Parishioners of a church located in Jim Thorpe’s heights got a lesson in generosity last weekend.

Rev. Bruce Potteiger came to St. John Luthern’s church Saturday to speak on the international reach of Food for the Poor, a faith-based organization aimed at addressing poverty in Latin America and the Carribean.

According to its website, the Florida-based nonprofit supplies food, medicine, housing, education and clean water. Founded in 1982, Food for the Poor says it has given more than $15 billion in aid across 17 countries to date.

At the beginning of his sermon, Potteiger, a Food for the Poor speaker, took from the biblical book of Matthew. In the passage, Jesus told his disciples to love the Lord, and to love others. 

Potteiger then asked if there were any members of the military present. When they raised their hands, the reverend posed another question: When your commanding officer gives you orders, what do you do?

“Follow them,” a handful of congregants responded.

Potteiger said Christians should follow that example by giving to others.

“As you fill your bellies tonight, and as the prayer is said for Thanksgiving,” Potteiger told the audience, “please remember those who have not eaten today, nor will they eat tomorrow.”