Coats

There is nothing like a nice warm coat when the winter winds begin to caress your ribs with their icy fingers! And if that coat also happens to be a stylish Columbia jacket, well what could be better than that? If you are an average, middle-class Canadian or American, you are probably grateful for your coat, but may not think all that much about it. But what if you didn’t have a coat? Sadly that is the situation for all too many people, even in our part of the world.

This weekend, young adults from around Ontario (and Maine and Australia as it turned out) gathered in Toronto for the latest MEGA (Make Everyday a Great Adventure) weekend. On Friday evening the group gathered at GTA-West, along with several pastors who were invited to join in. There was time for lots of fun activities including table tennis and other games, and even some karaoke. On Saturday, the group moved to Scarborough church to get ready for the service project of the weekend. This year, the service project involved coats, bags and bags of coats!

These were brand new Columbia jackets and boots, many needing some repair, that were available to be given away to those who needed them. The group met to sort, sew and glue boots and jackets in preparation for distribution.

But how do you know who is really in need? After all, lots of people would be glad of a nice new jacket, but do they need one? The guidance on that score came from Kris Judd. The answer is, you pray over each one, “God, help us get this coat to the person that really needs it.” Then, armed with coats and prayer, it was time to hit the street.

One group went out with five jackets, all of an appropriate size and style for women, but after several hours, had not found anyone needing them. Time for more prayer. Finally they asked a security guard in front of St. Michael’s Hospital, and were immediately directed to the emergency department. The lady who met them at the reception desk was reported to be practically in tears when she received this precious gift, sharing how desperately they needed those coats for persons within their care.

Another group took many more coats and boots to a local women’s shelter. Sadly, it is all too common for women and children to flee from a violent or dangerous situation and be stranded without warm coats and boots, or even such a simple thing as a toothbrush for that matter! Once again, this group was greeted like angels of mercy, delivering help to those in desperate need. It seems prayers were answered on both sides, those who had opportunity to give, and those who desperately needed to receive.

On Sunday, the venue shifted to Toronto congregation on Bathurst Street. Here the three host congregations gathered to worship with the young adults and pastors who had spent the weekend together. What a joyous day, especially when the testimony of the coats was shared. Praise God! Then it was time to break bread together, sharing stories and getting acquainted over sandwiches and cake or cookies. All in all, it was a wonderful time that really did Make Everyday (of the weekend) a Great Adventure!

If you are invited to a MEGA event, why not join in? Who knows what joy may be waiting for you?

Posted by Carman