Two invitations were issued recently for dinners that were taking place last night. I was fortunate to receive both and to attend both.

The first was to those who form the homeless or at risk population of Edmonton. 1200 people accepted the invitation to that dinner. They lined up outside our building and while the volunteers set and reset tables they filled tables 20 at a time filling the room over and over again as 300 were fed at a time.

The Salvation Army band was playing Christmas carols as those guests were served by a host of smiling volunteers. The media was there – and so was prayer!

As that event was under way I walked three blocks in the cold evening air to the Westin Hotel. There 200 well dressed, extremely well educated health and community professionals gathered in invitation from the Minister of Health. The Wellness Forum has been called to discuss how Alberta can address the prevention side of health care.

The Salvation Army has had a strong history of health care and continues to do so.

What struck me last evening was the close proximity along with the high contrast of those dinners. There was no SA band at the Wellness Forum rather we were treated to a private concert by Jan Arden and her band.

Walking back to the office around 9 pm I saw some of those who had been at the Community Dinner – shuffling in the street light, sitting on a cold step, looking for a place of warmth.

My prayer; help us to do more than feed or shelter O Lord. Help us be a voice of hope and a door to change.