While watching the 9 o’clock news last December, something he says he rarely does, Rev. Jon Hoekema saw a story about a local restaurant owner giving away Christmas dinners to people in the area who had fallen on hard times.
Hoekema’s interest was sparked because the restaurant is located in Downers Grove, Ill., the town where his church, Horizon Community Christian Reformed Church, is located.
In the news story, the restaurant owner remarked that he would like to offer a similar dinner service at Easter but needed help from the community.
Hoekema contacted Rev. Tim Hoekstra, pastor of Suburban Life CRC in neighboring Darien, Ill., and the two of them offered help to the restaurant owner.
Members of both churches contacted local agencies that provide assistance for people in need, and extended dinner invitations. A few days after Easter, church volunteers served Easter dinners for about 200 people who are struggling in a tough economy.
Hoekema was pleased to have the opportunity to show the love of God and share information about the church’s ministries. “Praise God that he works even through the 9 o’clock news,” he said.
