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Hebrews 13:2
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Patron Testimonials, November 18, 2006
For the second year, patrons were asked why they like our breakfast program, how long they’ve been coming, what they get out of it and what keeps them coming back.
“A place to eat on Saturday when a lot of places don’t feed; good early morning breakfast and nice hospitality.” A.F., Sr., 3 years
“I like helping people and I know you like helping people, too.” R.L.W., 2 months
“I’m trying to get back into the church after being in a program, losing my job out of stupidity; it’s not just about the food; I want to make a change in my life ‘cause I know I can do better.” J., one year
“It helps me pay my personal expenses, gets me out of the cold and you got good food.” P., six months
“I been homeless for years, the food is good, gets me out of a rut, same thing everyday back and forth; it’s a nice place to come and eat and fellowship.” R., six months
“I’m in a program at the VA hospital. God woke me up and asked me to come out; a good spirit hit my heart this morning and said come up here. I was treated so nice the last time.” D.H., 2nd time in four months
“I enjoy saying grace in the morning; make me feel more at home, like sitting around my grandmother’s table; the food is good; short distance from where I live.” G.S., 14 years
“It’s wonderful. Most places you get breakfast, it’s just something thrown together; a well-prepared meal.” J., 1st time
“I think it’s a good breakfast. I enjoy the atmosphere and the service.” N., 2 months
“It’s like a restaurant to me, good service, beautiful ladies, very clean place, don’t have drama up in here, lots of respect, morals and values. People respect one another, say, ‘may I or can I.” H., one and a half years
“Good, energizing and I like the service. I like the prayer service and the people that come here. In the morning when you read the bible, I like that.” M.M., six months
“Food’s always good, hot; people who serve you are very friendly. It’s just a blessing to have you all here, so I appreciate it very much.” A.J., third time
Patron Testimonials, November 19, 2005
Patrons were asked why they like our breakfast program, how long they've been coming, what they get out of it and what keeps them coming back.
"I get breakfast for me and my grandmother; she's getting old and she can't get out. The breakfast is good, better than paying $5.00 if you had to buy it." A.J., 4 years
"It's a balanced meal. I'm on the go so much that I don't take the time to eat. Breakfast is the most important meal. It's a Godsend." M., about a year
"You see people doing something from the heart and they don't have to. That's what the church stands for, helping people in the community. It's not like the other breakfast programs, less confusion. Our attitudes are different at the other program; when we come here our attitudes are better." J.W., a few years
"On cold days like this, it gives us a chance to come in out of the cold and get a good meal. You have the best breakfast in the city, by far, top of the line. You feel the love in here; people know that they [volunteers] care." M.S., second time at breakfast
"Nice program. I come so I can get three square meals a day, people are nice, no trouble or nothing." P.F., 10 years
"Something to do every two weeks, keeps you out of trouble that time of the morning and get a good wholesome meal." M.T.
"My wife and I had serious trouble with identity theft that has affected our ability to get money. We can't have accounts. We have to live apart. You can have no money and no food even if you have a job, I have a job. You're doing God's work whether you realize it or not, you're sharing God's gifts, it's a valuable community service." Anonymous, coming for nine months
"The spiritual atmosphere, you all show that you care. People come here with a lot on their minds and get a feeling of peace. It's not just for the food; it's to get peace of mind. I take carry outs for my sister who's been in the hospital for two months. She was in a fire." J.T., one year
"I get carry outs to eat later because I'm a diabetic and I need to keep my sugar level up." J., third time a breakfast
"I have two elderly sisters who baby sit the grandchildren and nieces. I take the carry outs for them. I live right down the street. I think people should take only what they need for who needs it like my sisters taking care of all those grandchildren. My heart is speaking." S.C., two years
"It helps out the people who are locked in and can't get out. We take the food to them. Some of them are scared to go out or it's too cold for them. It keeps people out of the hospital by eating something, especially if they drink or smoke. Breakfast is the most important meal in the morning. Some of them are not used to being around a lot of people; some are ashamed and have pride; they won't say they need anything when you ask them but they will take the carry outs from us because they know us and feel more comfortable." C.B., three years
"You all cook good breakfast like restaurant food. It's neat and clean in here, the church is nice and clean; volunteers are very intelligent and good people. There's lots of space so you can stretch out and eat; they feed us like adults." L., seven years
"It isn't just the food although we need that of course. When you observe the program you see it's the people who have nothing but love for you. When I leave here I feel that God has filled me up to go out and do what I have to do. The fellowship is important, to be able to open up and talk to each other and share how God is here for you and me. I get out of it that you can share something with someone else you don't even know, not just eating breakfast. We can look at each other and see God. It's not just the food." A.A.B., 13 years
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Isaiah 58:10
"If you pour yourself out for the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday."