For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven . . .
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“Season” can be used to denote a specific time frame like winter, fall, spring, or summer, or it can refer to a more general, less-defined period of time. Today, I’d like to discuss both usages of the term.
Let’s begin with the season of the year. As we say goodbye to summer and usher in all that fall has to offer, we have much to be thankful for. Nearly all ministries struggle during the summer months with creating the necessary cash flow, as donors travel and change their routines and simply forget, or put off, their giving. This year was an absolute blessing for Feed the Hunger, as over $80,000 came in for the All-American Packathon, which was held this summer. Thank you, Lord! And now fall begins the “busy season” for us, with many packing events on the books from now through Thanksgiving. We’re excited about 2016 being our biggest year yet for packaging meals that will be put into service for the King.
Feed the Hunger traces its roots back to 1968, when God called us to minister through song and preaching to address racial tensions in the South during a very turbulent time. This season of racial reconciliation lasted a decade or so before God moved the emphasis to equipping partners overseas with resources necessary to strengthen and expand their ministries. Training pastors, digging wells, building churches, and providing bicycles or motorcycles are all examples of our ministry efforts during that season.
Jumping forward to today, God has us in a season of equipping partners here in the US as well as around the world with physical food in order that they may also address the spiritual hunger of those in need. As previously mentioned, we have seen a great increase in the number of meals produced this year for no other reason than God’s provision in this season. To His Name be the glory!
I think it’s important to note that the common theme in understanding the seasons of ministry is change. We have found that, many times, listening to God’s calling requires a faithful, trusting ability to adapt to change—and to obediently follow His leading in ALL matters!
May we all be found faithful and true in this endeavor!
Jim Gurley | Director of Development
