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*New Feature*
"Stories from the Past"
This page features delivery stories that have been published in our newsletter since its inception in November 1991. This page will receive frequent updates, so please check back to read other stories from the past.
The following story is taken from the June 2001 newsletter.
"God Teaches Us
As We Go Along The Way"
by Jim Orcutt
Recently someone asked me what are some of the things I've learned, along the way, since God started My Brother's Keeper nearly fourteen years ago.
I thought of a delivery to a Spanish family in the early days
of My Brother's Keeper. The mother and father were in their
late thirties. They had two children, a ten-year-old son and
a six-year-old daughter. As is often the case, the only one in
the family who spoke English was Enrico, the ten-year-old
boy.
Terry and I did the delivery in our first truck, affectionately
known as the Green Monster, a name derived from its habit
of breaking down. As we always do, at the conclusion of the
delivery, we presented the family with a crucifix with our
message, "We're just the delivery people. This is the person
who sent you the furniture."
Enrico translated for us and it was truly a beautiful moment.
His parents broke into smiles as their young son repeated
our message in Spanish.
We do not always have everything the family needs on the
initial delivery. Consequently, we had occasion to return to
their home several times over the next couple of weeks.
It was winter and we noticed that Enrico had a severe cold.
Every time we saw him he was wearing the same light
dungaree jacket without a lining.
Knowing that we were going to be making a delivery to the
family the next day, we got a warm fur-lined winter coat for
Enrico. We were very excited on the way to their home,
knowing we were bringing a warm coat for this wonderful
little boy.
At our knock, the father opened the door. As was usually the
case when we visited, the mother was at the stove. The
wonderful smell of rice and beans permeated the house.
She half bowed and smiled a hello. Enrico and his sister
were at the table playing a board game.
In Spanish and with gestures, the father beckoned us to step
inside. As the children recognized us they stood and broke
into smiles. Without thinking, I started to wave Enrico
toward us with the intention of giving him the new coat.
But suddenly I stopped.....it must have been the Holy Spirit,
because what I did next certainly was not the result of any
conscious thought on my part.
Instead of giving the coat to Enrico I turned and handed it to
his father and pointed to the boy. Immediately, the father
understood this was a new coat for his son. In Spanish, he
called Enrico to him and told the boy to turn around. Then
the father helped the boy try on his new winter coat. Enrico
turned around wearing his new coat and look up at his
father. Smiling broadly he said in English, "Thank you,
Papa."
The father looked at us, his eyes filled with gratitude.
Without any words being spoken, it was clear he was
grateful not only for the coat but that he had been able to
be the 'giver' of this gift to his son.
In recalling this beautiful delivery I am always amazed at
our Lord's wisdom and compassion. I thank Him for sending
His Spirit at that very moment to guide me to give the coat
to the father. I have carried the lesson with me since and
shared the story with many others.
Fulfilling our mission "To bring the love and hope of Jesus
Christ to those we serve" goes far beyond simply bringing
furniture and food.
The mission is most fully realized when our hearts, the
hearts of those we serve, and the heart of Jesus meet in
love, dignity and compassion.
At My Brother's Keeper we never speak of Christian service
in terms of obligation or responsibility. It is too great a gift
from God to be relegated to such phrases. Instead, we
always speak of the privilege of service.
Truly, we are humbled that Christ would entrust to our weak
human hands His most precious poor.
If you would like to comment on this story or have an experience at My Brother's Keeper that provided a moment close to Christ for you, please send an email to:
"Whatever
you do for the most humble of my people, you do for me."
Matthew 25:40