INNER CITY AND HOMELESS MEAL MINISTRY IN THE HEART OF NASHVILLE HOSTED BY HARVEST SOUND CHURCH
“5, 4, 3, 2, 1, open that door” a volunteer calls out loudly. And without failing, willing hands swing open the sturdy wooden door of one of the top churches in downtown Nashville, Harvest Sound. As the door opens a shout of welcoming celebration is heard from the faithful volunteers, who come from near and far, to serve and love the community around them. It’s exactly 5:30 p.m. on a Thursday as this culture of love in action envelopes the rush of people pouring into the aged brick building on Clinton Street in Marathon Village. Located near Broadway right in the heart of bustling Nashville, the weekly Meal of Hope has been a refuge for many of the homeless and inner-city community since 1998. It was founded by Pastors Scott and Sarah Macleod with the intent of extravagantly loving the poor and broken and bringing hope to the community around them. They are both still very active in being great examples of this! It is not an easy task to keep this ministry thriving so well but thanks to servant-hearted volunteers who have helped through the years it continues to grow and bless many!
There is a simple, yet hearty meal prepared by a couple of local chefs. The dinner menu often varies, but usually, the basic staples consist of a main hot dish of delicious protein with a side of corn or beans, a fresh salad and dressings, and whole wheat bread. Yet that’s not all, there is also a variety of delectable baked desserts you can choose from! As the guests come through the line and are served their food it is such a beautiful testimony of being the hands and feet of Jesus to your neighbor. In Romans 10:15 it says, “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” It’s the good news of Jesus that breaks a heavy yoke! Dear faces lined with tiredness and the experience of life in its harshness light up as they are valued and treasured for who they are! Smiles burst forth from saddened hearts; and for some, this community within Meal Of Hope is their only family. As they enter through that door, they are no longer alone in their daily struggles. Instead, they have a community that will love them freely like Jesus loved first!
A highlight of Meal Of Hope is the time created for both guests and volunteers to sit and enjoy their tasty meal together while they share life stories and encourage each other! Then a guest speaker will also share a short testimony or word that God has put in their heart for everyone that night. It is such a powerful time of connection and supporting each other in need. Many, many prayers have been answered from this time of ministry! When vulnerable tears roll from eyes that see a glimpse of hope in the abundant life that only Jesus gives, it is evidence of the heart of God longing to heal and restore. He is so close to the brokenhearted, Isaiah 61:1 says, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” There are countless testimonies of the love of God redeeming and changing lives at this special meal for the community!
There is also live music from unique local artists who come and share their talent at Meal Of Hope! Imagine eating your hot meal with friends while listening to beautiful music, it doesn’t get much better than that! Yet it does as a powerful message is shared, the good news is preached, and lives are touched during the ministry time! For some who would never set foot in a church, it becomes their church service and as quoted by one of our beloved guests, “When you walk in, it just feels like home!” It's such an incredible time together and the good news is there is always room for more! Join in and volunteer at 5:00 p.m. on a Thursday and meet a community that will strengthen and cheer you on in life! Come be a part of the family!!
