Photo by Michael Alexander

Only by writing this article has it given me a chance to stop, sit down and reflect on the journey the Lord has taken us to this very moment. The COVID pandemic, financial hardships, loss of loved ones, isolation and the constant struggles of life have touched all people across the globe. 

Despite all the doom and gloom we are surrounded by through news and media outlets, this past year has been one filled with love, hope and faith.

So many Catholic churches, Christian churches and nonprofit organizations we see on a daily basis have been working round the clock to provide for the needs of the poor and those less fortunate. They provide for perfect strangers, care for the homeless and show how to love one another the same way the Lord loves us. These efforts awaken the human soul as faith through work shines forth as the light of Christ for all to see.

Our ministry has always been focused on saving the most disadvantaged in society, to touch them with the love of Christ. Our homeless brothers and sisters live in the elements with no food, shelter or clothing. Most of them live in the woods behind shopping centers, dumpsters, abandoned buildings, under bridges or condemned buildings. When I stop and think about them this Scripture always comes to my mind:

“For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, A stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me. What you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” — Mt 25: 42-43,45

As Thanksgiving approaches, this verse reminds me of how thankful we should be as our families gather and prepare meals to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Giving thanks reminds me of all my brothers, sisters, children and families around the world in poverty, suffering from a lack of food, water and basic necessities of life.

It also reminds me to be thankful for all the hardships and trials we have encountered this past year. Even our difficult struggles have been a blessing for us. We give thanks to our Father for the little things that we don’t always see. Like the air we breathe.

Faith has sustained us throughout the year, not just in our minds and hearts, but in the hearts of all who do the work of the Father and especially in the light of Christ we see in those we serve in the streets.

We give thanks to God for providing us with his love through abundant resources from friends, family, volunteers, nonprofit organizations and the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Many are private donors, in addition to: Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Church, St. Marguerite D’Youville Church, St. John Neumann Church, St. Vincent De Paul Society Georgia, First Baptist Church Snellville, Letum Eat, Solidarity Pantry, Hearts to Nourish Hope, The Nett Church, Claudine’s Closet, L.E.A.F., The Sandwich Project, Omega Senior Center, First Senior Center, Fountain Of Hope, Colliers Community Center, Intermezzo Cafe and Little Caesars Pizza.