The color explosion of autumn leaves, the last triumph of Chicago’s canopy of trees, blanketed the ground, leaving barren branches to begin their sentry duties until spring.
The sight reminded Pamesha that Thanksgiving was around the corner and her family’s holiday meal was about to be as sparse as the foliage.
"I was in, pretty much, a low point," she said. "I didn't have a job. I was struggling with finances, trying to make sure that the kids were eating properly."
It wouldn’t be much, but Pamesha had already planned the Thanksgiving menu for her and her three children. The starch, and a smidgen of protein, would come from a serving dish of macaroni and cheese, while sweet potatoes would provide the sole serving of vegetables. It was all she could scrape together without a job.
"I was in, pretty much, a low point. I didn't have a job. I was struggling with finances, trying to make sure that the kids were eating properly."
Then the phone rang.
It was Scott Reese, a local pastor who founded Christ Cares, a Chicago-based church and outreach ministry. Pamesha had previously met Pastor Scott but she didn’t know him well.
"She was going through a difficult time, she had a lot of struggles in her life and she was also struggling financially," Pastor Scott shared.
Soon, he was knocking on her door. Pamesha opened it to see Pastor Scott and several helpers holding a large box and other goodies.
The cardboard container featured a large sticker that read Box of Love® . Inside was a large turkey and non-perishable items, enough to feed a family of six. In addition, the box also contained gospel literature and a Bible.
The Boxes of Love® are a ministry tool of Cru® Inner City, which, every fall, provides thousands of these packages to our partner ministries, who distribute them to communities with the most need. Last year, the Agape Center, headquarters for the Chicago Inner City team, distributed 2,300 boxes. Nationally, more than 20,000 Boxes of Love were given to neighbors struggling with rising food prices.
"That's where we first really connected. I knew her before, but we were able to get to know her on a deeper level."
"It was a great joy to be able to bring a Box of Love over there," Pastor Scott said. "We were able to pray with her. We had a good time spiritually and that's where we first really connected. I knew her before, but we were able to get to know her on a deeper level."
In addition to the Box of Love, the volunteers brought in more items.
"They didn't stop bringing stuff through the door," Pamesha said. "We were amazed. My kids were happy."
The gifts stunned Pamesha.
"He completed my dinner, and that was a big deal," she said. "One of the best experiences is to receive that type of gift from people you don't know. That was powerful for me."
In addition to the daily struggle of feeding her kids, Pamesha admitted she had no connection with God, but the Box of Love opened up a new world for her and the kids as they began attending services at Scott’s church. Over time, the entire family gave their hearts to Christ and Pamesha enrolled in evangelism training.
"Where I am today is I have three spiritually grounded children. They accepted Christ. They go to Bible study and they enjoy themselves."
"That morning was the morning where I realized there's so many more things out here, you know?" she said. "That stirred and shook my heart. Where I am today is I have three spiritually grounded children. They accepted Christ. They go to Bible study and they enjoy themselves. Getting that Box of Love started my journey and I'm forever grateful."
So is Pastor Scott.
"We're just very grateful that the Agape Center has empowered our ministry to demonstrate God's love to so many people," Pastor Scott said. "It's been exciting for me to see also, not just our ministry, but over 60 different ministries that the Agape Center blesses us through the Boxes of Love program. It would not be possible if it was not for the many people who support Cru and make their ministry possible."
A common outgrowth of the Boxes of Love campaign is that recipients begin to pay it forward. Pamesha is no exception. Since receiving her box several years ago, the mother of three also volunteers with Christ Cares and Boxes of Love.
"She saw the impact it had on her life and she wants to have that impact on others’ lives," he said.
Through the campaign, Pamesha said she had a revelation about her faith journey.
"Without Boxes of Love, I wouldn't be where I am today," she said. "My spirituality was tested and it was so bad and I was moveable. You know you are supposed to be unmovable, I was movable and I didn't want my life to change.
"I realized the life without God wasn't the best life."
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Lori Arnold serves as the senior writer for Cru's inner-city ministry.
