Ministry is not always a pleasant experience in fact it can often be just plain difficult. And this is a good description of one aspect of the Christian Radosc Foundation’s (CRF) work here, the Food Bank deliveries the foundation is responsible for each month. It goes without saying that this is a very important work, and from the perspective of those whom receive it, very necessary. But it can often just seem hard, especially in two specific ways.

From the physical perspective, there are the food products we pick-up, load, sort and re-load each month, some times as much as 7 metric tons. Then there are the approximately 3 days needed to deliver it all to the 500 plus dependants spread out over several communities here in the Warsaw area, some of them very isolated, living basically in ‘shacks’ in the middle of the forest (Finding addresses is another issue!!!) This also puts a lot of wear on the CRF van not to mention the cost of the fuel which is needed each month. 

From the emotional/spiritual perspective, there can be an even higher price to pay. Since in most cases we deliver the food goods directly, going door-to-door, it is a great opportunity to make contact, build relationships, and stay current with what is happening in the lives of these families, especially the children. We are often allowed into their ‘homes’ and see exactly how they live as they share their other needs with us. This is a real ‘slap’ of reality and can be difficult as well, causing a wide range of emotions. Sadness; that these children live in such hard conditions but joy as well, because we see first hand how we are helping to make a real difference in their lives through this practical ministry.

This mixture of sadness and joy can really be seen when on occasion we invite guests to go along on the deliveries with us. Usually these are members of the teams that have come to serve the foundation during our camps. You can see them struggle with the different reactions they have to the poverty and conditions the children live in, which they often just met at a camp. It always touches their hearts in a deep way and helps them have a clearer vision of the Foundations work. The sense of joy and accomplishment far outweigh any of the challenges this type of ministry can have. And there are always the bright moments that remind us of why we are doing what we do.

Not long ago, we experienced just such a moment. It was towards the end of one of those long days, the second of such in fact, and we were packing up a load of food items for the next family on our list. As is sometimes the case, on this particular day we had received along with the normal items some baked goods which included sweet roles and “Paczki” (polish donuts). As we approached the house we were met by the woman who lived there along with her two young sons. As they drew nearer they caught sight of the special treats and with wide eyes and great excitement the oldest boy exclaimed; “finally…something sweet!”

Our routine stop became much more than just another food drop to these two boys, as they could not even wait till they made it to the house, before they each were joyfully munching on a sugary treat. It was a great encouragement for us as well reminding us of not only how important this particular ministry is from the physical point of view, but also spiritually as well. God is always faithful to bring along “something sweet’ just at the right moments, keeping us going and reminding us what’s important.

You who have come and served and given so much to the work here are something ‘sweet’ to the Foundation as well. Thank you for making a difference here in Poland, in the lives of children and their families.

If you are interested in coming and / or supporting the work here please feel free to contact us. Here are some of the practical needs connected with the Food Bank ministry we now face. Please pray about how you might become involved.

- Regular support for this monthly, on-going ministry, help to cover the costs of pick-up, distribution, etc.
- 
- Help in paying off the Ministry vehicle, VW Transporter Van, releasing us from this monthly burden. Please see this link for more information: http://www.fundacja-radosc.pl/content/view/105/44/lang,en/

- The possibility of purchasing a second, small truck to be used exclusively in this ministry. (We are constantly picking up food, clothes, furniture and other household items donated for our dependants)

- The possibility of securing a property which can serve as a main distribution point, storage facility, and even a ‘Charity Shop’ in the future.
Thank you and God bless you!
For the Children…

Jim Fournier - the Vice President of The Christian RADOSC Foundation