The one thing I like about the food pantry is you never know who will walk in the door. And you never know what they may need.  One day I was working the intake desk and a young woman came in and said,  "I don't want any food, I want to talk,"  I told her I could check and see if any of the ministers were available and she said she did not want to talk with them.

So I replied,  "then let's talk."  She told me her story in between tears and moments of intense emotion.  I offered to hold her hand during the talking and she took my hand.  After she had finished her say,  I gave her some ideas of something she may try to resolve some the concerns. Wrote those ideas down for her,  and then closed with a prayer for her.  She sighed, sat a minute and said she felt better and got up to leave.  She leaned over to give me a hug and we hugged for a minute and then she left.  

I wrote down her first name and took it with me so I could pray for her whenever her face came to mind.  Those times come by every once in a while at the pantry and they stay with me.  It is my opportunity to be the ears of Jesus.  As these folks really just want to talk.  I am always excited to work at the food pantry as you never know what will happen.  Thanks be to God.

Vickie Young


Share your own Story of Faith!


We are looking to record your experiences working with Noel ministries or other activities where you've experienced God's presence. We will collect the stories and share them via email and facebook. You can send a short story to Leah Gaughan at lgaughan@noelumc.org , or email Leah for more information.

Noel Memorial United Methodist Church
520 Herndon St., Shreveport, Louisiana 71101
318-221-5207