Located near BlueOval City in Stanton, Tennessee, Keeling Baptist Church started a new ministry last year called the Keeling Cares Food Pantry. The ministry provides bags of food for families in need.
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“We’re a small church, but we have lots of participation from our members in this ministry,” said pastor Bob Lane. “And it’s been very exciting to see us do something that is really making a difference in our community.”
The church designates one day each month for individuals and families to pick up the bags of food. On that day, members of community often arrive early in the morning, forming a line outside the church. After they come through the building to register, Lane has a time of prayer with each family (or individual). The food is then delivered to the person’s car.
In November, the bags included a large frozen turkey — along with other items, including a dessert kit — for Thanksgiving. In December, the bags include a ham for Christmas.
Clay Gilbreath, director of missions for the Big Hatchie Association, said he believes the spirit and commitment of the Keeling Baptist Church body should be an inspiration for churches of all sizes.
“It is so encouraging when a congregation focuses on what they can do in order to reach the community around them,” Gilbreath said. “Any church can do that. It only takes a willing heart and being open to God’s leading.”
Outlet for outreach and evangelism
Lane said the ministry is an outlet for outreach and evangelism, with the goal being to see new believers come to faith in Jesus. This is what makes the prayer time with each family so important, he said.
“I’ve had the chance to see many, many prayers answered through this ministry,” he said. “We’ve seen wounds healed and lives improved.”
“We believe the prayer time is even more important than the food for the people who come,” he said.
Lane said he is grateful for the support of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, which provided a one-time grant to help launch the ministry. The grant was provided through gifts to the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions.
“Keeling Baptist has found a great ministry and they are doing great things with it,” Gilbreath said. “And what is happening at Keeling is absolutely an encouragement and challenge to any church.
“See the need, meet the need and watch how the Lord blesses,” he said.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by David Dawson and originally published by the Baptist and Reflector.
