by Lt. Obed Briceno
I’ve found an indescribable joy in serving the community, especially in providing hot meals Monday through Friday to those in need. Here at the East Chicago, Ind., Corps we serve more than 100 hot meals a day. For us, each meal is more than just nourishment; it is a symbol of love, hope and dignity for those who may feel forgotten. Seeing the smiles, hearing words of gratitude, and witnessing the relief in people’s eyes brings a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Every Thursday we hold “Coffee and Jesus” where we provide a devotional time for the community before our lunch. Serving in this way creates a bond of compassion, reminding us that we are all part of a greater family, called to lift one another up. In giving, we receive joy, gratitude and the assurance that even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting impact on someone’s life. This is a reminder that service is not just about meeting physical needs but also about offering kindness, encouragement and a sense of belonging.
Serving others becomes an opportunity to reflect God’s love in action, to be His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs compassion. The joy of giving is multiplied in the relationships formed and smiles exchanged. It is in serving that we truly find purpose, experience deep gratitude, and discover the beauty of selfless love.
Ministry in this form creates a space where people experience God’s love in a tangible way, where barriers are broken, and where dignity is restored. It fosters a deep sense of community, uniting people from different walks of life in shared humanity and mutual support. In serving others, we embody the Gospel, allowing our actions to preach louder than words, and in doing so, we experience the indescribable joy of being instruments of God’s work on earth.
