Manna Bags

I have always had a huge heart for needy people, of all kinds.  Several years ago, a service project we did with our church, was to make manna bags.  I have made them ever since.  Let me explain.  Manna bags are zip lock bags full of non-perishable goodies, a water bottle, and a Bible verse.  You keep them in your car and have them to hand out to the homeless or people begging on the streets.

Since moving further north, I have encountered so many men holding signs like, “Laid off, need help”, “Have 3, 4, etc. babies at home, need help”, “Will work for food”.  There have been a few that I thought might not be legit, but figured it wouldn’t hurt for him to bring home some goodies to his kids, if indeed there are any.  But let me tell you, on Saturday, after shopping for winter boots for the family, we left the store.  At the stop light was a man, holding a sign that stated, “Laid off, need help”.  Kevin and I both noticed his demeanor, his lack of eye contact, and his heavy heart.  Kevin rolled down the window and said, “Sir, here you go”.  His eyes met ours, had a short glimmer of light and he said, “God bless you sir, God bless you”.  All 6 of us in the car were either in tears or nearly there.  No matter what your religious beliefs or your morals, if you are a father, you have the God-given desire to provide.  This man was ashamed and humiliated, but was willing to beg for his family.  That is so sad to me.

Being further north in the U.S., we’ve noticed so many people in need.  In the last week, we’ve given 10 manna bags to 10 different people!  That’s crazy.  I am not sure if these people are seasonal workers (don’t deal with that too much in SE Texas), or union, or if it is just the economy.  It’s really affected me more than ever.  There has to be something we can do.  Until I find out how to help these people in a larger capacity and know charities in the area and shelters, I will always have a manna bag in tow.  I absolutely can not leave someone in need empty handed.

My hopes are that you make some manna bags too.  With the holidays approaching, there may be more and more people in need.  The weather is cooling as well as the economy.  Here’s what we put in ours today (a family project): gold fish, granola bars, water, bagged cookies, crackers and cheese, oatmeal cookies, Chex mix, cinnamon rolls, cereal bars, and a piece of paper that reads, “For I know the plans I have for you , declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11 (& on the other side): May your future become brighter as our family prays for you today.  Trust in the Lord and He will give you strength”.

It doesn’t get more hopeful than that!

With love,

Tiffany