Fortieth Harvest of Talents remembers two great people and supports hungry people around the world

 

[October 29, 2023] 

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]