BROOKVILLE — Nearly 30 people attended the Blessing Box dedication recently held at the Brookville Church of the Brethern.

The church, located at 220 Western Avenue, is one of three locations for Blessing Boxes.

One Blessing Box is located at the First United Methodist Church, located at 963 Salem St.

Another Blessing Box is located at the Antioch Methodist Church, 10301 Wolf Creek Pike, in Trotwood.

The Blessing Boxes were created as part of the ministry program entitled “Mission 52.”

Mission 52 refers to the book of Matthew (chapter 14, verse 19) where Jesus fed the multitude with just five loaves of bread and two fishes.

The boxes, built by Brookville Cub Scout Pack 47, contain a variety of nonperishable food items, personal care products and household items.

The boxes are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone who has the need for any of the items inside the boxes.

Mike Trott, pastor of the Brookville Church of Brethern, welcomed the crowd to the dedication.

Trott thanked everyone who had a role in the Blessing Box located at the church.

“It takes many hands to do this. Not one person, not two people, not three people, but many,” Trott said.

Trott related the purpose of the Blessing Box to the story of the prophet Elijah that is written in the book of I Kings.

Trott specifically referred to I Kings chapter 19, verse 5.

“I think it has a little bit to do with what we’re talking about today,” Trott said.

Referring to verse 5, Trott said Elijah is trying to escape queen Jezebel, who is threatening to kill him.’

Trott said Elijah takes off and goes far into the wilderness where he finds himself under a tree.

“He lay down and slept under a Juniper tree and behold, there was an angel touching him. He said to Elijah, ‘arise, eat.’ Elijah looked around, and by his head there was a cake that had been baked over coals and a jar of water,” Trott said.

Trott said Elijah ate and drank and then lay down again and went back to sleep.

“The angel of the Lord came down a second time and touched him and said. ‘arise and eat because the journey is too great for you,’” Trott said.

“So he rose and ate and drank. And with the strength from that food, Elijah walked for 40 days and nights to the mountain of God where he went into a cave and spent the night and the word of the Lord came to him,” Trott continued.

Trott said the story of Elijah and the angel applies to the role of people today.

“Isn’t this a perfect example of what we are called to do for our brothers and sisters?” Trott asked.

Trott said “Elijah is down and out and in the middle of a wilderness without any resources” and “this angel takes time to make Elijah a meal.”

Trott said the angel didn’t just leave after preparing the meal, but instead, remained close by to watch Elijah.

“I get the impression the angel is still watching Elijah and realizes Elijah still is in need, so the angel fixes Elijah another meal,” Trott said.

“That gives me the impression that we are called to fill this Blessing Box, not just once, not just twice, but continually,” Trott said.

“If this is going to be our mission to support people in this community, then like this angel we have to recognize this is not a one and done deal,” Trott continued.

Trott said keeping the Blessing Box filled is something that needs to be done because people are going to need support, possibly for quite some time.

Trott said that is the purpose of the Blessing Box – giving people the assistance to get back on their feet.

“Isn’t that what we all hope for those in our community who need these resources?” Trott asked.

“For once they’ve come two, three, four, five hundred times that eventually they will get to the point where they, too, will be able to self-sustain,’ Trott continued.

“I’m hoping that is what this Blessing Box will become. Not just a source of items or materials, but a source of hope for a better future and a source in humanity. A source that demonstrates there are good people who are willing to share love and care for their neighbors,” Trott said.

Trott noted Jo Wilder is seeking donations and people to help fill the three Blessing Boxes.

Wilder indicated she would like to place small carts in church lobbies where church members can leave nonperishable food items and other supplies that can be placed inside the Blessing Boxes.

“I would love for that to happen.” Wilder said.

Anyone wishing to make a financial donation may contact Wilder at (937) 307-6125.

Reach Terry Baver at [email protected]