A Message from North Carolina: 50 Sandwiches
‘Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40
Guest Writer: Pan Adams McCaslin
For over eight years, I have been actively involved with our area shelter agency, which serves seven counties in Western North Carolina. One of the many services provided includes feeding around 120 meals, three meals a day, 365 days a year, with takeout containers available for those not housed in the shelter or surrounding areas.
Evening meals are provided by area churches, families, and civic groups who work in teams to prepare meals. During the pandemic, everything was served in takeout containers. We lost the ability to sit at table together, share stories, listen to anxieties, and better understand the circumstances of daily realities.
In 2016, a Kickstarter project gathered stories of those living with homelessness – the book Fifty Sandwiches was the result. Its purpose was to raise awareness for the public to help them understand that homelessness was more than just a lack of shelter.
“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in, I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthrw25:35-36.
Since Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina – shelter, food, and water have become basic survival needs for so many whose homes were either destroyed or no longer habitable. Compassionate care for those affected has poured in from around North America as restaurants that could not open due to the loss of potable water or other utilities provided food from food trucks or neighborhood grills.
The National Guard delivered food and water by helicopter. Construction equipment to move downed trees, destroyed water beds, and demolished homes appeared from northern states. College students unable to attend classes joined with non-profit groups to clear roads and debris. Utility companies from Canada and around the nation showed up to help rebuild utility lines. Neighbors helping neighbors, strangers helping strangers. “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.”
The world is hungry for compassion and caring. Jesus calls us to pay attention - and act.
Who in your midst is hungry – for caring, for compassion, for food, and for shelter?
Pan Adams McCaslin
Joanna Seibert joannaseibert.com