For the past 34 years, and this year was no different, Ms. Ola M. Hobson has hosted hundreds of free communal meals every year for anyone who walks through her doors. She remains a cornerstone in communities for her kindhearted approach to food insecurity, yet the meals prepared tell only half of her story. To many, these shared meals spark lasting memories, longtime friends, and moments of togetherness between neighbors.
Moments like these are experienced time and time again because community care means more than solving a singular issue; it is about building a network of care and support for everyone involved, and Ms. Hobson understand that very well. On December 21, a bright sun shinney day with temperatures in the mid 40’s, over 25 volunteers set up in front of her home on Martin Luther King Drive in Greensboro served hot Christmas meals to 400 individuals. Meals left over are packed and delivered to homebound individuals and surrounding communities “so nothing ever goes to waste.”
A community meal is an occasion for gathering with a group of people to share food and time together. Community meals act as a biblical spiritual practice. As Christians, we gather to eat, both with people we know and people we do not know, because Jesus did. In the Gospels, you will find Jesus eating with all kinds of people, in all kinds of situations. Jesus eats in homes, Jesus eats with crowds, and Jesus eats with his close friends.
In all those situations, Jesus is sharing the good news of the gospel by being present with people, by engaging in some of life’s most basic and essential activities with them, and by spending time with them. If we follow Jesus’s example, we’ll probably be part of all kinds of community meals too. Food ministry is wonderful a way to share the gospel and build community today as ever. For that, we truly thank Ms. Ola Mae Hobson! — Marilyn Pickens
