“There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.”
When Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, they must have felt overwhelmed. Before them stood thousands of hungry people, and all they had were five loaves and two fish. It was not enough—not even close. Yet Jesus did not see what was missing. He saw an opportunity for faith, trust, and a miracle. How often do we find ourselves standing before situations that seem impossible? We look at our own resources, our own strength, and our own abilities, and we say, “Lord, I do not have enough.” We forget that God has never asked us to provide everything. He simply asks us to bring what we have and place it into His hands. “Bring them here to me.” These words are at the heart of today’s Gospel. Jesus does not reject the small offering of the disciples. He takes it, blesses it, breaks it, and transforms it into an abundance that feeds everyone. What appeared insignificant became a gift beyond imagination because it was surrendered to God.
The same is true in our own lives. Our acts of kindness may seem small. Our prayers may feel simple. Our faith may sometimes feel weak. But when offered to Christ, even the smallest gift can become something powerful. God does not measure our offerings by size; He measures them by the love and trust behind them.The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God calls us to come to Him freely: “Come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat.” The Lord knows the hunger within our souls—the longing for peace, purpose, and love that the world cannot satisfy. He alone provides the nourishment that truly fills us. And St. Paul gives us a promise we should carry through every trial: nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Not hardship, fear, suffering, or uncertainty. The love of God remains constant, even when our circumstances feel overwhelming.
As we continue our journey of faith, let us ask ourselves: What are the five loaves and two fish that I am holding today? What gifts, struggles, worries, or dreams do I need to place into the hands of Jesus? When we surrender what we have to Him, God can transform our limitations into blessings, our struggles into strength, and our small acts of faith into a harvest of grace. “The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.”
Lord Jesus, help us to trust You with everything we have. Teach us not to focus on what we lack but to believe in what You can do. Take our gifts, our struggles, and our hearts, and use them according to Your will. May we always remember that in Your hands, even the smallest offering can become a miracle. Amen.
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”