Family Night Provides Meals, Friends To Residents
Event In Bainville
It’s a time for the community to come together for socializing and enjoying a great meal the first Wednesday of each month at the Bainville Fire Hall.
Beau Anderson, member of the Faith Fellowship Church in Bainville, said the free meals are offered monthly from September through April as a form of ministry by the church. This is the sixth season of the activities.
Beau’s wife, Amber, usually prepares the meals. The church’s youth group sets up the tables and clean up afterwards.
“Amber and I and the rest of the church members work to provide this for the community,” Beau explained. “The ministry helps if a person needs a meal or just a friend to visit with.”
The event runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m., but a marathon game of cards or pinochle might create a longer night. “We’ve been here until 8 or 9 some nights,” Beau said.
Games or other activities are usually offered for children. The fun has included making Christmas ornaments or Valentines Day cards for nursing home residents.
Other real special moments have occurred during the family nights. Recently, a woman who is battling cancer came to the meal. An impromptu offering was taken that raised $1,700 for her. “It was a great thing,” Beau said. On another occasion, an adult daughter brought her ailing mother to the event. The mother was able to complete a full meal for the first time in quite a while. “You never know who needs something,” Beau said. “It’s a good excuse to get together.”
Meals have included a turkey dinner in November, Knoephla soup in December, chili in October and lasagna in February.
“Amber is pretty proud of the fact that she can make a complete meal for a reasonable price for the church,” Beau said. To-go boxes are also offered for those who can’t make it to the fire hall. “We strive to give away everything that we cook.”
Church members are thankful to use the fire hall for the meals. The church gives a donation to the Bainville Volunteer Fire Department each year.
“The church ladies all help as much as they can,” Beau said. “It’s our way for ministry.”
