Thursday, September 23, 2010

The Danger Zone and the Storehouse...

The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. ~ Deuteronomy 28:12

I get really cranky when I get hungry. My head starts to hurt, I can’t think of anything besides the lion in my belly and I get a bit….let’s say “snippy”. Dave calls it the “Danger Zone”.

Sometimes, time will get away from us and before I know it I’ve crossed the brink of sanity and quickly entered the ravenous phase. The good news is that Dave can easily recognize the symptoms of the danger zone. When he gets “the look”, when he gets “the tone” or when he gets silence it’s a fairly good indication that we need to get FOOD!
All photos of the Storehouse courtesy of Jamie Lapeyrolerie: Beloved Photography

Thankfully, I can always get to a Chick-Fil-A, the grocery store, Chili’s, grab some almonds, run through Sonic…whatever is closest to me on my route. I always have a few dollars to satisfy my need. Praise God. I am blessed.

Many, many people don’t have that same fortune. Mothers lay awake at night wondering what their kids will eat for dinner the following night because they only have a bag of rice in the cabinet. Fathers work all day on nothing but a ½ of a peanut butter sandwich because there wasn’t enough bread to make a whole. And don't even think about jelly!

In 2003, two hardworking, college educated, professionals, found themselves jobless and homeless. Like many of us, they never dreamed that “people like them” could find themselves in such a devastating situation. They experienced the humiliation and mistreatment of someone seeking help from others. At that point, they knew God had something bigger for their lives. They started the Storehouse.

The Storehouse is a faith based food pantry in Austin, TX. They serve the poor. Beyond food they give them hope, love, respect and prayer. Most of all they give them JESUS.

As Christians we are told to love and to serve. And not just those in our social class or in our friendship circle. We’re commanded to love and serve even the least of these.

We have an example of how to do that from the loving and selfless God we serve. Thank God that he saw the poor, the weak, the hungry, the needy and the completely unworthy, and then put his son on the cross to save ME. What a blessing that He's taught us how to serve others.
The Storehouse is an amazing ministry, but they desperately need our help. They are feeling the effects of a down economy. People tighten their wallets and one of the first things to go is charitable giving. Because of that, the Storehouse is unable to purchase food in bulk from the Capital Area Food Bank because frankly, they don’t have the money. They need $7,000. Yep, you read that right. $7,000. People need food. People need Jesus. The Storehouse needs money to continue to give people food and be the hands and feet of Christ to them. WE need to be the hands and feet of Christ to them.

I know there are a million places to give of your resources, but please consider the Storehouse. You can read more about them here: www.thestorehouseofaustin.org and you can donate directly here (any amount helps greatly!): http://www.thestorehouseofaustin.org/support.php

A WONDERFUL WAY YOU CAN HELP:

All of these amazing photos of the Storehouse were taken by my very talented friend, Jamie. Jamie has offered her fabulous time and talent and is offering photo sessions with ALL of the money going to the Storehouse! Perfect timing for Christmas card pictures! Here's the 411:
  • $100 for a 30-45 minute session (ALL $100 will go to the Storehouse!)
  • Saturday, October 9th in Austin, TX- exact location TBD
  • You will get a DVD of your images
  • You may change clothes, bring your dog, whatever you think you can do in your 30-45 minutes
  • You will make a check payable to The Storehouse so it will be tax deductible, or you can *pay by credit card directly to their website (*Please contact Jamie first so you guys can set up that payment transaction)
  • Sessions can be booked directly through Jamie by e-mailing her: jamie@belovedphotography.net
  • You can check her out on her website and her blog: lifephotographylove.blogspot.com

Here are a few of her amazing pictures!

Melt my heart! Are you even kidding me??

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." ~ Matthew 25: 35-40

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh I so wish I had money to spare- this seems like such a great place to donate to! I will definitely keep it in mind for future donations!

And you're so right- so many people around us don't realized how blessed we are!

Susannah said...

How about if we just want to give some money? Who what when where email me pls

melissa said...

What a wonderful, deserving organization. I hope they're able to raise the money they need.

arg said...

love this! and love any reason to get to Austin for a weekend!

Karena said...

Tiffany,

Wonderful thoughts and such a great cause.

I have a Giveaway from the French Basketeer I think you will love!

Karena
Art by Karena