What began as a simple gesture in the 1970s has grown into a cross-country friendship spanning decades, generations and nearly 3,000 miles.

Back then, Clark Yoder of Oregon was serving with Mennonite Central Committee in Pennsylvania when he met an Amish family volunteering at MCC headquarters in Akron. Curious about Amish cooking and hoping for a good meal, Yoder offered to help them harvest hay. That spontaneous offer sparked a lifelong connection.

In July, Yoder and three other drivers transported 23 members of that same Amish family from Lancaster, Pa., to Yoder’s home in Canby, Ore. They made the journey in two motor homes, driving in shifts across the country.

To say thank you, and to give back, the family prepared and served 100 guests and many volunteers a traditional Amish dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, noodles and shoofly pie. The event raised $10,875 for MCC and Mennonite Disaster Service on Aug. 9 at Morning Shade Farm near Canby in an evening was more than just a meal. It was a celebration of friendship, gratitude and generosity.