Thirty-eighth Annual Harvest of
Talents raises $103,163.19
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[October 26, 2021]
On Saturday, October 23, Lincoln Christian Church held its 38th
Annual Harvest of Talents for World Hunger. The proceeds from this
year announced at Sunday’s services are $103,163.19.
In its first 37 years, the Harvest of Talents raised $2,557,055 with
100% of the proceeds being donated to the International Disaster
Emergency Services (IDES) to distribute the funds. The total from
this year brings that amount up to $2,660,218.
Because last year was held completely online people were happy to be
back in person, which was evident by the number of people in
attendance. As Harvest Ministry Chairman Carolyn Neal said, “Harvest
is more than turning talents into food for the hungry. It’s also
about family, friendship, tradition, sharing and hope.”
Due to Covid guidelines this year looked a bit different with
everything spread out a bit more.
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For instance, all the food was served outdoors and tables for dining
were set up under a tent.
In the morning, delectable cinnamon rolls, pecan rolls, or breakfast
burritos were served. Lunch options included fried potatoes, sweet
potato fries, pulled pork sandwiches, sloppy joes, hot dogs or IDES
walking tacos. Sodas, bottled water and H.O.T. spiced cider were
available to quench thirsts.
![](../images/102621pics/photo%202%20outdoor%20cafe_small.jpg)
For the sweet tooth, the outdoor XO Café offered a variety of treats
such as Tony Cannoli, Pizzelles, Macarons, Scones, Lavender
Shortbread, and Polish Rugelach. Additional goodies included
chocolate chip cookies, granola, and gingersnaps.
Those wanting to warm up could sit around a fire pit. Other outdoor
activities included several children’s games.
Inside the church’s Family Room were various handcrafted items and
specialty booths that had items such as needlework, vintage linen,
repurposed or refurbished items, quilts and jewelry. The “Man Cave”
area had handcrafted items for men. Another area offered gifts from
mission fields around the world.
The Fireside Room just off to the side had Christmas decorations,
gifts and handcrafted Christmas ornaments.
The Fellowship Center held an array of scrumptious goodies, homemade
candies, artisan jams and jellies and canned goods.
Various silent auctions throughout the building allowed people to
bid on special handcrafted items.
![](../images/102621pics/photo%203%20IDES%20information%20booth%20(edited-Pixlr)_small.jpg)
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IDES and Harvest Information tables explained more about the work
being done to help feed the hungry through events like the Harvest
of Talents.
In the sanctuary, people could do a guided prayer, pausing at
various stations to rest and pray.
![](../images/102621pics/photo%204%20auction%20items_small.jpg)
At 2 p.m. auctioneer Mike Maske auctioned off more handcrafted items
including quilts, a dollhouse, a bench, end tables, table runners,
wreaths and cross stitch.
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As always, the quilts brought in some of the largest bids with one going for
$1,600.
![](../images/102621pics/photo%205%20Carissa%20Kutz%20(edited-Pixlr)_small.jpg)
Carissa Kutz donated one of the quilts this year. Kutz said “knowing the
proceeds from the quilt will bring people to Jesus and fill their bellies makes
every moment invested in the work worth it.”
Several people from IDES were present at the Harvest and sharing in the day’s
activities. When asked how the pandemic has affected the ministry, IDES
Executive Director David Stine said, “Internationally and in the United States,
there were more hungry people. That meant even more of a focus on combating
hunger.”
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2021/Oct/26/images/ads/current/graue_lda_PPP_2021.png)
Stine said, “We helped many churches hard hit by hunger. Many food banks were
closed [during the pandemic] and churches filled that gap.” IDES helped them “by
providing funds and resources.”
Internationally, there were many places food could not get to market. Stine
said, farmers delivering the food were not allowed into communities until they
had a covid test. Unfortunately, they had to wait two weeks for the results. By
that time Stine said the food was spoiled.
IDES has always provided additional resources to those in need. In the past
year, that included providing or purchasing Personal Protective Equipment and
Oxygen Exchangers to communities that needed it.
Like Stine said, IDES kept up their ministry with modifications. Donors were
still faithful, and IDES was still able to meet needs.
When Lincoln was not able to do a traditional Harvest of Talents in 2020, Stine
said there was a lot of concern about what would be raised. Fortunately, through
online auctions and sales and generous donors, the 2020 Harvest of Talents
raised a record breaking amount over $116,000.
Because donors stepped up and were faithful and God was faithful, Stine said the
Harvest of Talents “did not miss a beat.”
The Harvest of Talents takes the work of many to make it happen. The ministry
team begins planning for the next year almost as soon at one year ends. Neal
said, “We are humble and blessed to be a blessing.” She is thankful to all who
share time, talents, resources and prayers.
As Kutz said, the entire process is a labor of love from beginning to end
including the planning, setting up and tearing down.
With all the money raised, Neal said, “we believe God will multiply this sweet
offering beyond what we can imagine.”
This labor of love and the funds raised will help many people receive a
nutritious meal in Jesus’ name.
[Angela Reiners]
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