"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people," 1 Timothy 2:1 ESV
About four months ago the Food for You team was blessed, and very surprised to receive diapers to distribute as part of Lincoln Presbyterian Church’s Food for You ministry. That blessing came about when Pastors Jon and Justin, along with Harry Ulep were in the process of picking up some Covid food relief boxes from San Joaquin County’s commodity facility, and Pastor Jon happen to ask Paul Daveluy, the food commodities coordinator if they might have any additional items we could distribute to be helpful our community. From that simple and caring request, we received about 20 cases, or about 3,200 individual diapers. That was in December, and since that time we discovered diapers were being received with enthusiasm by those visiting our regular Food for You distribution day, as well as some who attended LPC’s garage sale. Needless to say, our team was pleased and excited to be able to serve and meet the needs of our community in a way we never expected when we first began. But sadly, it didn’t take long to find out our supply of diapers may be coming to an end.
As the supply of diapers quickly dwindled over the next couple of months, I ask Paul if we could receive more diapers, but was told on several occasions he hadn’t receive any information about future shipments, and was very doubtful he would receive more, but was holding out hope.
On April 7th, after talking with Paul about more diapers, I was told we could have the last 19 cases he had in-stock. I then sent an email to Pastor Justin informing him of the sad news, and that I would be picking up the diapers the next day. In the email I also said, “Ya know, I don’t believe I’ve ever asked our Lord to bless us with a supply of diapers. Maybe we should.” So, I took some time then and again later that day to ask God for His help.
The next morning before I went to pick up the diapers, I called and told Paul I was on my way. He told me he would be ready when I arrived, then excitedly said, “Hal, I just received a call a few minutes ago informing him he would be receiving three truckloads (28 pallets) of diapers!” I began to laugh and said, “You’re not going to believe this!”, then told him about my email to Pastor Justin the day before about the situation, but would fill him in on the details when I arrived. After I hung up, my laughter of joy suddenly turned to tears and a prayer expressing my joy and praise to God for the miraculous way He suddenly and overwhelmingly blessed us.
I have no doubt whatsoever that over the past couple of months after witnessing the popularity of the diapers and realizing receiving more would very likely end, many in our team prayed about the situation. I also have no doubt the morning before when I informed Pastor Justin of the situation, he immediately began praying for God’s intercession.
By the way, do you know how many diapers it takes to fill a shipment of 28 pallets? Twenty-eight (28) pallets constituted about 180,000 individual diapers. So remember, when you ask for God’s help, He may bless your ministry, as well as your community with much more than you asked for, or could ever have imagined!
Thank you Father for Your amazing grace, and for a miracle You provided to help meet the needs of the smallest in our community, as well as to the fathers and mothers who love and care for them. Thank you also Father, for allowing Your children at Lincoln Presbyterian Church to be a small part of the love and care You provide each and every day. Amen.
Have a blessed day my brothers and sisters in Christ and thank you for your support of Our Lord’s Food for You ministry.