We are often found handing out sno-cones or popcorn (weather dependent) to students as they walk past our building, we have used Christmas as an opportunity for outreaches, and done so with Halloween as well.

In addition, one of our members was a custodian at Linn-Mar who was well loved by students and staff. He was a quiet man who listened to the students, baked 100’s and 100’s of cookies to give out around the holidays, and sought to be a light for Christ around the school. He, Jeff, had a variety of health problems and eventually passed away in early 2019. Prior to his final battle with sickness Jeff shared with the church his desire to be used by the Lord in an even bigger way at Linn-Mar. This desire was then realized in a way none of us would have anticipated because Jeff went on to be with the Lord. But then, days later, on a rainy Saturday morning in April, many of the staff and students he had sought to minister to came to his funeral and heard the gospel, a gospel his life testified to. (It is quite a testimony to a person’s impact when students get up on a Saturday morning to come to a man’s funeral!)

Well, this past summer it was put on the heart of one of our youth leaders to lead a focused effort of prayer for the school, and we now have a team of people who pray in each of the four parking lots on a regular basis. In addition, we had also been praying about how to shine the light of Christ into the school and this brings us to our breakfast. It was suggested that we extend kindness by providing something for the teachers and staff at the school during the staff work week, prior to the beginning of the school year. So, after discussion we decided to provide breakfast for the roughly 260 people who work in the building. And let me tell you, that was a lot of bagels from Panera and donuts from Donutland, along with apples, bananas and oranges!

To say it was appreciated is an understatement! When they announced it over the intercom we could hear the classroom doors opening down the various hallways as teachers hurriedly headed down. It is quite fun to be able to be a blessing to others in the name of Christ, and to continue the ministry of kindness Jeff was known for.

The following is a quote from an email we received later that day:

“What an amazing surprise to have when we came to school today! The donuts and bagels and fruit definitely lifted everyone’s spirits here. The last few years have been some of the most difficult in education and this makes all of us feel a little hope that our work is not unrecognized. We simply want to care for and teach our kids the best we can. Thank you for your kindness!”

God is good! and this is just the first of our efforts to exhibit the kindness of our Lord!