For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:35-40
When I think of showing goodwill to all, I immediately think of our Meals on Wheels chef, Augustina Aviles. She arrives at our St. Luke’s Asbury Campus kitchen each weekday at 6 a.m. to prepare several hundred meals for homebound seniors. She carefully selects a menu that will provide both nourishment and joy to our clients. We frequently receive feedback from meal recipients about just how much they love and appreciate Chef Auggie’s cooking.
In addition to her job with Meals on Wheels, Augustina co-runs a nonprofit organization with her mother called Bagz of Luv. Founded in 2020, Bagz of Luv is a mobile street outreach organization that provides food, survival gear, clothing, medical supplies, pet food, clean water, and more to unhoused individuals. They take time to listen to the stories of those they serve and do their best to meet their needs, big and small.
Through her social media pages, Augustina involves others in the community with her organization. She frequently posts updates asking for donations of specific items needed that particular week. Additionally, she shares content that challenges the perceptions many of us carry about individuals experiencing homelessness.
Augustina’s work with the unhoused population of south Oklahoma City is an example to us all. She encourages me and others daily in the ways she lives out God’s calling in her life, truly showing goodwill to all.
Morgan Jones, Associate Director of Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City
