THE PULPIT: Couple seek successors, not attention

People react differently when it comes to publicity about their good deeds.

Some want attention for almost every unselfish act they perform. Others, while not seeking publicity, are happy to receive the accolades.

And then there are those who want no media attention, period.

Such is the case with a Colorado Springs couple who came to my attention via a phone call from a woman who thought they merited a story for their good Samaritan project.

The couple initially turned me down for an interview, but changed their minds for a reason I'll get to. But rest assured that it has nothing to do with a desire for a pat on the back. In fact, they don't want me to use their real names, so I'm calling them Larry and Denise.

This husband-and-wife team feed about 180 homeless and needy people every Sunday afternoon in Antlers Park downtown. Though they have a few helpers, they perform most of the work and pay most of the expenses out of their own pocket - about $300 a week for food and tents, clothing and other supplies they give to the needy.

Denise, 49, cooks the main courses, often working around the clock on Fridays and Saturdays. Larry, a 37-year-old Fort Carson staff sergeant, purchases the food supplies, sets up the makeshift cafeteria and serves the people.

Though they are Christians and members of a local church, they don't witness or minister.

"So many people preach the word of God," Denise said, "but not enough show the word of God through love."

The couple started feeding the homeless in September 2008 in Monument Valley Park downtown because it is something they always wanted to do, they said. As the weather turned cold, they moved the operation to the Penrose Public Library parking lot, serving hot meals from the trunk of their car.

They moved to Antlers Park in January after library officials asked them to leave because of legal issues, Denise said.

But the soup kitchen may soon come to an end. Larry has been transferred to Fort Hood in Texas, and the couple and their 10-year-old son are moving next month. The last meal they'll prepare and serve will be July 5.

The only reason they agreed to talk to me is that they hope the publicity will motivate someone to take over the project. "We've had some people interested," Larry said, "but when they find out about the time, effort and cost of doing it, they back out."

Ron and Lisa Ray, both homeless, are sad that the soup kitchen may be shutting down.

"They are so generous, and they treat us so well," Lisa Ray, 54, said. "We don't know what we'll do without them. Sure, you can find the food elsewhere, but not the friendship."

If you would like to speak to Larry and Denise about taking over the soup kitchen, call me at the number below or visit them today, starting at 12:30 p.m. at Antlers Park.

To read more religion news, go to my blog, The Pulpit.

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Call writer at 636-0367.