On Saturday, October 5th, i58 Ministry food distribution had seventy-seven amazing volunteers freely displaying the hands and feet of Jesus by loving others! Two ladies stood out to help someone in need; they were a light in a dark world. A man who lives near the center walks to pick up his food.
He was receiving one box of nonperishable items, one sack of produce, one sack of pastries, one sack of frozen meat, and one gallon of milk. As he struggled to pick up his food, Mattie (my 19-year-old granddaughter) stepped up and said, “Nana, I’ll help carry his food!” As I hesitated, all the dangers in the world flashing in my head, I said, “OK!” Then Molly from Covenant Church stepped up and said, “I’ll help and go with her.” So, off they went, Homero, Mattie, and Molly carrying the food.
Although many excuses or fears prevent us from helping people, Mattie and Molly simply showed a desire to help a man in need because of the empathy in their hearts.
Isaiah 58 speaks about breaking the chains of injustice, freeing the oppressed, sharing food with the hungry, and eliminating unfair practices. The passage also speaks about how if you do these things, you will be blessed, your light will begin to glow in the darkness, and you will have a full life in empty places, firm muscles, and strong bones. You will be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild, and renovate.
These two young ladies lived out Isaiah 58. What would happen in the world today if all of us did this? Simply being kind and loving like Jesus, and helping those in need by starting with the little things, like carrying groceries.
Our Team of Difference Makers
We want to express our deepest gratitude to our many volunteers who contribute every month for your incredible dedication and hard work! Our volunteers help us be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving those in need. We started a monthly Bible Study on Wednesday for I58 families following I58 distribution day.
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. ‘“ John 6:35.
Giving food to those in need helps open the conversation to eternal life. We are so encouraged and excited that seventeen adults and children attended our first I58 Bible Study! Please pray for hearts to grow to know Jesus and spread the gospel!
God has done more than we can ask or imagine in our ministry! We have seen Him move in our ministry in new partnerships! Partnerships not only allow us to give more to our community, but it also helps demonstrate the impact of Christ-like relationships. We have partnered with a ministry that will donate adult incontinence protection. This will save us $200 per month that can be utilized in other needs of our ministry! Trader Joes and Aldi have partnered with us providing us with donations that will help our efforts. Generous donors have gifted the ministry two trailers, a van, and two box trucks that will be invaluable to our work!
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory..” Ephesians 3:20-21
Preparing for the Biggest i58 of the Year
We are looking forward to and preparing for the holidays with our I58 families. Our families can choose a turkey or chicken to bring home on November 2nd for their Thanksgiving meal. We will be purchasing them so all families will be included. December, we look forward to distributing toys and gift items to families as they drive through. Please consider helping us, as our costs to support these families in this way are greater than any other month!
2024 to October Numbers:
- Total volunteers: 685
- Pounds of food: 192,593
- Number of families served: 3,561
- Number of applications taken on October 6th: 10
- Number of families who will be served in November: 376
Get Involved
- Volunteer your time
- Donate funds for food
- Spread the word about i58
- Pray for our ministry and the families we serve
Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need.
