Area food aid ministry extending its reach
TEXARKANA, Texas — 50K Souls, a humanitarian faith-based organization affiliated with Full Gospel Holy Temple in Nash, Texas, supplied food to a steady stream of vehicles, rendering food aid on a hot Saturday.
The organization, formed in 2015, was originally created to help out with food aid in emergencies, such as the aftermath of a storm. Since they began operations, other faith-based organizations have joined with them and increased the efforts.
“We formed with the goal originally of helping 50,000 people in the name of Christ,” said Jennifer Cannon, daughter of Paul Cannon, Jr., the former head pastor of Full Gospel Holy Temple. “We
have long since surpassed that goal, so now we just keep going, keep serving.”
Serving people is the whole point of this effort.
“I’ve a passion for helping
people, doing community work, fulfilling the needs of the needy, being of service to them” she said.
The event at Haven Homes House of Refuge takes place once a month. They have another one slated for July 8 at Border Masonic Lodge on Westlawn Drive.
Also on site was a mobile COVID testing clinic from Community Wellness America, offering free tests for those coming to the pantry.
“With the delta variant now 20% of new COVID cases, and the State of Louisiana in the top five least vaccinated states, and the level of vaccine hesitancy, there needs to be more active testing,” said Ryan Barghlameno, volunteer regional coordinator. “We will be testing at 50K Souls mobile pantries until we reach herd immunity.”
50K Souls volunteers were key in helping the mobile pantry event happen.
“This is a blessing for the community,” said Barbara Sears, volunteer. “Being able to do this, seeing the community come out and receive a blessing. Any and all are welcome, all souls matter.”
“I love it, helping people,” said Aquanette James, volunteer. “I love helping people, serving them spiritually. We help so many, and sometimes get to pray with them.”
Tabitha Johnson, mobile pantry specialist with East Texas Food Bank, was on hand to manage her end.
“We brought the food and logistical support,” she said. “This is a great program, specifically targeting high need neighborhoods. We reach around 400 families at most of these. It is amazing, rewarding.”
Haven Homes provided the space for the event and volunteers of their own, such as Richard Drinkard, who is a resident at Haven Homes as well as volunteer.
“This is awesome, opening a door to share the gospel of Christ,” he said. “This is what Haven Homes is about. Our 12-month life recovery is also a ministry we offer. … We do 4-5 food pantries a week and we always are spreading the Gospel.”