More Than Food
Serving in the food pantry of our church is about more than the food we provide for our own community and the community at large. I serve as a leader once a month on Saturday with a team of 8-10 people. This past week Janice Fry, our director, who oversees the ministry team met with the team leaders for the Saturday distribution of the food for the community at large. Kristi Lua, one of the leaders, shared how they have been able to pray with some of the people who come to the pantry on Saturdays. Several of the people have also been attending our morning services on Sunday. Ministering to people and their needs is the greater vision for the food pantry. Several months back a woman shared with Doug, my husband, that in her country, Ukraine, they do not have enough food. She then said to Doug, “Thank you and God bless America!”
The ministry of the food pantry is truly a team effort beginning Wednesdays when the pickup of food is done by several teams of people who go to Trader Joe’s, Winco, Fred Meyer, Starbucks, etc. The food is then sorted and put in the freezers and refrigerators until Friday when more food is delivered and sorted. Friday afternoon people from our church community shop for their food. On Saturday even more food is brought to be sorted and is then distributed to the community at large on Saturday afternoons. The food left after Saturday’s distribution is then given to 5 Rock Ranch in Yamhill, Oregon. You can find out more about this amazing ministry on their website – www.5rockranch.com. This week I took the opportunity to read on the 5 Rock website about how the Scott and Christi Bradley began the 5 Rock Ranch. God has truly called them to this ministry and it is a joy to serve with them.
Hopefully, you are able to get the picture of this beautiful ministry that began years ago with Louise and Pat Highhouse. If you get a chance, take the time to ask them about their story of how this all began! Thank you Pat and Louise! Also, thank you, Janice Fry for all that you do make this ministry be the praise and glory of Jesus Christ. Thank you to the 60 plus volunteers who minister to be a blessing to our community and the community at large.