My Three Day Weekend

Do you know how I spent my three-day weekend? I played bingo with nursing home residents I didn’t know. I handed out hot chocolate to homeless men and women in below freezing weather. I went to a single church service that lasted over two-and-a-half hours. I visited homeless shelters inquiring about a place to sleep, and shared a meal with a convicted criminal who is now living on the streets. I conversed with a mentally-ill homeless man. I woke up at 5:30 a.m. on a Monday that I didn't have school to serve and eat breakfast with homeless people I'll probably never see again. I cleaned the dust-ridden, smoke-filled apartment of a man in his mid-70s who spent over 20 years on the streets. I delivered food to people with terminal illnesses. And maybe, just maybe, I entertained an angel. But do you know what's really crazy? It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. In serving others in less-than-ideal situations for the past four years with the Center for Student Missions in Washington DC, God has opened my eyes to many things. I have realized how amazingly blessed I am. Not only because I have a home, a bed, food on the table and a loving family, but because I have the everlasting hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as my Savior.

God has blessed me with encounters with people who have no money, no house and seemingly no future, but still cling tightly to the promises of God with a faith that could move mountains. He's pushed me out of my comfort zone and knocked my socks off with demonstrations of His provision and peace. He’s let me sing His praises with people from all walks of life. In allowing me to serve ‘the least of these,’ I've been able to serve God alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ. God has given me the privilege of being his hands and feet and allowed me to share in the feeding of His sheep. I've gotten to show I'm a Real Person, in love with a Real God who can make a Real Difference in the world.

Hannah Woodworth, Student & CSM participant
Brandywine Valley Baptist Church
Wilmington, DE