Editor’s Note: Michele Pilla is the executive director of Wholesome Riches, a compassion ministry in Camden, N.J., dedicated to reaching at-risk students with the love of God through intentional and collective partnerships, weekly food distributions, classes and mentorship programs.

CAMDEN, N.J. — There’s so much we are thanking God for this Thanksgiving! We are particularly grateful for two very special ladies God brought into our lives this November.

We met Carmen and Wilma at Catto School’s Thanksgiving Food Distribution. A car full of children piled out of their broken down van. They approached us ⸺ overwhelmed and stressed as they expressed their need for food.

We explained to Carmen and Wilma that we completely ran out of food just 15 minutes prior to their arrival. This broke our hearts and we could see the uncertainty, disappointment and hopelessness on their faces. We told them that if they came to our Family Community Group that night at Dudley School, we would have food there for them to eat.

“I don’t know, maybe,” they told us ⸺very hesitantly.

We asked them how we could pray for them and they immediately asked for prayer regarding COVID, the fear they had about sending their children back to school, and how their whole family just recovered from being very sick.

We prayed together and asked for God to specifically provide for their physical needs this holiday season. Just as we said “Amen,” three of our volunteers walked up with a full basket of food (including a turkey) that was found sitting underneath a nearby table.

We stood there in disbelief, completely stunned ⸺where did that food come from? Only God!

Still in disbelief they asked, “Where did you say that meeting is tonight?”

Nervous and fearful of the unknown, Carmen and Wilma showed up to our Family Community Group at Dudley School that afternoon. They never did anything like that before! They were welcomed with open arms to come in and share a hot meal with us.

This is so much more than just a hot meal, or a box of food. This is God’s life transforming work that He is inviting us all to jump in and make an impact!

Want to learn more? Visit online at www.wholesomeriches.org.