Chicken Day

Yesterday, we had the privilege and joy of distributing 46 fresh chickens to families in need (plus another 4 to the volunteer staff).  We worked collaboratively with the Caritas group in which Melissa has been helping since the fall.  She has been offering cookies, tea and a warm smile on a weekly basis as these families come and wait to be heard and assisted with paying bills, receiving food bags, or whatever.  I have joined Melissa once before on a Tuesday afternoon to serve alongside her.  I cannot imagine what a depressing experience it was for the people prior to her arrival.  She has brought a warmth to the experience and much organization that really helps rid the frustrations that disorder can create.      

As a team yesterday, our desire was to provide the families with a gift in which they could use to prepare a special meal for Easter.  To most of these families, fresh meat is a luxury, so you can understand the smiles and expressions of gratitude we received.  We purchased the chickens as a team and gave them out in the name of our church, Solae.  We also created a booklet with an Easter message that we pray will be read (that alone would be an answer to prayer) and that hearts will be touched by the hope we have in Jesus because of his resurrection.

We are praying that this simple gesture and gift would open up doors to further communicate the gospel.  The economic situation in Italy is going from bad to worse, very rapidly.  Could this be a means in which God chooses to draw people to himself?  We pray so.  We pray also for great wisdom and compassion to reach into the lives of so many hurting people around us.

 Our display and chickens in the crate on the table

 Booklet "Jesus touched the coffin"

(Sorry, I can't seem to rotate the image)

Luca stayed home from school for the afternoon since he was not feeling well, and although he covered the flash with his hand, at least we have a picture to show of us right before opening the doors at 3:00.  

This is after the initial rush of people came through for their Easter gift.  I hesitate to take any closer or better people pictures in order to protect their privacy and be sensitive to what can be very a humiliating thing for so many in asking for help.  You can however, see the table through the people in which Melissa serves tea and cookies.

On Monday, Melissa and I spent the entire morning together making 150+ cookies.  We had to double the normal amounts needed only because we had asked all the families to come yesterday to receive a special gift.  There are basically two groups that rotate being seen every other week.