“Feed My Sheep” started my first few weeks at The Way. I was assigned to clean out the fridge on Saturday, so I did. As I began to put some food in the trash, I was deeply convicted and knew that there were many people on the streets of Huntsville hungry…not just for food, but for the Gospel.
I knew a warm plate of food would allow me to witness for Christ. I knew this because it was just a few years ago when I was homeless and desperate for change. The next Saturday, I packed up a few plates of food (5). Carson and I stopped on Evangel Drive, and handed people the plates. We prayed for a few minutes and went about our day. I thought nothing of it until the next Saturday when one of the men we served asked us to bring more, and he would invite others to come. So I did.
It grew every week. From just a few plates on Saturday, it grew to 40 to 60 people every Saturday. We try to help as many people as possible. Without the help of other residents, as well as volunteers from local churches, this could not be accomplished every Saturday.
Also, we have recently been able to give out tons of winter coats, socks, sleeping bags, and warm blankets thanks to The Saving Way. We have been able to baptize two people into Christ, and help one get into Teen Challenge (another recovery program). It’s not always easy and exciting early in the mornings, but we go to show what Christ can do while giving all the glory to God.
Here’s how it works on a Saturday at The Way:
5:00 Wake Up! All the food is warmed up at The Way, and placed in boxes donated by The Manna House. We set up an assembly line to wash dishes, pack food, and sort clothes.
6:30 The entire team of Way residents and local volunteers meets at Starbucks for coffee and prayer.
7:00 I share a quick devotion. Then, we put together our plan for the morning. We distribute food to people coming out of the Rescue Mission, as well as those in “tent city”.
John 21:17-18 (Feed My Sheep)
Emanuel Estrada