Peanut Butter and Jelly Joy

When I think about how time and time again Jesus would look on a crowd and have compassion for them, I think to myself, “that’s how it’s supposed to be.” Have compassion for those around you, and meet the need. I think about when Jesus fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish! Jesus had just received the news that his friend had been killed and He wanted to be alone, so he withdrew to a solitary place; but the people ran to meet Him. Instead of being frustrated or overwhelmed, He met them with compassion. He healed the sick and he taught them. As evening was upon them the disciples encouraged Jesus to send the crowd away so that they could eat. To which he responded “You give them something to eat.” As you continue to read the story, (which can be found in all 4 gospels) the disciples found 5 loaves and two fish in the crowd. They brought the bread and fish to Jesus. He gave thanks and broke them and miraculously everything was multiplied to feed the people.  It is a beautiful story for so many reasons, but I love that Jesus told his disciples that they were the solution to the problem. 

We the church are the solution to the problems of today’s world, and for me, meeting the need of the people physically is the gateway to meeting the need spiritually. Jesus modeled this time and time again throughout the New Testament. He would go out of his way to meet the needs of people, the woman at the well, the woman who bled for 12 years, the centurion, and his biggest sacrifice of allowing his own death on the cross to save all those who believe. As Christians it is easy to preach, but the most impact will come from our action! For example, would you rather someone tell you they love you, or show you that they love you? Jesus modeled pure selfless action. Examples of this are shown time and time again in the bible. 

Fish Co. is all about taking action and empowering the women and children with the tools needed to succeed on their own. They never show up empty handed. 

Here’s one example of how your donations bless others. When serving on a mission trip with Fish Co. most mornings begin with breakfast, followed by a peanut butter and jelly sandwich assembly line. It is so fun to sit around a table sharing in a task that is going to be the highlight of someone’s day! The kids go wild for these sandwiches; they even have a song they sing before we distribute them. 

Something as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich allowed the kids to open up and listen to why we were there. A PB&J provided them with a special treat that filled their bellies. It allowed us to serve them and it allowed us as a mission team to bond over some seriously sticky hands. God is so good and I for one cannot wait to be back at the table with new and old friends, slicing bread, slathering on some peanut butter (or jelly), and bagging hundreds of sandwiches. 

Sierra Phoenix

Also in Update