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By Mary Faye Randolph
Almost four years ago, I suffered a broken bone that required surgery, an extended hospital stay, and a seemingly endless recuperation period at home. At times I felt as helpless as a newborn. Throughout the ordeal, my friends (primarily from FUMC) took care of my every need—physical and emotional. As thankful as I was, I had a nagging sense of guilt. How could I ever repay the time and energy that had been given so freely by these friends?

Seemingly, my friends didn’t really need or expect repayment. I had been aware of the concept of “pay it forward” since the book and movie of that name came out in the early 2000s. I decided to begin paying it forward consciously.
Soon after I was getting around again, Dick and Ann Young asked me to join their Mobile Loaves & Fishes truck team. Serving sandwiches, chips, cookies, and drinks to our neighbors living on the streets, I feel like I’m helping our congregation live out Jesus’ repeated message of “love thy neighbor.” The humanizing effect of simply letting our neighbors choose between Fritos or Cheetos and Fudge Stripes or Famous Amos cookies has allowed me to see our “customers” as individuals, not just faceless men and women, bundled in all their clothing, huddled on the street. There is gratitude, good-natured banter, and many blessings shared as we distribute God’s bounty like the disciples did with the five loaves and two fishes.