Several months ago, I shared a story of a man who showed up to Lubbock Impact needing food. There was nothing out of the ordinary about that request until he planted a kiss on my cheek in gratitude. If you remember reading that story, I called him the man in the yellow jacket because he sat on the bench in his raincoat after eating his sack of food and slept.

I haven’t seen him in months. Until this past Wednesday, when he came for the Community Meal. I walked up to him and asked how he was doing. His first words were, “You remember me?!”

I said, “Absolutely!”, and then I thought to myself that you don’t forget a stranger kissing your cheek. His smile was from ear to ear as he shared that he was doing better.

It was like an old friend who came home to tell you what has been going on since you last visited. It reminds me of the friend I have in Jesus. He remembers me even when I am gone for a while. He welcomes me back, no matter what.

Jesus welcomes the man in the yellow jacket and Jesus welcomes you. Right now we have been greeting more new friends to the Community Meal. Just a few Wednesdays ago, we served 188 individuals dinner. The Food and Hygiene Pantry continues to bless more people who are struggling to keep food in their pantry. I am sincerely grateful for your partnership in making sure we can ease some of the stress participants face. My prayer is that the seeds of hope will flourish into an understanding that our friendships are extensions of Christ’s love.

Blessings,
Becky Robertson
Executive Director