Last Saturday I had an opportunity to help By the Hand Ministry deliver Thanksgiving meal boxes to many families in need.  There were about 30 people from New Life that came out to help build the meal boxes and deliver them to the families needing meals.  Leaving in teams with our meal boxes we arrived at the Cabrini high-rises a short drive away.  We entered into our first high-rise around 11:30 AM and found many people still inside either sleeping or hiding from the cold.  Walking up the stairs to the 10th floor we noticed a lot of graffiti along the way in the stair well and sticky floors from the many spilled bottles of beer.  Arriving at the floor which one of the families receiving a box lived on we knocked on the door and were invited in.  Inside the apartment it was clear that there were large needs but that they were doing the best with what they had.  It was a big family and I counted 5 children.  We presented the father with a meal box, a Bible and prayed for them.  He told us that his son had been sharing verses with him that he was learning with the ministry.  As we were leaving tears were streaming down his face.  He was encouraged by the food box and I imagine meeting people associated with the ministry that are helping his children.  We left encouraged as well.  By the Hand is a ministry making a difference in many lives and it’s not only the children that are blessed by them.  I think all of us were that day as we saw how God can give us an opportunity to help make a difference in someone’s life if we’re willing to step out of our normal routines and join in with what he’s already doing.

If you’re interested in this ministry or want to learn more check out their site at: www.bythehand.org