In March 2022, after coming out of lockdown due to COVID-19 which had totally devastated Australia—when many people had lost their livelihood and were suffering from depression and anxiety—Pastor Arthur Hudson, associate pastor of Hoxton Park church at that time, initiated the idea and subsequently implemented a food pantry to help the local community.
Joyce Bissell and Juan Valenzuela have been working at the food pantry since its inception. Juan recognises that this is God’s work and not theirs, and he gathers the volunteers together for prayer before the people arrive to ask God to bless them and make this ministry successful.
Joyce welcomes people as they come through the door with a cheery greeting which helps to put them at ease. Joyce has a great compassion for people and loves helping anyone who is in need. She says, “I love this ministry and I know this is the work that the Lord has given me to do.”
From the first day when 14 people arrived for a food parcel, until today when the need has doubled, people are greatly appreciative of this community service. They often share their problems with the workers. Many prayers have been said on their behalf both with them and for them, and prayers have been answered. Juan loves to share Jesus with the people and they have responded in a positive way.
Hoxton Park Food Pantry now has a number of people who volunteer, including one lady who initially came for a food parcel. Since then, she has helped each week. Another gentleman goes to Sabbath School each week, and he lends a hand as well.
God has blessed this ministry and two people have subsequently been baptised. What a wonderful God we serve.
Sandra Lehn is responsible for communications at Hoxton Park church in NSW.
