Last winter when the cold was nearly unbearable, the Salvation Army maxed out their shelter at 32 guests. At our local Salvation Army, that’s a packed house. All the people who were living in tents along the river found their way to the Salvation Army or friend’s houses.

The day after the first big snow hit, a great friend of mine who is a senior at Norman North High School came to church with a great idea. He came to me and said, “Joey, what do you think about taking a large container of hot chocolate over to the people staying at the Salvation Army?”

It is creative, personal and relational genius like this that characterizes the up and coming generation.

At 4:30 p.m. the next day, four of us ventured to the church kitchen to make a vat of hot chocolate. As it turns out, making hot chocolate in such large quantities should only be attempted by professionals–which we were not. But about an hour later, we arrived at the Salvation Army with a drink that was sure to warm your insides. We all enjoyed getting to visit with the people staying there.

Many of those who enjoyed the chocolate attend First Baptist Church of Norman on Sundays. When they showed up that Sunday, they had smiles on their faces and high remarks about the hot chocolate that was still delicious the next morning at breakfast.

What a great idea that was–a small investment in the right place making the biggest difference. It just takes something simple.

Joey Armstrong is part of a Buckner church collaboration with First Baptist Church in Norman, Okla. He serves as the church-community minister there.
 
Prayers of the Week:
-God, help us to be mindful of the simple comforts we can share with others. Remind us to put the needs of others above our own needs.
-God, we thank you for the gift of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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If you are interested in submitting a devotional for Buckner Faith Focus, please e-mail lsturdy@buckner.org.

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