In the bustling streets of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, there exists a beacon of hope born from the depths of adversity. Meet Elaine and her daughter Rebekah, the formidable duo behind Awaken the Harvest, a ministry dedicated to alleviating hunger and homelessness in their community. Their story is not just one of survival but of resilience, compassion, and a relentless drive to make a difference.
The journey of Awaken the Harvest traces back to 1991 when Elaine and her five children found themselves fleeing from a life marred by mental illness, addiction, and domestic violence. Despite the hardships they faced, Elaine worked tirelessly at three minimum-wage jobs just to keep a roof over their heads, sacrificing meals to make ends meet. The memories of hunger and poverty from those days would later fuel their mission to serve those in need.
Summer of last year marked the start of Awaken the Harvest. Recalling their own struggles and empathizing with children who relied on free school lunches, Elaine and Rebekah took to the streets, determined to ensure that no child went hungry during the summer break. With the support of Blessings of Hope, the PA Central Food Bank, and Panera Bread, they embarked on their mission to feed the hungry.
Every Saturday throughout the summer, the duo made their way to Beautex Park, a neighborhood gripped by poverty, bringing not just food but also a sense of community and belonging. Families gathered, children laughed, and for a moment, the burdens of hunger and uncertainty were lifted.
Today, Awaken the Harvest has set its sights on a new frontier: the homeless encampment in Lebanon City. Armed with chocolate chip pancakes, donated bread from Panera, and clothing from Gravel Hill UMC, they continue to extend a hand of compassion to those in need.
The journey of Elaine and Rebekah serves as a poignant reminder that from the depths of despair, the seeds of hope can sprout. Their commitment to giving back, fueled by their own experiences of homelessness, is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and resilience.
From Homeless to helping – Hopecast Interview
To learn more about the remarkable journey of Elaine Mason and Rebekah Weaver, we invite you to watch their interview on Hopecast, where they share their experiences with homelessness and their vision for a better tomorrow.
As Awaken the Harvest continues to sow seeds of hope in the hearts of the homeless, we urge you to join us in supporting their mission. Your contribution today can make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling on the streets.
Together, let us turn adversity into opportunity, despair into hope, and homelessness into healing.
Warm regards,
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
