Food Pantry

[2:272] You are not responsible for guiding anyone. GOD is the only one who guides whoever chooses (to be guided). Any charity you give is for your own good. Any charity you give shall be for the sake of GOD. Any charity you give will be repaid to you, without the least injustice.

Praise be to God, it’s now been one year since we began the food pantry at Masjid Tucson in partnership with the local Community Food Bank. Twice a week, we distribute food to people who are in need. We had no idea how great the need truly is. We have regulars who come by and tell us that they were able to pay a bill or buy some necessity because they didn’t have to pay for food this week. In the small bag of canned goods that we distribute, we include a copy of an old Submitters Perspective. And we’ve been told by several that they really enjoy reading the articles. God gave us an opportunity where by helping people, we are also educating about His religion; showing the community what Submission is really all about.

By God’s grace, in our first year, we served over 8,000 people, including 3000 families with small children. We estimate that over 53,000 pounds of food were distributed. This includes canned goods, bread, fresh produce, water, and fun foods like chips and cookies. The submitter community

contributed more than 4000 hours of volunteer time to make it happen. Many Submitters also sent generous donations. It takes a lot of hard work and we thank everyone who participated. We thank God most of all.

We recently received this letter from a regular who wanted to express appreciation. We’re not doing this for the thank you; we’re doing it for God: [76:9] "We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks. But it’s a reassurance from God to hear that we’re making a difference.

“I wish I could find the perfect way to say thank you for being such a thoughtful and caring people. You always seem to know just what people need and what will brighten their day. Kindness is such a part of your nature that I am sure you’re not even aware of some of the little things you do that make such a difference in someone’s life. That’s why I want you to know your generous spirit has touched my life and others more than I can count. And so, although I’m sure that “thank you” is a phrase you hear very often, I want to say it again and tell you that we appreciate you all more than you know.   Signed: The Guys!”

May God bless the strivers who keep the food pantry up and running, and bless those who are in need with His provisions. May God allow us to continue to be able to help those individuals. We pray God accepts from us.

God Willing

31st

Annual Conference
United Submitters

July 29-31, 2016

Vancouver, Canada

God willing, we are planning to hold this year’s United Submitters International Conference in the beautiful city of Vancouver, B.C., Canada (on July 29, 30 and 31).

We will include more details in subsequent issues of the Submitters Perspective, God willing. You can keep an eye on the web site for details as well (including passport/travel document requirements for US Citizens):
www.masjidtucson.org/conference/

For people who arrive by air, Seattle, WA, can be an alternative city to fly in. It is possible to rent a car there or take a shuttle to Vancouver (about a 2-hr drive). But save the dates and start planning for another special gathering of submitters.

God willing, see you in July.