Recently, members of Bethesda Temple Adventist Church in Omaha, Nebraska, brought smiles, gratitude and even a few tears to the aisles of one of the local grocery stores near the church by giving away money to help customers cover the cost of their groceries. The church organized an outreach event, showing up as a team and handing out envelopes of cash to unsuspecting shoppers as an act of kindness and love.
What started as a simple idea to bless the community quickly turned into a powerful moment of connection. “We just wanted to meet people where they are,” said one of the volunteers. “With prices rising and families feeling the pressure, it was a good way to step in and share God’s love in a practical way.”
Church volunteers were stationed at the checkout section, offering cheerful greetings and surprising customers by offering help at the checkout line. Some recipients were moved, sharing how they had been struggling financially or how the gesture came at just the right time. Others were simply stunned by the generosity, asking why a church would do something like this.
Many of the recipients expressed heartfelt thanks, while others shared personal stories. It didn’t take long for the church to give away several hundred dollars to help cover grocery bills for shoppers of all ages and backgrounds.
While some volunteers were helping to pay for groceries, other volunteers were stationed in an area praying for customers who had prayer requests. Several people stopped and waited for their time to pray with the volunteers. It was a very heartwarming experience.
This act of generosity is part of a larger effort by Bethesda Temple to serve the local community in tangible ways. From food pantries and gas give-a-ways to paying for laundry services and the youth giving away water in the park on hot summer days, the church believes that faith should be lived out beyond Saturday mornings.
Sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.
Georgette Terrill is the communication leader for Bethesda Temple Adventist Church in Omaha, Nebraska.
