In 2017, a small group of Ballarat church folk bravely started an outreach called The Good Samaritan, giving out food and clothing from Ballarat’s second Adventist church in Wendouree.
Now a huge shed with freezers, fridges, a sink, storage sheds and cupboards, piled high to the roof with supplies week after week, stands as a testimony to the wonderful love and power of God.
The ministry, now called Soul + Food, runs every Thursday, supporting members of the Ballarat community who are going through challenging times. Along with clothing and food collection, the church kitchen/café now provides a big help-yourself morning tea to some of the more than 100 members of the Ballarat community who are going through challenging times. People are also cared for with $A5 haircuts, Centrelink support, utility grant advice and child and family services representatives, along with services for the homeless. Furniture and electrical goods have been provided, as well as a health check day where diabetes, hypertension and other health needs have been addressed.
Each of the community members are collecting, on average, for three or more family members. It has been estimated that $A100-150 worth of food and goods are given out in each trolley. This equates to a minimum of $A10,000 each week and half-a-million dollars annually.
The volunteers begin their mornings with announcements and a short devotional and prayer. This is integral to invite the Holy Spirit’s presence and to build a cohesive team from the approximately 30 amazing, blessed volunteers, roughly half of whom are from the church and half community volunteers. They are all kind people who have been helped themselves and are now inspired to help others and “pass it on”. There is another half-hour worship at 11 am for the public and any volunteers who can take a brief break from their “giving” duties. This “spiritual food” is alternately provided by the eldest pastor who is almost 90 years of age, and the youngest intern pastor in training.
Here at Soul + Food we long to care for others physically, mentally and spiritually. It is a vital, joyous place for both volunteers and community members. So much more than just food and clothing is dispensed: TLC, love, a prayer in times of need, a smile, a joke and a warm weekly welcome from familiar faces. We are doing as Jesus did and through His strength experiencing how blessed it is to give.
Food and clothing are donated through many sources in the community: Foodbank and local businesses like McCain, Natures Cargo and Aldi. Soul + Food acknowledges and is grateful for all our wonderful supporters, locally and beyond. Their partnerships enable us to have a greater impact within our community. Along with these donors, church members, as well as youth, have made several big food collection runs in the community.
We are trusting God for yet another miracle, to raise funds for a commercial grade, fully metal verandah for both summer sun and winter rain protection. This will further help the elderly, families, babies, those who are ill or in wheelchairs, to be sheltered.
We stand in faith knowing the many miracles we have seen with this God-blessed venture in the past, despite the fact it comes with an approximate $A25,000 price tag.
Be inspired. Maybe your church could do this too. It is the same Holy Spirit, the same “God who works in us all, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
For further information, please contact Veronica.
Jennifer Philippiadis is a church member in Ballarat, Victoria.
