‘People need hope’; Vermilion Co. church offers meal and clothes
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) – A Vermilion County church spread hope ahead of the holidays. Mosaic City Church met community members with a hot meal and clothing to keep them warm in the colder months.
"We're like Jesus, and we're going to serve you like Jesus would serve you," pastor's wife Jennifer Hoskins said.
That was the spirit behind Feed Your Soul — an event put on by the church to provide Danville community members with a warm meal and an even warmer feeling.
"With homelessness, maybe they don't have no one to turn to, maybe they don't have family," Danville community member Cybil Johnson said. "All they need is one person to believe in them."
Organizers said it's a privilege to be that much needed beacon of hope.
"I believe the church should shine the brightest in the dark, and it's dark outside in terms of people who are discouraged, people who are without hope," Pastor LeStan Hoskins said. "So, this is a great time to be the church. I'm loving it."
Soup, sides and desserts were on the menu. Meanwhile, clothing and blankets were also available for people to take home.
"Unfortunately, recently, we've had some shutdowns of our homeless shelters, and it's getting cold," Jennifer said. "So, what can we do as a church to go out to the community, and serve our community, and show the love of Jesus? And so, the idea was let's serve them something warm, let's give them blankets, give them hats, gloves, things they really need during this time of year."
About 80 people were lined up for the start of the event. Dozens more trickled in as the smell of a home-cooked meal pulled them through the doors.
"This event is an opportunity to show love to them, to give them hope and let them know we care about them," LeStan said. "People need hope. The church is here to provide hope and to love them and to make a difference in our community."
People left full — not just from the meal — but from the kindness shown and the respect given.
Organizers said the turnout exceeded their expectations. They were glad so many people took advantage of the help.
