I joined the Barnabas Community as a volunteer about five years ago. I had not previously heard of Barnabas, but I knew I would be serving meals to an underserved population in Lincoln which was right up my alley. I grew up in a small town where neighbors helping neighbors was the norm, and strangers were neighbors we didn’t know yet. I was raised to give back to my community.
The staff and other volunteers were welcoming and friendly, eagerly agreeing when I volunteered to wash dishes. (smile and wink) This was an easy task for me since I grew up in a household with 10 siblings and was well acquainted with hot sudsy water and a dish rag. It was fun getting to know the volunteers who rotated in and out, and those who just showed up. I got brave enough to start sharing my corny jokes and puns and no one kicked me out!
At mealtime I help in the food line serving entrees and side dishes, or bagging up the requested number of meals. I especially like this last part because it’s when I have the most one-on-one interaction with our guests. I like to greet them, ask how their day or week is going, possibly compliment someone’s outfit, (frequently from the free store) and most importantly offer a smile. Almost all of the guests express their gratitude, frequently not in English but their eyes convey the meaning.
One thing that warms my heart is seeing the diversity of guests from different cultures and countries and hearing all the different languages intermixed with English. It’s not a gathering of saints, but I have often witnessed an English speaking guest speak up for a new or non-English speaking guest so they receive the correct food, possibly because of cultural or religious food restrictions or allergies.
I often think of the word “companion”, which originally meant someone who breaks bread with another. I think of Jesus blessing bread, breaking it, and bestowing it. I believe the “bread” which is served at Barnabas is truly blessed, coming from God via farmers, truckers and workers at places like Sam’s Club and Starbucks, and through the loving and capable hands of the Barnabas staff and volunteers.
Many of our guests are regulars, but as a whole the guest population is ever changing and growing. It is a blessing for us all that we have this wonderful program where we can welcome newcomers to our city and also reach out to our Lincoln residents who need a hand up. Stop in at 9th and Saunders and see for yourself what a wonderful place Barnabas is for companionship, connections, and a wonderful meal!
