I went on a delivery in Quincy with two of our young volunteers, Sam Duke of Easton and Luke Bernasconi of Hanover, both high school freshmen. Our first stop of the day was a delivery to a woman named Maria. Maria was born here in the United States to Greek immigrants but as a young adult, she moved to her parents’ native town in Greece. She lived there for 15 years, had a good job, and was doing well raising two sons.

Unfortunately, as many saw in the news recently, the economy in Greece took a serious downturn and the government fell into financial turmoil. As a result, Maria lost her job and returned to the United States to provide for her children, now 16 and 11. "It’s difficult to find work here," she said, "but the chances of getting a job are much better than they are in Greece."

As we carried furniture and set up the beds, we had the opportunity to speak with Maria some more. She told us how difficult it was starting over but better than what they had left behind. "For awhile now, my boys have been sleeping in the same bed. I’m so grateful that they can each sleep in their own beds tonight."

She also told me that coming back to the U.S. had a hidden blessing. It gave her the opportunity to spend time taking care of her grandmother. "I was very close to her—my grandmother was so loving, such a big part of my childhood."

Maria was smiling through tears: her grandmother had died that very morning.

Suddenly I realized we really were there to deliver more than furniture. Maria needed the love and hope of Jesus during this difficult time. She needed to feel His presence in her life that day. When I handed her the crucifix and told her, "We’re just the delivery people…He’s the one who sent you the furniture," she began to sob.

I asked Maria if she wanted to say a prayer together. With a tear-filled smile, she said "of course." I said a simple prayer asking that God give her and her family peace and comfort during this difficult time. She was overwhelmed with gratitude and gave us all a big hug before we left.

As we drove to our next delivery, I did my best to explain to Sam and Luke that we truly are God’s voice and His hands in the world.