SMALL STARKE CHURCH IMPACTS COMMUNITY IN BIG WAY

by Teresa Wiles
Months ago, God prepared the 49-member Starke, Fla., Church to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their community. Telephone conversations with Second Harvest Food Bank and local government officials helped get the ball rolling, while countless hours and many Sundays were spent preparing a building to house a food pantry.
The members began handing out bread on Tuesday afternoons before their Bible study. This blossomed into distribution of nonperishable food and produce on the third Tuesday of each month. Since September, church members have helped 660 families, totaling more than 1,300 people.
“Many prayers have made a miracle for this small church,” says Lay Pastor Curtis Johnson. Also, many hands have helped with picking up and delivering food to the church from Second Harvest Food Bank. Each month, 10-15 members consistently turn out to volunteer with this program.