Inspired by Celebrate Mission, Texas seeker answers the call to serve

Kevin Thompson lives in Wichita, Texas. After years of searching for a spiritual home, he discovered Community of Christ through Beyond the Walls. Participating in the global ministry of Community of Christ in Canada, Kevin learned about Celebrate Mission, which inspired him to find ways to serve in his own local community. Although he isn’t connected to a nearby congregation, Kevin discovered a ministry that spoke to his heart.

On Sunday, April 27, members and seekers from around the world gathered online for worship and celebrated the mission Kevin accomplished. Later that day, another seeker who participates regularly shared this comment on YouTube:

“I MYSELF RECEIVED MEALS ON WHEELS WEEKLY AND AM SO THANKFUL AND BLESSED FOR ALL THOSE WHO DONATE. THANK YOU.”
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Please take three minutes to read Kevin’s testimony below. His story reminds us how our ministries connect and empower people to live out Christ’s mission wherever they are.

Kevin’s Story
Last month during one of the Sunday services, Leandro made a point to emphasize that we should “celebrate mission” and highlighted the importance of spreading the word about ways we are able to serve. It made sense in that we could encourage others to serve and make people aware of opportunities where we, as Christians, can spread the love of Christ in our communities—be they local, national, or global. I felt inspired to reach out and report that I have found the perfect opportunity to serve in my local community in North Texas every week.
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Meals on Wheels is a program that makes sure that the disabled, elderly, and other homebound residents across Texas receive freshly prepared hot meals at lunch Mondays through Fridays without having to go shopping or prepare the meals themselves. Weekend and holiday meals are also provided. This service is available thanks to its dedicated employees and members of the community who volunteer a portion of their day (or days) weekly to hand-deliver the meals to our fellow residents.

It is an opportunity for volunteers to connect with individuals who often have few, if any, opportunities on a daily basis to see or speak to another living human. We help to fight social isolation in a very real way.

I have been blessed by the opportunity to serve the meals that Meals on Wheels provides. Pulling up to each residence, knocking on each door, and seeing the smiling face of whomever I am serving fills my heart with joy. I have had meal recipients say things like, “This is my favorite part of the day,” as they receive their meals with humble gratitude. It allows seniors to age in place in many instances thanks to the daily well-checks. We help many to avoid or delay the need for assisted living or a nursing home.
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At $7 per meal, the cost per home delivery adds up to less than 3% the cost of a nursing home. When we deliver each meal, we observe the state of the person’s overall wellness, guaranteeing that their living space is safe, adequate, and that they are functioning successfully there. A recent survey of programs shows 4,262 Health and Safety Interventions statewide where volunteers helped a client in distress. Meals on Wheels connects homebound residents to critical wraparound services such as medical care, home repair, and transportation services.

The program is funded by local and state donations and grants and has a sizable economic impact. When considering employee salaries, vehicles purchased, food purchased, building acquisitions, and maintenance, at the state level it provides almost $200,000,000 in revenue. That’s 16.2 million meals provided with over 33,000 daily clients.

Considering all this, the fiscally conservative state legislators have classified Meals on Wheels as not just another expendable social assistance program—it is seen as a vital community resource.

This is how I have been inspired to live mission in my community and to celebrate mission with all of you!

What are the ways you are living mission in your community?

I urge you to share your story with us so that the entire Beyond the Walls community can celebrate with you.

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