Day 100: Ever Walk With Me Lord

From Pastor Ron Glusenkamp: 1oo days ago we started off with a “call to action". Ever since June 1st, we’ve been on this journey toward Avenues of Hope: 9.10.11. I am mindful of the ubiquitous question coming from the back seat at the beginning of each journey, “Are we there yet?” Well, the answer is “yes" and "no". "Yes", we are here at 9.10.11,which means that we have reached our goal. And “No” we are not there yet because people are still hungry and have food insecurity.

But, today we pause to celebrate and give thanks for all the people like you who have answered the “call to action.” Your gifts, your prayers, your sense of hope is making a real difference for the working poor, for the hungry children, for a senior citizen whose money and food doesn’t last throughout the month.

I am so very grateful for your participation in the journey. I thank God each and every day for Metro CareRing. I pray for all of the clients, volunteers and staff members.

We began this trek mindful of some beautiful words by Peter Mayer,

“Ever walk with me Lord


Each night and day a rejoicing


With kindness the harmony, justice the beat


You’ve turned my footsteps to dancing


Oh, ever walk with me Lord."

Today is a day for dancing. If you are able, join us at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 East Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village, CO from 11am - 2pm. If you are one of our many out of town supporters and participants, I invite you to do the “holy two step” in honor of Avenues of Hope: 9.10.11.

Blessings,

Pastor Ron Glusenkamp

Our 100-day journey began with an invitation:
an invitation to discover new Avenues when dealing with the issues of hunger,
and an invitation to commit to walking and providing a path of Hope.

We connected to pathways that helped our
neighbors in need (Saturdays) and learned about the
essential nutrients that drove our mission to end hunger (Fridays).

Not all days were full of sunshine and color. Hunger can be as
visually painful as the pains of starvation themselves.
We trekked toward understanding the adverse effects of hunger (Tuesdays)
and visualized the challenging road that many must walk (Wednesdays).

We thoughtfully focused on the course of
hope ahead through prayer (Thursdays) and traveled
alongside music that motivated (Mondays).
Finally, we turned to Scripture, as the Bible guided us
toward the Way, the truth and the life (Sundays).

From Brenda Greenwald: Now, I'm not usually one to heed such warnings as displayed in the photo above: "Stay on Path". (Nothing drives me to scramble OFF the path faster than a sign telling me to do just the opposite!) Yet, if Avenues of Hope has taught me anything, it has been the re-affirmation that the path we travel to help others in need is at the root of it all. Helping others is essential. Life-giving. Emotional.

I've been blessed and have grown in my own personal journey of what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus - the Holy Spirit has clearly been at work throughout the 100 days of blogging, research and conversations. I have a deep respect and admiration for the dear souls who commit themselves to the mission of Metro CareRing - those who have answered the call to "Stay on the Path" - those who invite and encourage others on the journey! And YOU, the Hunger Relief Community: the inspiration YOU have brought to this path was continually grounding for me. That so many people would reach out to help feed the lost, the lonely, the last was humbling. It was an honor to walk alongside you! In the end, Hunger Relief WILL be one path I do indeed stay on - one I'll nurture through prayer, through praise and through HOPE! Thanks be to God!

Day 100. Dollar 100. Pound 100. It was in a spirit of hope that we joined together as fellow travelers on the journey: educating our community about the realities of hunger, advocating for sustainable methods of hunger relief, and inspiring others to take up this cause and walk alongside us.

Our sincere thanks and may God continue to walk with you!