What a great season of ministry this was, from November 2016 through June of 2018. With Panera Bread’s generous Dough-Nation program, we were able to help and reach lots of people with both the bread of Panera and the Bread of Life. Many thanks to Panera for making this adventure possible!
During this season, we picked up day-end leftover bread on Saturday night, and gave it as a free gift to passers-by in downtown Wilmington on Sunday evenings at sunset.
We served some sick people, we served a lot of children and we served homeless and many who were income-challenged–meeting the requirements of the program. I have also had non-needy recipients tell me that receiving the doughnation from Panera caused them to frequent Panera Bread, rather than competing businesses, so this was truly a win-win experience for all involved.
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Every Sunday, two hours before sunset, we had the privilege of reminding folks that Jesus is the Bread of Life, and that God loves them.
The bread was a blessing to many, but many stated that they don’t “need” bread. We know that few actually “needed” bread, but we used it to engage in discussion. We’d pray ahead of time for divine appointments, and often have the chance to pray with people, bless marriages, pray for unborn children, for healing–or simply offer a smile, a hug or an encouraging word.
Our aim is to be the Church outside, to show the secular public that Christians can be friendly, non-judgmental, and while you might not call us “normal” we aim to have every person who has an encounter with us, to leave knowing that they are loved.
We have a desire to reach others with the Love of Christ, putting aside all agendas, and letting the Holy Spirit lead in the way we engage with people. During this season we enjoyed the fellowship of like-minded believers who carry a refreshing message of love, healing, and encouragement. Giving fresh bread to people just may have helped them experience a life changing encounter with God.
We were a non-amped, non-preaching expression of love and generosity, well-received by the community, and often receiving the highest complements from tourists who were blown away be the friendliness of Wilmingtonians!
Find local outreach, service and fellowship events at www.outsidechurch.org