Seacoast Blessings Bags Ministry

I recently heard a Michael McDonald song, “Taking It to the Street” and one of the soloists in the band spoke between refrains and said,  "that is what Jesus wants us to do: take our joy to the streets.” In His earthly ministry Jesus spoke often about giving, but more importantly He demonstrated the act  giving when He laid down His life sinners like me. Christ gave, so we should give.

Before the pandemic there were people in need, but since the pandemic that need has grown significantly, so we should give.  Since November of 2020 I have been blessed to be able to hand out zip lock bags of blessings to those I see standing on street corners in the Seacoast Area asking for financial assistance. Rev. Dale Edwards and the ABC of Vermont/New Hampshire team donated funds to enable me to share “Blessings Bags” with those in need. Each zip lock bag contains a small New Testament, a tract about the love of Christ, a bandanna, a pair of cotton socks, small packet of kleenex, granola bar, a $10.00 Walmart gift certificate, three dollars in cash, and a smile. Recently a friend donated $300.00 to the cause enabling me to be able to hand out six $50.00 bills.  Those around us are in need, so we give.

I hand out these bags to republicans, democrats, males, females, saints and sinners…. I hand out these bags to try and make an effort to show that God is love and in Him there is no darkness at all. I hand these bags out because my heart aches for those whose lives have been upended due to the loss of a job or the loss of their sense of self. I hand out these bags because, right now, that is all that I know to do… taking my joy and gratitude to the streets to share with strangers who stand in need.  Thanks ABC VT/NH for shining your light in the streets of the seacoast.

Lillian Buckley