One of the favorite ministries that we have the opportunity to work with here in Nashville is an organization called People Loving Nashville. For almost 6 years, People Loving Nashville has met on Monday night to prepare and serve food to what is now almost 300 individuals in downtown Nashville.
Some of the people we got to meet were homeless and some just did not have the money for food after their other bills were paid.
As volunteers we got the opportunity to not just feed them, but also prepare the food before hand. At around 5 pm on Monday evenings, the kitchen at Belmont Church in downtown Nashville begins to fill with volunteers willing and eager to prepare real food for those in need. The atmosphere in the kitchen is one of fun and feeling like you are with old friends. There is always a laugh to be had.
After dinner prep and boxing up the food, all the volunteers meet for a short Bible study. This time is great to refocus on why we are doing this. We are going out, not for our own fame or to make ourselves feel good, but to spread the love of Christ and obey his commandments.
Jobs are assigned and then we are off to the feeding location downtown. There is already a line of people waiting when we get there. In 6 years, not 1 Monday has been missed. In rain, snow, sun, and any other crazy weather the volunteers always show up and so do those who need the food.
Once the food and clothing are passed out the fun really begins. This is the time of the night our students liked most because they got to just sit and talk with the people who came. It amazed the students how grateful they were for even the littlest of things.
Before the kids were ready the night was over. We piled back into the van and headed back to the church. It was a great ministry to work with and highly recommended if you are ever in Nashville on a Monday night looking to help out!
