Noonday Ministries

I went to Noonday Ministries daily outreach one last time before we left Albuquerque. We had put together 125 Homeless Packs, Bibles and reading glasses. Director/Pastor Danny Whately, Kitchen Supervisor Gilda McBain and a handful of faithful volunteers run a well organized outreach. Prior to noon, lunch is made and the serving line is setup. People begin to line up around the back side of the building well before noon time. A Christian Legal Aide representative shows up to sign up anyone who wishes to see an attorney for council. One or two police officers also arrive just prior to noon, to help keep peace and order. At noon the doors open and the people flow in and seat themselves at long rows of tables. The room is a large one that was once used as an indoor basketball court. It still might be at other times. The crowd grew to about 300 people. The back row of the room, which is closest to the food, is for those with disabilities or limited mobility. These folks get served first, after the message. Pastor Danny gives a 15 minute, or so, Bible lesson with the Gospel.  He announced that I was there to distribute Hygiene Packs (Homeless Packs: Bible, Bible study bookmark, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving razor, shampoo, headache medicine packet, bandages and antibiotic pack, and other varying items). So, as people got their food they walked by my table. I got to ask each person if they needed a Bible and a pack. I also told people to check the Bible and make sure the print was large enough for them to read. I asked them to let me know if it wasn’t. Some people needed one of the large print Gospel of Johns while others needed to be outfitted with new reading glasses. I passed out all 125 Homeless Packs and switched to giving out a Bible, shampoo and toothpaste. Once, I ran out of the shampoo, people were still very thankful for the Bible and toothpaste. After I was done, one of the volunteers made me a tray of the food they had finished serving. The stew and cornbread were delicious! I pray that God continues to use Noonday Ministries to feed the spirit and body of those in need for many years to come. 
-Christopher