Illness, tragedy, job loss, or even the joyful occasion of the birth of a child can all be opportunities for caring for those in need. Whether it is a neighbor who does not come to church or someone who is active in your small group Bible study, these occasions are ripe for reaching out and showing love.
One such way to do that is through providing meals during these life transitions. I have witnessed leaders during times like this who know how to organize a group of people to prepare and deliver meals. It can be a challenge to ensure that the appropriate days are scheduled and that two dinners do not show up on the same day (or worse, no dinner shows up at all). There is service on the Internet that helps do just that…and more.
I can remember occasions in my life when meals provided by friends ministered to me during difficult times. Whether an illness or a death in the family, these meals helped me get the nourishment that would have been difficult to get otherwise. They also helped me to know I was a part of a caring community.
3 Reasons to Provide a Meal
- Often during these times, it is difficult to get a good meal because of time constraints or being unable physically to make a meal.
- If the persons in need are a part of the Faith Family, it expresses to them that they are loved. This also results in others seeing the love for fellow Christians. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
- If the persons in need are not a part of the Faith Family, it shares the love of Jesus with them in a tangible way. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” (Matthew 25:34-35).
Use “TakeThemAMeal.com” Online Tool
You can now coordinate your meal schedules through an online, secure website. Born out of the need to prepare meals for a friend, the creators of TakeThemAMeal.com provide this service FREE to others.
A meal coordinator is able to create a customized online sign up sheet that makes it easy for friends and family to bring meals. In just a few minutes, phone numbers, driving directions, food allergies, and any other helpful details can be communicated to everyone involved. TakeThemAMeal.com began when our community came together to meet real needs of a local family. Our desire is to share this tool so others may be helped as well.
Other Features
In addition to the scheduling aspect of this site, they also offer:
- Recipe Ideas
- Sample Schedules
- For those who do not live in the same town as the person in need but want to provide a meal, you can order a soup dinner or care package to be delivered.
To learn more about this tool and start using it today, go to www.TakeThemAMeal.com.
Discussion
How does your church schedule meals for those in need? What tools do you recommend to other readers? How have you used TakeThemAMeal.com in your ministry?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”