roster in conjunction with other community groups, with meals being cooked and served to up to 50 BlazeAid volunteers at each sitting. Behind the scenes numerous church members keep the operation running, helping in the kitchen, serving , acting as wait-staff, washing, drying and packing away dishes throughout the busy dinner period. Menus have been carefully chosen to offer nightly variety and have even included a fun Christmas-themed dinner, which was a hit with recipients.
“Many of the BlazeAid volunteers come into the kitchen to thank us profusely for a delicious meal,” says Elizabeth.
“After a hard day’s work, they are all so grateful for home cooked meals, good cheer and chatting about their day’s activities and achievements, as well as being interested in our role in helping bushfire victims.”
Helping with meals will be an enjoyable long-term project says Elizabeth.
“It’s an evening of fun and fellowship, helping out after a tragic situation for however long it takes,” she says.
“God loves a cheerful giver!”
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