Anyone who’s made Christmas deliveries for My Brother’s Keeper understands how special this experience can be. The gratitude and faith of the families we serve is positively inspiring.

I met one such family making deliveries in Fall River with two volunteers, Ellie from Norwood and Brian of Abington. Down a back alley and up a set of stairs above a bar, we found the six members of the ‘Jacobs’ family crowded into a tiny, two-bedroom apartment. We were greeted warmly by Aubrey, her husband Tom, and newborn Amy, just two weeks old. aAs we admired tiny Amy swaddled in blankets, Aubrey told us the youngest of their four kids had been a bit of a surprise. In the same breath, she spoke of the baby as “God’s decision” and how He would always provide for the family.

I’m continually amazed at the willingness of those we serve to open up about their lives and spirituality so soon after meeting us. It’s a tremendous compliment to My Brother’s Keeper and the respectful way we serve.

You wouldn’t know it by the kind smiles on their faces, but the past few months had been a serious financial struggle for the family. Tom, a construction worker, hadn’t worked in awhile because of the cold weather. With an extra mouth to feed and money so tight, a friend urged them to call My Brother’s Keeper for help. Aubrey and Tom faced these challenges with uncommon grace, dignity, and trust. “It is all in God’s hands,” Aubrey said confidently. “He’s always watched out for us and He’ll do so again.“

After a round of emotional hugs, we were on our way to the next delivery. Aubrey and Tom could now provide a joyful Christmas for their children, but it was clear that our visit had more to do with God’s love and hope than the four bulging bags of gifts. Witnessing their faith, we understood my Brother’s Keeper was just God’s way of taking care of the family in their time of need.