What does it looks like to show up in hard times and persevere?

Whether we're facing deep grief, an exciting new beginning, or anything in between... life is a series of opportunities to keep going.

For my neighbors, though, perseverance usually functions from constant survival mode.

Like our friend Angela — in her late 60s, disabled, without government assistance.

With worry about having enough income for basic needs, weekly food outreach means one less stress factor with the bonus of healthy nourishment.

"The fresh food is the best. People here are getting healthy food instead of processed or having to choose food over medication," she shares.

Because of loyal supporters like you, Angela gained food security.

"I used to spend almost all my monthly income on groceries, even at the Dollar Tree. It's a blessing to get produce every week. I can afford bills now."

The best part of food outreach for Angela?

"It's an important gathering for all of us... the friend's I made here on Tuesday give me hope there's more good people than bad in Chester. If someone's missing, we get concerned. I love to share the food I get with my 82yo mom..."

You see, Angela is inspired to not only press on, but to be in community caring for others.

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When April discovered our food outreach, we learned she walks 2 miles roundtrip! Racked with worry about having enough income to cover basic needs, it was hard to make groceries stretch between paychecks.

Luckily, she was introduced to Greenhouse Project.

"Now I come weekly. This food outreach helps me when I'm low on food, plus I get prayed for."

In a matter of months, because of community members like you, April was provided food security as well as authentic connection that has grown her faith and hope in Jesus.

In fact, I personally challenged her to hand out twenty-five Daily Bread devotionals to connect with new neighbors at food outreach, and she did it... with her sweet smile!

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My other friend, Kevin, is an early riser from down the block.

Usually, he's the first one on the corner long before food outreach set-up begins on Tuesdays.

"It's a real blessing. The way the economy is, it helps put food on the table... I love the people coming together. The prayer. The vegetables, snacks, juice. All of it helps... Thank you. This really helps me."

The impact of food outreach is nourishing to body AND soul… friends like Angela, April and Kevin are gifted a moment to just breathe.