HARVEST OF TALENTS

Celebrating 40 years of the Harvest of Talents for World Hunger Ministry

Prayer has been and remains the foundation of the Harvest ministry for hunger relief. I have loved joining so many, many Friends of the Harvest in prayer throughout the years, knowing that this ministry is bathed in prayer, that God’s faithfulness is celebrated in every good thing associated with it. It is worthy of our time, talent, and resources because it belongs to God Himself. I love knowing that He multiplies our little fishes and loaves.

When our youngest son turned four, Brad and I began attending Lincoln Christian Church. It had a wonderful children’s program, many LCU friends attended there, and … it was the Home of the Harvest! I remember being thrilled when Harvest Founder, Pat Snyder, asked me to serve as a hostess at the Harvest Home Tour; a simple gesture, and I’m sure they needed volunteers, but it seemed so special to be ‘invited’ by her to be part of the Harvest. So began my passion and volunteer time for hunger relief … and not long after, I was invited to serve on the Harvest Ministry Team. (So, it never hurts to ask … a heartfelt invitation can be life-changing!)

After Harvest’s first 20 years, Pat stepped aside as Chairperson of the team, and I was selected as successor to that position. The Harvest ministry now took on a whole new level of prayer, work, thought, time, energy, relationships, decisions, organization, delegation, and talent for me. It’s been such a rich and precious part of my life, and I have loved it so much! I’m very proud of the team’s service, decisions, and development. Having now served as Chairperson for 20 years, I have stepped aside from that position but will remain an active member of the team.

As a token of my gratitude for Harvest Blessings, I have commissioned and installed a beautiful new Harvest of Talents sign for the SE corner of our church at Pekin and Hamilton streets.

At the recent Reflection & Praise meeting for our record 40th Anniversary year, team members Natalie Morris and Bethany Henry stepped up to be co-Chairpersons for the 41st Harvest Ministry Team ~ they assure me that they, too, don’t want anything to happen to this ministry, so I join you in prayer for their successful leadership in the year ahead.

Through the Harvest, I have witnessed the difference one person can make for good when their dreams are for God ~ treasured the friendship and mentoring of Pat Snyder ~ dearly loved the Harvest Ministry Teams through the years ~ known giants in the faith ~ watched generations participate together ~ been humbled by generosity and sacrificial giving ~ appreciated so many incredible talents ~ marveled at those who work so graciously behind the scenes ~ grown in my prayer life ~ delighted in the promise of young people and pure joy ~ witnessed talents turn into rice and beans ~ enjoyed working with my family in the Harvest ~ seen fishes and loaves placed in Jesus’ hands ~ valued I.D.E.S. ~ and been stopped in my tracks by the amazing grace of God.

I continue to pray for YOU, a Friend of the Harvest, that you may know rich and unexpected blessings as you partner in any way with the Harvest ministry for hunger relief in Jesus’ name.

Respectfully,

Carolyn Neal, Chairperson/2004-2023

“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16