Be a Doer

Author: Stefan Christensen

Earlier this year a friend invited me to help serve a meal at Mission of Hope on B Avenue. I’d never served there before, though I’d met a couple of the staff members over the past few years.

For that lunch, a group of friends chipped in to buy 30 pizzas. More than 150 people came through the line for a free, hot meal. As we prepared, Mary—the coordinator—remarked, “Don’t be stingy with the pizza; for a lot of these folks this will be their only meal today.” That stuck with me.

We prayed over the meal, the director shared about Mission of Hope’s Bible studies and support groups, and then everyone began to line up—wrapping all the way around the room and out the door. It was a vivid reminder of the brokenness in Cedar Rapids that I often overlook as I drive through town.

After seconds were served, I sat down with a young man named Paul. He was probably in his late 20s and kept his guitar close the entire time. Growing up in a musical family, I felt an instant connection. We had a fun conversation about Al Green—his grandma’s favorite artist—before he headed off to catch the bus.

Driving home I thought, I need to do this again. I wonder if others at Stonebridge would be interested. I reached out to a few friends and got a resounding “yes,” so I set a date. Mary coordinated the next meal with Tommy’s, and all we had to do was cover the cost and show up. (Covering the cost was optional, but I wanted to support the ministry as much as possible.)

When the day arrived, about 18 people from Stonebridge came to serve—some brought their families, others brought friends. As I sent out the invites, I kept hearing, “Can I bring someone with me?” It was incredible to see everyone working together. We spent the first 45 minutes assembling grab-and-go meals for the next day, and I learned that Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, and Starbucks all donate weekly so our community doesn’t go hungry. 

Serving this time was different than the last. Even more guests came through the line, but what touched me most were the elementary-aged helpers who came with their parents. Watching those young boys and girls serve what might be someone’s only meal that day was powerful.

I saw a few familiar faces from my first visit, but many new ones as well. I looked for Paul, hoping to pick up our Al Green conversation, but he wasn’t there. Instead, I sat with a new friend named Angie, whom I’d noticed last time but hadn’t met. She grew up near where we were eating and was working hard to get back on her feet. Our conversation was brief—she knew the bus schedule by heart and had to leave quickly to make her next stop.

Thinking back on that lunch still brings a tear to my eye. It’s easy to drive up and down First Avenue or past someone holding a sign outside Walmart and barely notice. But it’s humbling to sit across from the very people we often overlook and share a warm meal.
There are many ways to serve the hurting in our community—not just with words but with action. When you sit across from someone like Paul or Angie, you’re reminded that beyond food, people need the hope that only Christ can give. I’m so grateful for Mission of Hope and the faithful staff who keep this ministry thriving in our city.

Have you found a place to serve? At Stonebridge, there are many ways to get involved, including serving with our two food pantries. Beyond that, there are countless wonderful organizations in our community that need helping hands. Maybe your next step is reaching out to Mission of Hope and connecting with Mary or another staff member to see how you can get involved. Ask those in your life to serve along with you. You will be amazed what happens when you step out and DO something.