I have asked this question so many times over the last couple weeks. I want so much to serve God in the midst of this crisis. I want so much to help LifeWay serve our community in the midst of this crisis. I want us to take advantage of this opportunity to live out our faith and be the body of Christ. The funny thing is, for the last couple of weeks, every opportunity I pursued to get LifeWay involved didn’t seem to work out. I contacted nearby apartment complexes, I contacted the school district’s nutrition services, I contacted local care facilities, and none of them worked. I saw other churches jumping in, and wondered why God wasn’t giving me the same success?
Finally, a friend reminded me that my job is to follow God’s leading in how we serve, not to force my way into anything. This is going to be a marathon, not a sprint, and God will certainly have ways for us to serve.
Then, of course, the opportunities started coming. In the last few days, we have been asked to help with groceries for a Twin Lakes Elementary family whose parents have lost jobs. There is a strong chance that this will not be the only family that Twin Lakes staff sends our way. The partnership that we have built at the school may have been for such a time as this! Knowing that this need will continue and probably grow, we are beginning to prepare for it now.
Here is how you can help:
- When you do your own family’s grocery shopping, purchase items for one (or more!) extra meals. All items will need to be non-perishable or freezer-safe.
- Find ideas and guidelines here.
- Or, instead of groceries, purchase a grocery gift card.
- Drop the items by the church during one of our designated drop-off times. We will arrange it so everyone remains at a safe distance. (Note: Drop-off days have been updated as of April 23.)
- Mondays, 1-4 p.m.
- Please contact the church to make other arrangements.
- As needs arise within our church family and in the local community, we will be able to readily offer grocery items.
How else can I help?
Here are some other ways you can help in our community:
The Federal Way Day Center
They are currently serving around 70 guests each day. Donations can be met at the door (Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.). The current needs are coffee, coffee mugs, cream, sugar, cup of soup or mac and cheese cups. There is always a need for towels, toiletries, laundry soap, prepackaged snacks, and hand warmers.
The address is: 33505 13th Pl. S. Suite D, Federal Way, WA 98003
The Multi-Service Center
The MSC needs volunteers for its Federal Way Food Bank to help provide essential resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first couple weeks of the crisis, there has been more than a 25% increase in the number of customers using the food bank. To find out more about the specific opportunities, visit the MSC website here.
St. Francis Hospital
The staff at St. Francis are on the front lines of caring for COVID-19 patients. There are a number of ways that you can support local healthcare workers. Click here for ideas ranging from sewing masks for healthcare workers to writing thank-you notes for staff.
Brookdale Federal Way
Like most care facilities in the area, residents are currently unable to leave the facility except for medical appointments and are currently unable to accept visitors. To encourage residents, cards and small crafts are being accepted to let residents know that they are being thought of and prayed for. Contact Heather, or the care facility of your choice, for options.