Anchoring our Future
As a new school year kicks off, hallways and classrooms are filling with fresh energy, big dreams, and brand-new beginnings. For many students and families in our community, stepping into the school year fully equipped brings confidence and hope—and that’s made possible through the generosity of people like you. Whether through packing essential supplies, offering a helping hand, or simply keeping our local families in your daily prayers, thank you for investing in the next generation. As routines reset and fall approaches, let’s continue walking alongside our local families to ensure every child has the support they need to thrive this year.
August By the Numbers
Your collective faithfulness transforms everyday items and logistical negotiations into a beautiful sanctuary of hope. Just look at the incredible victories and milestones we celebrated this August:
August by the Numbers: Thanks to the tireless efforts of 9 different churches and groups working in perfect, selfless harmony, we distributed 31,969 pounds of food! Together, we served 393 families—which represents 1,769 individual lives touched by the love of Jesus in a single month.
Anchoring Our Physical Home: As many of you know, Pastor Rick announced his retirement from Royal Haven on Sunday, with his last Sunday set for November 22nd. While we will deeply miss his leadership, Rick is currently working incredibly hard to secure a long-term, reasonable lease with Royal Haven for i58 and the other congregations that call our mission center home. Once this lease is finalized, we will launch a dedicated campaign to help fund our ongoing expenses and anchor this ministry for years to come.
Volunteer Spotlight
Four years ago, Steve first encountered i58 through the Gideons while distributing Bibles alongside food. When he went home and told his wife, Rebekah, they realized i58 would be the perfect place to serve together as a couple. That single step of obedience not only transformed their service, but even led them to join Royal Haven Church!
Today, Steve and Rebekah are a dynamic duo around the ministry, jumping in wherever hands are needed: Rebekah lovingly hand-crochets blankets for mothers with newborn babies, helps pack distribution boxes, works in produce, and keeps operations moving smoothly by running carts back and forth to the drive-thru team.
Steve works tirelessly behind the scenes—unloading delivery trucks, lifting heavy boxes onto carts, taking out trash, and stepping into any gap. Beyond distribution days, Steve has even helped secure formal recognition for i58 from both the city and state, opening doors for future favor and grant opportunities!
When asked about serving at i58, they shared how exciting it is to see so many local churches and groups coming together for one common purpose. Above all, their deepest prayer and hope is that every box packed, blanket made, and conversation held leads people into a real relationship with Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Rebekah and Steve, for your selfless hearts, your dedication to this community, and the love of Christ you bring to i58 every single week!
Joining the Team
We are so grateful for our team like the Niermanns, Pastor Rick, and each of you who make this work possible!
Our next distribution day is just around the corner. We cannot wait to serve alongside you as we continue building this beautiful legacy together!
