By Kenneth Meyn
“I’m helping people and having fun with my church family. And I’m sharing the love of Jesus.”
This is how Armia Bajit explained why she and more than 115 other members and friends of The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Garden City, gathered on June 15 to pack meals in a fight against hunger.
In just under two hours, these people, working in four-person assembly lines, packed more than 3,333 bags of nutrients, which will become 20,000 meals for hungry people worldwide.
Diana Auer, who was in charge of the event, stated, “Over 2.3 billion people suffer from food insecurity in this world. We give thanks for the chance to help combat world hunger and support amazing organizations, like Rise Against Hunger, as they work to be the hands and feet of God.”
Rise Against Hunger is an organization seeking to grow “a global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives and responding to emergencies.” This was the fourth time the church had sponsored such an event.
Pastor Jeffrey Browning said, “Meal packing is a great event for so many reasons. I appreciate that it tends to attract helpers of all ages. It’s great to see people from across the generational spectrum working together.”
Asked why she gave up her Saturday morning to pack meals, Gershaine Bennett said, “To help. I work with veterans and thought I’d do this to continue helping people.”
After missing last year’s packing, Karen Schoenfeld said, “Thankfully, I was once again able to join in on this fun event. It feels so satisfying to do something good to help others.”
Karey Kumpel observed that her family is “so happy to be helping out. This is the second year we’ve been doing this for the church. We think it’s such a wonderful experience. We love it and will keep doing it.”
Linda McElroy expressed her feelings: “On a regular Saturday, a group of ordinary people gathered to pack meals and help feed the world. What a wonderful thing!”
Resurrection Lutheran Church is a Christian community of faith, located at 420 Stewart Ave., near Clinton Rd., in Garden City. All are invited to worship at 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. Sunday mornings, with Sunday School and Christian Education at 9:45 a.m. For more information, call 516.746.4426 or visit resgc.org.
Kenneth Meyn works with the Resurrection Lutheran Church
