Six years ago I was inspired by two things — the need to feed people and the need to bring people back into the family of God. Jesus said, “feed my lambs.”
On Christmas Day in 2019, my husband, Bob, and I, along with a group of volunteers, began the Breaking Bread Dinner Church. It was designed to bring people in for a worship service and a meal. We continued serving 20 to 30 people each Thursday with a buffet type dinner and a worship service at Aaron McNeil House.
When COVID hit we began to go outside and pray with the diners that had lined up around the building and to serve to-go meals because people still needed to be fed body and soul.
I have been very blessed to serve not only those who are food insecure but those who are in need of prayer and had nowhere else to go over the last six years. Our numbers have increased from serving 20 or 30 to serving 400 to 500 meals each Thursday.
Many of those who come each week are now friends — people I’ve prayed with, talked with since 2019. People return each week needing prayer, maybe even a little fellowship, a hug and a meal.
I am grateful that now, there’s a new group of younger people that will take over Breaking Bread Dinner Church.
I couldn’t just walk away; I needed to wait for God to send others who were willing to do His service.
When the Bridge of Hope Fellowship stepped up with a group of people who are willing to continue to reach out, to pray and to feed God’s lambs, body and soul, I knew it was time for me to step down.
So I write this story of blessings and gratitude because it is now time for me to move on to my next adventure in God’s service.
I am so very grateful for the support of the community over the past six years. Individuals who stepped up with turkeys and cupcakes when asked. Folks who came to help serve. Many people, churches and business who contributed financially. And all of you who prayed as we worked. I know you will continue to support Dinner Church in the future as you have in the past.
I will serve my last meal on Christmas Day. It will be a little sad, but I know God’s got Breaking Bread Dinner Church in His hands.
Thank you, Hoptown. Many, many, blessings.
Donna Williams
Donna Williams is the founder and director of Breaking Bread Community Dinner Church, a group that serves free supper every Thursday afternoon at Aaron McNeil House.
