Welcome to our July Newsletter!
This month, we’re excited to share stories of impact, highlight the incredible work happening on the ground, and invite you to see how your support is bringing light and life to those in need.
Our team packed 336 backpacks for elementary age children whose families are affiliated with i58! Getting a new backpack full of supplies empowers students to grow in their hope for their future. Giving out the backpacks ensures that a child’s economic circumstances don’t hinder their ability to learn and succeed. For low-income families, the cost of back-to-school supplies can be a significant financial strain, especially when trying to balance expenses for food, housing, and healthcare. Providing a backpack eases this burden, allowing parents to reallocate precious funds to other critical needs.
*Volunteer Spotlight: Gene and Melinda McBride*
Meet Gene and Belinda McBride, two incredible individuals who have been at the heart of I58 Ministries since its very beginning – over 10 years ago!
Belinda recalls attending the first meeting about feeding children in the summer, and immediately, both she and Gene knew that loving children through nourishment was a divine calling. They watched God miraculously open door after door, guiding I58’s incredible growth that continues to this day.
I58 has profoundly impacted their lives, igniting a renewed vision for missions within Belinda, inspired by the deep compassion of Rick and Carol from the start. “From childhood, sharing and giving the love of Jesus to others was the reason, as believers, to remain on Earth,” she shares, highlighting how I58 embodies this core belief.
Today, Gene and Belinda faithfully serve as our dedicated shoppers, helping to meticulously fill boxes with vital food each month. And their commitment doesn’t waver – they plan to continue serving as long as the Lord allows.
Why should you get involved? Gene and Belinda offer a powerful invitation: “Jesus said, ‘I am the Bread of Life.’ …Wouldn’t you want to be a part of giving bread and water to those who are hungry and thirsty, as well as giving them the opportunity to hear about and accept the One, who is the Bread of Life and the living water?”
They also share the beautiful sight of multiple generations – mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, and great-grandparents – serving side-by-side every month. It’s a testament that everyone can participate, and the reward is “boundless joy and satisfaction in the deepest part of your soul.”
Thank you, Gene and Belinda, for your steadfast faithfulness, your inspiring dedication, and for being such foundational pillars of I58 Ministries! Your commitment truly embodies the heart of Christ. ❤️
July Distribution Statistics
Praise the Lord for the impact made in July! Here are the numbers for the month:
* Total pounds of food given out: 39,303 pounds
* Families served: 411
* Individuals served: 1884
* Total volunteers: 80
* Different groups (churches/organizations): 8
These numbers reflect the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our donors, and the trust of the community we serve.
At I58 Ministry, we believe in helping our community thrive with the love of Christ! Thanks to you, our donors, volunteers, supporters, and friends, we can help bring this vision into reality for many of our families!
Thank you for all you do for the Lord and these families!
