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Food, Fun, and Faith: A Day at City Light Ministry

A volunteer serves food to a young boy at a community event, as he adds ketchup to his plate. The scene captures the warmth of community support and the joy and faith of sharing meals.

Dear Friends, 
 
There’s something uniquely powerful about witnessing hope take root—especially in the lives of children. That’s exactly what we experienced during a recent visit to City Light Ministry in Reading, one of our cherished partner organizations faithfully serving their community week after week. 

City Light Ministry takes the food they select from Blessings of Hope and transforms it into fuel for life-changing outreach. From preparing meals for the homeless to hosting a thriving after-school program, their mission is beautifully simple: meet people where they are and give them what they need—nutritionally, academically, spiritually, and emotionally. 

At their free after-school program, every child who walks through the door is welcomed like family. They’re greeted with a warm meal, guided through homework, encouraged with daily Bible devotions, and invited into an atmosphere bursting with laughter, learning, and belonging. 

Woman serving food to a young girl at a community event, with plates of hot dogs and chips on the table. The woman is holding a bottle of ketchup, wearing blue gloves, while the girl, dressed in a pink jacket, looks on attentively. Background features other children and a colorful mural.
Children engaging in an interactive learning environment at a community center, with one boy sitting at a table working on a project while others socialize nearby. The colorful mural in the background adds a vibrant touch to the space.
Children enjoying a meal in a communal setting, with a smiling girl in a turquoise sweater holding a plate of food, while an older woman observes nearby. The background features other children seated at tables, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere.
Group of diverse teenagers engaging and laughing together in a vibrant café setting, with one girl showing something on her phone. A laptop and a plate of food are visible on the table, alongside a QR code sign. The background features a colorful mural, creating a lively atmosphere.
Two people preparing food in a kitchen setting, with one man in a blue hoodie scooping ingredients and a woman in a dark sweater holding a container. The kitchen features colorful artwork on the walls and various cooking supplies on the counter.
A young girl enjoying a bowl of dessert while surrounded by people in a community gathering space, showcasing a lively atmosphere with various individuals interacting in the background.

On the day we visited, the room was alive with excitement as 45 kids enjoyed hot dogs, chips, and ice cream—the kind of simple meal that becomes something much bigger when shared with friends. Blessings of Hope provided the buns, chips, and ice cream, and watching the children enjoy them with such joy was a reminder of what generosity can do. 

Smiling girl giving a peace sign while holding a food container, wearing a Roblox-themed t-shirt, in a community kitchen setting with food supplies in the background.
A young boy enjoying a dessert while smiling, surrounded by other children in a lively indoor setting. The background features a window and a black cabinet, creating a vibrant atmosphere of a communal gathering.
Volunteers serving hot dogs and snacks at a community meal event, with a child watching as food is prepared. The setting includes a kitchen with plates of food and condiments, capturing a moment of generosity and community engagement.
Group of volunteers standing in a community center with a colorful mural in the background, surrounded by food donations and supplies, promoting community support and engagement.

After dinner and homework time, the kids poured into the gym for an energized game of freeze-tag, their laughter echoing across the room. Soon after, Pastor Ramón gathered everyone together for announcements, a Bible lesson, and an episode of Superbook featuring the story of Noah. In that moment, you could feel it—seeds of faith being planted, nurtured through community, care, and the love of Christ. 

Children engaged in a group activity in a community center, with a speaker presenting in front of a large screen. The walls are decorated with positive affirmations like "I am," "brave," and "valued," creating an encouraging environment for youth development.
Children dancing in a lively indoor space with colorful lights, featuring a wall with motivational words and phrases.

Moments like these don’t happen by accident. They’re made possible by people like you who believe in strengthening communities and supporting ministries that are changing lives every day. 

Your partnership doesn’t just fill plates—it fuels purpose. It empowers ministries to serve boldly, love generously, and create spaces where children can experience the stability, hope, and faith every child deserves. 

Smiling child enjoying a meal in a communal dining setting, holding a piece of bread and sitting at a table with plates of food and colorful papers around. Background features other children and an adult, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A lively community kitchen filled with children interacting, eating, and enjoying activities. In the background, colorful artwork adorns the walls, and a chalkboard displays an inspirational message. The space is bright and welcoming, showcasing a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and engagement.
Group of children and adults smiling and holding dessert cups in a community center with a rustic brick backdrop, promoting teamwork and enjoyment in a fun, engaging environment.
Historic brick building with large windows, featuring the Fortress logo above the entrance; parked cars are visible in front, with a sunny sky in the background.

Thank you for helping multiply blessings in Reading and beyond. Together, we’re not only feeding families—we’re helping hearts grow. 

With gratitude, 

Blessings of Hope 

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 

Children interacting in a community center, with a young boy in a striped shirt engaging in conversation with an adult. The background features artwork displayed on the walls and children enjoying snacks at a table.
A woman in a patterned coat walks along a brick sidewalk lined with parked cars and autumn foliage, showcasing a residential street scene with scattered leaves and debris.
Blessings of Hope

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