Tulsa's John 3:16 Mission offers not just a Thanksgiving meal, but also spiritual nourishment to those in need.
The shelter held a Thanksgiving dinner Thursday night. Hundreds of people without homes and individuals in the mission’s recovery programs were able to eat a hot meal and enjoy each other’s company.
John 3:16 Mission says it aims to create a warm atmosphere where everyone can share the holiday spirit together and offers programs to help people in need get through any struggles they are facing.
Everyone was served a full Thanksgiving feast including turkey, ham, veggies, and pie, but the outreach doesn't end with the meals.
Following dinner, everyone was invited to stay for a nightly church service.
Pastor Steven Whitaker says not only is it about being able to provide a Thanksgiving meal, but being able to give when others are in need.
“It’s a privilege to get to spend time with our folks that are here at the mission. This is family for us. So, we are happy to be here, and I think our volunteers feel very similar to that,” Whitaker said.
The ministry says it was able to meet its goals by providing more than 4,000 free meals this week.