By Jim Burgin, staff writer

By 7:00 this morning, volunteers are already checking in to serve. They will drive out to grocery stores and bakeries to pick up food ready to be given to people in need. We are amazed as we think about people who would take their time to prepare that food for us, who have the hearts to give out of their own surpluses to help someone else, and for people who would get up so early on a Saturday morning to make a blessing possible for someone else.

Volunteers and staff have been busy getting ready for a huge Fall Festival, one of our favorite events of the year.  Huge bouncy houses, a gym full of carnival games, free food, a tractor-driven hay ride are all prepared for children and families.  Our heart and hope is that children will have the kind of fun on this day that they remember for ever, and that moms and dads with young children will enjoy this a safe place for their kids to play, have fun, and to be cherished by the Mission Arlington family.  One of the greatest blessings for us is to be able to provide this Festival today absolutely free of charge.  Even the food is free.

Big Bouncy house slides are a part of the fun at the Fall Festival today. Pictured here, a young boy enjoying the slide at last year’s event.

The rain has been steadily falling on Friday, and through the night into Saturday morning.  What a blessing the rain has been.  As it clears off this morning, we want you to know that the Fall Festival will be fully up and running, ready for the children and their families.  The Festival happens from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., and it is located in the center of the city, near the corner of Fielder Rd. and 303. The physical location is 1514 Cherry Dr., Arlington, 76013.  It is going to be a great day.

At the same time that our huge festival is happening, people going through a moment of crisis will be able to come and receive food, or help with rent and utility bills. When they come in to Mission Arlington, they will be cared for.  Our heart here is so much more than about just handing out stuff. Anyone can do that.  We want to look people in the eyes, and to help them know that every life matters to God.  It has always been important to us to treat people with dignity and respect.  What an incredible privilege it is to share with others the very same love we have received from God.

Out back, our trucks will be moving through the community and returning to drop off the very clothing, food, and furniture that each of you provide for people in need.  We will pick up from over 100 locations today.  We pray that as you give, you will have a real sense about how your gift lifts the life of real people.  We never sell anything you give.  You give it, and we give it away.  By the day’s end, your gifts of love will be in the homes of people who needed the help and the hope that your gift provides.

All in all, our desire is to glorify the Lord in and through this place.  We have a song that we sing occasionally around here titled “It’s a great day to serve the Lord.”  Somehow, I can’t quite get that song out of my head this morning.  Rain or shine, serving God, and loving people going through difficult times truly makes this a great day.

Thank you so much for the privilege we have of serving alongside each of you. Your prayers, your help, and your financial support make the difference here.

To God be the glory!