Friday, January 12, 2007

At The Hop

On Wednesday, Jackie and I decided to go to IHOP for breakfast. Knowing we were headed into the International Mission Field of Pancakes, we decided to bring our Kindness 2 Go bag with us hoping we could give it away to someone inside. So before we finished our pancakes, I picked up the Kindness 2 Go bag that had been sitting on our table the entire time and said to our waitress, “Amber, this is our Kindness 2 Go bag. We’d like to give this you to brighten your day.”

She looked a little startled, but immediately broke into a big smile. Bigger than any she had given us when we sat down or after she delivered our pancakes. She said, “Really? That’s sweet. That DOES brighten my day. Thanks!”

Jackie, as way of explanation, added “We just moved to the area. My husband is the pastor of the Toledo First Adventist church down the road. He’s got everybody in church giving these bags away. It’s fun. We hope you like it.” She confirmed some location details of our church and before she left, smiled real big, thanked us again and said “It’s good to know there are still some good people left in the world.” This Ordinary Outreach moment was brought to you by the Hop.

2 comments:

Nestle said...

Hey this is Danny, you're post has been reposted at haloscape.com (trackback) right here...
http://www.haloscape.com/serv/?p=159

thanks for the awesome post!

I think this is a pretty cool ministry opportunity. What's in those bags?

Mike Fortune said...

You asked: "What's in those bags?"

Here's what's in them:

(1) "Steps to Jesus" [which is Steps to Christ in modern day English available at www.adventistbookcenter.com

(1) Bag of Famous Amos cookies

(1) "Church Has Left the Building" Coffee Mug wrapped in tissue paper with the following Scripture insert and items inside:

Toothpick - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others... “It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. 5So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns.” 1 Corinthians 4:4-5 (NLT)

Rubber Band - to remind you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out... “28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Band Aid - to remind you to heal other’s fear, hurt, or frustrations... “12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)

Pencil - to remind you to list your blessings everyday... “3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 (KJV)

Eraser - to remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay... “20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) “ I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25 (KJV) “19Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!” Micah 7:19 (NLT)

Chewing Gum - to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything ... “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV) “13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Mint - to remind you that you are worth a mint to your heavenly father... “16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17 (NKJV)

Candy Kisses - to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday ... “7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (NKJV) “8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Herb Tea Bag - to remind you to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings... “18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) “24Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:24 (NLT)