|
 HOT began in 1984 as a way to raise money for the International
Disaster Emergency Services (IDES), which aids hunger victims around
the world. In the past 32 years, the event has raised $2,028,392.44
with 100 percent of the proceeds going to IDES.
The Harvest of Talents features the hard work and talents of many
who donate handcrafted items, hand-stitched quilts, original
artwork, homemade sweet treats and pies, jams and jellies, herbs and
vegetables, and gifts from around the world.
Hungry shoppers enjoyed cinnamon or pecan rolls in the morning and
vegetable soup, BBQ beef sandwiches, fried potatoes and pie for
lunch.
As people shopped, ate, and visited with many others at the Harvest
of Talents, they were helping to raise funds that would help feed
the hungry worldwide.
Carolyn Neal, part of the Harvest of Talents Ministry team said,
"Every Harvest is a success by any measure, for God will use every
offering of prayer, time, resources, and talent to answer the
prayers of hurting and hungry people. We are blessed to be a
Blessing ~ and Harvest food and meals are always served with the
good news of Jesus Christ! Your ongoing support of the Harvest
ministry is greatly appreciated as we all serve to be found faithful
to Matthew 25:35 and I Peter 4:10."
Neal is very thankful for everyone who comes out to support the
Harvest of Talents. She said, "Thank you so much for sharing the
call for action ~ to purchase and donate potatoes and to be a
flag-bearer and to help out however you can this week. You are all a
part of something very special that's not about us, that is a
Blessing in response to someone's prayer for food ... Let's each of
us be the little boy who offered his small lunch to Jesus and see
what he does with it!"
Those at the Harvest of Talents felt blessed to be a part of it.
Vera and Don Ramlow have been sharing their talents with the Harvest
of Talents for over 30 years. They enjoy working with it and
everything about it. Vera Ramlow said, "I would miss it if I could
not help."
Barry King makes and repurposes many items and can turn almost
anything into a lamp. King said, "When you use your God given
talents, it feeds your spirit. Doing it to impact the world is
powerful."
[to top of second column] |
Debbie Wheeler said she remembers the first Harvest of Talents being on her
birthday. Her mom, who died in 1992, would always buy her a birthday present at
the Harvest of Talents. Now her kids buy her something special and one year
outbid her at the auction to buy an item she really wanted.
Holly Schurter recently moved to Lincoln and was at her first Harvest of
Talents. Schurter said she was impressed by the variety and quality of items.
Gi Tanbunaan ministers in Indonesia and his country has benefited from the money
raised for IDES on a number of occasions. Tanbunaan said the funds were helpful
after the 2004 tsunami, as they served 28,000 people with relief work, food,
clothing, shelter, counseling, and medical ministry.
IDES also helped after the 2006 Gogya earthquake with many of the same needs.
After the 2009 earthquake in west Java, funds helped rebuild 170 homes.
Tanbunaan is thankful for the money raised.
Sunday's celebration service began with a ceremony where people carried in flags
representing nations around the world where Lincoln Christian Church supports
missionaries.
IDES executive director Rick Jett preached a message on sharing good news
linking loving action as a way of sharing the gospel.
At the celebration service members of the Harvest ministry team, Pat Snyder and
Carolyn Neal, presented Jett with a check for $110,654.10, the highest amount
ever raised. This money is part of the over $2 M raised in the 33 years of the
Harvest of Talents and will bless many starving people throughout the world.
[Angela Reiners]
 |
