Comment from Vicky Gentzell:

Jesus said "if you love me, feed my sheep."

Jesus was telling Simon Peter what was expected of him after Jesus was gone. Now, Jesus didn't actually have sheep! He was talking about those people who followed Him. The people Jesus cared for, the ones He loved...loves. Even now Jesus is calling us to feed His sheep.

My mother and father were believers in this scripture. Moma would say, "we'll all just feel better if we just eat." Daddy would say "feed these kids some real food." They fed us four girls as well as any stray family or friends who needed a meal.

On Tuesday evening July 16, 2008 we "fed His sheep". They came from Puttur as well as from surrounding rural villages. They were the poorest of the poor chosen by the evangelists to join us for a meal and clothing distribution.

The Good Shepherd Mission staff had prepared the meal. Each person received a "plate" made of "eating leaves" which were about as big as your hand. The leaves were stitched together like a big round placemat. On this plate we placed two giant scoops of seasoned rice. Then a meat stew-like soup was ladeles on top. There was also a mixed veggie cole-slaw like salad, banana, and "sweet". Everyone ate their fill-some with seconds and thirds. Glasses of clean water to drink. It was marvelous.

Feed my sheep! It would have pleased my Moma & Daddy and I know it pleased Jesus!

He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. -Isaiah 40:11 (NRSV)