Feeding the masses at Evening Light

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With the ever-growing number of families struggling to make ends meet, the leadership and family at Evening Light Pentecostal Church sought a way to feed the poor, helping to meet both their physical and spiritual needs.

The result was the launch of their weekly Community Night, in which members of the Parson’s Road community are invited to come and eat, free of charge, and then, if they wish, to stay for the “New Beginnings A Life Full of Grace” Bible study.

According to Jonathan Lambe, the church’s assistant pastor, the inspiration for the ministry outreach is based in a passage from Matthew 25, which reads: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)

“We are just loving on people, showing the love and grace of God,” Rev Lambe shared.

Over the last six weeks of serving, the church has seen an average of 165 people coming in each week for the meals. That includes a core group of about 50 regulars, some of whom are seniors and shut-ins, whom the church delivers the meals to. However, last week, they served a record 200 meals.

“We’re probably seeing more because there is a need,” shared Candace Lambe, Rev Lambe’s wife, who coordinates much of the meal planning and preparation. “We’re really trying to take the conditions off our giving by being loving and accepting.”

Many of those coming for food are young people, who are being sent by their parents, though many of those children also bring plates of food home.

“There are a lot of young people every week it’s growing and growing,” Rev Lambe said. “We’re doing it to connect with people, to let them know our church is there for them.”

The church has not been left alone in the work.

“Daily Bread came in and trained everyone,” explained Mrs Lambe. “And the members at Evening Light have really taken it to the next level.”

The church has also had a great deal of support from some local restaurants, like Jamaican Grill and Fish’n Tings, who will just send big trays of food over to be served.

People from other churches have also joined in by helping to stock the pantry and to cook food.

“Someone donated a microwave as early as today,” shared Rev. Lambe during the interview last Tuesday.

Food is served from 5.45pm to 6.45pm, then, at 7pm, the Bible study begins. The church has also added a special programme for young people, as well.

In addition to the Community Dinners, Evening Light is also seeking a new twist on their annual Mother’s Day celebration. Rather than taking funds to purchase small gifts for the mothers in their congregation, the money has been invested in a sharing a Mother’s Day Giveaway celebration, where they will be giving out free pre-paid laundry cards to mothers who come, as well as music, concessions and a fun castle for the kids, sponsored by All 4 Fun.

There will also be a special draw for gift baskets filled with all kinds of goodies for those moms who attend the festivities today between 10am and 1pm in the church’s parking lot.

“We’re just excited about what’s happening,” Rev Lambe said, “and we’re just getting started.”

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