Testimonials From Food Rescue Volunteers
Bags of bagels, waiting to be rescued.
"My very first time volunteering to pick up bread at Panera and take it to Third Phase, I tried to call you and cancel (Jan. 23, 2008). I couldn't reach you so I decided to go ahead and do it. The reason I tried to cancel is that I had gone to the ER with my husband that day for a sport's injury and the ER doc had informed us that my 45 year old husband had cancer. We have three kids to raise and I don't know if you can imagine how distraught I was. I didn't want to spend the evening picking up bread. But I did. I spent 2 hours picking up and delivering bread and those 2 hours were spent with God. As I continually envisioned the possibility of a lonely future without my husband, and all manner of horrible thoughts, God showed my that by doing for others, people can feel whole again. Things are going better for us and we are filled with hope for our future and gratitude for people, prayers and the comfort of God."
Sharon Balek
"Just wanted to take a moment and share my story with you about what God has done in regards to my work with the food donations. For years I have been crying out to God to show me where He wanted me to serve. I asked him for something that would utilize the skills and abilities that He gave me. When you contacted me about the opportunity with Panera Bread, something in my spirit said, "YES! this is what you have been waiting for." I love to save money, resources, time and anything else God has allowed me to be a responsible for in my life. To know that by His Grace and Provision we are taking thousands of dollars of food and giving it to people who are hungry instead of the food being thrown in the trash makes me so happy. And this is not cheap food but great food from a restaurant that I patronize when I want a great meal! I can't think of the last time I was able to help donate 25,000.00 a month to "the least of these" as Christ termed it in Matthew 25:31-46. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this effort. By my calculations if I take one night a month at two hours a month (best estimate for the days of inclement weather) then I am part of an investment group that pays 12,500.00 an hour on my part, to the hungry! Not too bad if you ask me. And for every one of the volunteers taking more than one night a week, thank you! I know God sees what you do, and He will reward you here and eternally for your gracious giving. I am praying that if we are faithful with these talents (Matthew 25:14-30) then God will bless us with more. God Bless."
Bryndon Preston
"My experience with Panera Food Deliveries to Third Phase: I was glad to have been asked to help in the delivery of food to Third Phase and that Panera was kind enough to offer such help to our community. Being a child of divorce I know the importance that these types of shelters provide! To find out we have a Christian organization doing this type of outreach is simply outstanding and what a way to have a positive outreach for Christ!
Panera Bread associates lending a helping hand.
Having spent over ten years of food service experience I was aware of how much food can get wasted at the close of a shift. After all we live in America "the land of milk and honey". I was surprised by the volume of just bread items we were able to provide to Third Phase for their food pantry. Who has never thought about the idea if we could take the excess that we produce in our country on any given day to give to those in need?
Those during the closing shift at Panera the workers were more than happy to give and very helpful in packing the goods for transport. It was as if they were happy to not have to throw all the bread away! Those at Third Phase were blessed to get such a bounty of bread and eager to help me unload. This took less than an hour half of time and very easy to deliver. The biggest blessing came to me though knowing that the not only the breaking of bread together, but the "sharing of bread" can make such a difference!"
Michael Worley
"I've never met anyone that has sold out their entire lives to serving others as Jesus would as Betty and Ruth had. I view my service as support to them. I feel privileged to be a part of what God is doing through them."
Mark Flagg
A "food rescue" in action!
James 1:27 - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after the orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
"God was speaking to me about the opportunity to serve the "needy" and how much of a blessing it has been for me. My neighbor rode with me on Sunday night (Super Bowl Sunday) for the pickup. He is a Christian, and has 2 children. While waiting at Panera, he talked about raising his son, the challenges, the rewards, the vulnerability of being a parent...it was a great time to connect, relate, and encourage him- this happened because of a safe and giving atmosphere that was created by giving to 3rd phase- My neighbor felt safe and was able to share his heart, and God allowed me to encourage him, and he encouraged me- it was a great night! Thanks."
Matt Michael