If you have ever participated in a Feed the Hunger Packathon, then you know how enjoyable it is to serve God in a well-organized, family-friendly, high-energy food packing event. Most people who attend leave the event excitedly anticipating the next time their church will host a Packathon, even taking time to check out our website for the next FtH event within driving distance – all in an effort to feed hungry children.
My guess is, although they are very thankful for the opportunity to pack, few people understand what all takes place to ensure that each packing session is conducted with excellence. A lot of the responsibility for planning a great Packathon falls on the leaders at the host location. These leaders are tasked with recruiting people to package the food, raising funds to sponsor the meals, and supplying the items FtH can’t bring on our truck. Most of these point people are volunteers – people who love Jesus and recognize that the Packathon offers lots of people the opportunity to provide nourishing food to those in need, while also sharing soul-saving news.
Without the tireless efforts of local Packathon champions, our food packing events would not be as consistently successful as they are. That is why we felt it was important to gather as many local Packathon coordinators as possible for a time of learning from and sharing with each another.
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Last weekend, 36 friends of Feed the Hunger assembled in Myrtle Beach, SC for a time of enrichment and encouragement. This group of leaders represented five states and millions of meals packed with Feed the Hunger. Our meeting together exceeded expectations, especially since this was the first time we’ve tried hosting such an event. Here are a few highlights:
- We had a special time of worshiping God together throughout the weekend. There was powerful unity in the room as believers from various denominational backgrounds joined together to sing the praises of our great God and to pray.
- It certainly is more than a meal! Our desire to serve Jesus was renewed and energized when we centered our focus on the changed lives around the globe as a result of food given in His name. Children in third-world countries are eating and receiving an education that will hopefully help break the cycle of poverty.
- Various leaders shared how they have customized their own packing events to both fight hunger and share God’s love in their own towns and cities.
- We were all reminded again that there is a significant spiritual impact on participants at almost every event. People are inspired at Packathons to attempt something for God that they would otherwise have left undone.
As one of the participants eloquently put it at the end of our time together, “God is moving His pieces (both in our towns and around the world) at all of our Packathons, we just need to make sure we don’t get in His way.” How true!
This past weekend was time well spent for all of us. We learned how to get better at what we do, and local coordinators learned some ideas to improve their future events. New friendships were formed and current friendships were deepened. And through it all, God was glorified!
So the next time you’re at a packing event, be sure to thank the local coordinators. Most of them are volunteers with existing careers. Yet they chose to spend several months of each year planning this special time of serving God. It’s hard work, but each leader receives immeasurable fulfillment from God. If you enjoy Packathons and want to be enriched by God beyond serving at a shift, then consider offering to help your local coordinator promote and plan the event that is dear to you. I know they would welcome your help!
Because it’s more than a meal,
Scott Hahn | Packathon Director
Right on. Great time. Very inspiring!