The dreary Saturday weather did not keep people away
as hundreds came to Lincoln Christian Church for the 40th Harvest of
Talents.
The church foyer was set up with numerous indoor
booths that included handcrafted jewelry, wreaths, Christmas
ornaments, baby gifts, fashion accessories, “man cave” one-of-a-kind
items, baked goods, breads, jams canned goods, homemade candies,
chair massages, and items from various mission fields.
For hungry shoppers there were cinnamon and caramel pecan rolls,
homemade breakfast burritos, and fried potatoes. At lunchtime,
volunteers served delicious homemade vegetable soup, pulled pork,
sloppy joes, and a variety of desserts.
While people shopped, they could park their car at the curb by the
church’s Pekin Street entrance. For a donation, Aaron Roemer and his
father Art checked the vehicle’s tire pressure, topped off
windshield washer fluid, checked the oil, washed the windshields and
did a quick dust and vacuum.
A new addition to the harvest of talents was the passport
experience. For $10 someone could purchase a passport and visit six
different areas to learn about some of the places that IDES has
served over the years including Guatemala, Kosovo, Myanmar, Haiti,
India, Kenya and Tanzania. All of these countries were places where
2022 Harvest of Talents funds were distributed.
At one station, people could make colorful handmade kites like the
ones Guatemalans make to celebrate All Saints. In Santiago and
Sumpango, people celebrate with some kites that are 65 feet wide.
To represent Kosovo Life Ministries, tour guide Lydia
Roland and two others did an Albanian dance reflecting the cultural
experience of the civilizations that occupied this Balkan nation.
They demonstrated the Valle Pogonishte people dance at celebrations
and the Vallja e Beqarit when newlyweds burn the bachelor’s scarf.
After learning the steps, a few joined in the dance.
Representing Myanmar and their Hope Christian Mission, tour guide
Cindy Keller and others did face painting. Burmese people often have
gold painted cheeks. The Thanaka paste [on their cheeks] is made
from the ground bark of sandalwood trees. Though the cosmetic is
used as a decoration, the high SPF is precious because of the sunny
Myanmar weather. Single leaves covering an entire cheek are a common
motif.
To represent India’s Kuki Christian mission and North
India Christian mission, tour guide Sam Haines did Henna body art,
which has been used for more than 5,000 years. Henna’s original
purpose was medicinal. Later it started to be used as body art once
people discovered the paint left a temporary stain on the skin. Now
Henna is a symbol of joy sometimes used at weddings births and
victories.
Haiti's Damou Christian mission was represented by tour guide Evelyn
Ballard, who shared Krik? Krak! Storytelling. In Haiti, “krik?” is a
request to tell a story. Obliging listeners answer “krak!” This
format relies on oral Folk tales Haitians have passed down from
generation to generation and like fables, these stories often carry
moral lessons.
In the sanctuary was tour guide Angela Rogers, who
for many years served with her family as a missionary in Africa.
Wearing an African skirt, Rogers represented ministries that
included COPE ministries, the East African Christian mission and CMF
Kenya and Tanzania. Rogers shared a Swahili lesson to teach everyone
some basic terms, then showed everybody some item from Africa.
God Always Provides (G.A.P) represented the mission
International Disaster Emergency service. Tour guide Kim Ayars
headed up this area where people of all ages had an opportunity to
serve together and pack a nutritious meal for those suffering from
hunger around the world each of the sealed packets contained rice,
soy, dehydrated vegetables, and vitamins and minerals. Later, they
could experience a bite of the tasty meal.
|
IDES Executive Director David Stine cannot believe
the impact of one woman and one church. As he said, Pat Snyder came
up with the idea for Harvest of Talents and Lincoln Christian Church
leaders backed it. Stine said in 40 years, the Harvest of Talents
has raised over 2.8 million dollars.
Other churches have started Harvest of Talents over the years and
Stine said they have also raised millions. These funds help feed
hungry people all over the world.
Carolyn Neal, head of the Harvest of Talents team,
said twenty-six adults and nine children were at H.O.T. representing
IDES. The IDES staff led all the worship services on Sunday. Neal
reminded everyone that we need to use our gifts to help the harvest.
Stine presented Neal with a wall hanging from the North India
Mission thanking Lincoln Christian Church for all the funds raised.
Before the auction began, Stine opened with a prayer thanking God
for the talents and gifts people use to serve others and for 40
years of generosity.
Two youngsters created first fruit offerings. One was a painting
Grey Davison did in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Harvest of
Talents. The other was a painting by Logan Stine of a little snake
in a tree. Stine gave it to the Harvest so kids his age could eat.
This year being the 40th Harvest of Talents makes it extra special.
It is also International Disaster Emergency Services’ 50th
anniversary.
Though these milestones are cause for celebration,
there is also a bittersweet element as the Harvest of Talents lost
its dear founder Pat Snyder at the end of August. Additionally, in
July IDES former executive director Rick Jett died after a long
illness.
To honor their memories and model of making a difference, the final
offering at the auction was titled from Pat’s hands to Rick’s-from
Rick’s hands to God-the harvest goes on.
A planter box intended to go on Pat’s porch held
samples of Pat’s signature scones, bean soup mix, pretzel candy and
a harvest apron with a prayer calendar. It also had a yarn Afghan
Rick’s wife Nancy had crocheted with colors he had chosen. Nancy
crocheted it while sitting with Rick during his dialysis
appointments. This item raised $2,300.
Pat Snyder’s great niece Hannah donated a small green leaf enameled
box from Delhi, India. Hannah said she bought it because it was
small and beautiful and made her think of her Aunt Pat.
Another special item included a coffee table created by IDES staff
member Ed Furnas using wood salvaged from the aftermath of Hurricane
Ida.
Several beautiful handmade quilts were other popular items.
Mike Maske once again donated his time as an auctioneer and
encouraged people to up their bids to raise money. For several
items, there was a lot of back-and-forth bidding.
Whether using your talents to make an item to sell at Harvest of
Talents or buying handcrafted items, you are contributing to the
important work IDES does. The money raised will help feed some of
the many hungry people in the world. The support for this work is
far reaching and will hopefully continue for generations to come.
[Angela Reiners] |
