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Angel help in difficult times NEWARK - In today's uncertain economy, anything that helps ease the financial burden is welcomed with open arms - or on angel's wings. The Angel Food Ministry, at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Newark, is doing just that by helping families keep food on the table. 'One of our members had heard about the ministry and went to Jerry Wilson, pastor of the Baptist Church,' said Linda Powell, co-director with Peter Cornell, of the ministry at Lighthouse Baptist Church. 'With his permission, the congregation went forward with it.' Started in Monroe, Ga. some 15 years ago, Angel Food Ministry is a non-profit, non-denominational organization that helps bring relief to communities across the United states, said Powell. What started out serving 34 families now aids hundreds of thousands in 35 states every month. When the program was first introduced at Lighthouse in September of 2008, many families saw it as accepting charity and were unwilling to use the service, Powell said. But with lingering, tough econimic times, many families - of all incomes, Powell said, have found themselves in difficult situations and are turning to the ministry for help. 'In the beginning, only twenty five people participated,' the co-director said. 'Lighthouse now helps out between 60 and 70 families each month. About half the participants are church members. The rest come from every facet of the community.' Each month, the ministry takes orders from families in the area either by mail or online. The families look through the menu and choose from several different boxes, which cover a varied range of prices and products - the senior convenience box includes 10 pre-made, fully cooked, nutritionally balanced meals for $28; the allergen-free box includes breaded chicken nuggets and breaded chicken tenders for $25; the main box, or signature box for December will include meat, vegetables, eggs, milk, and holiday-type food, such as stuffing, sweet potatoes and a holiday dessert for $30. The selection changes from month to month. Orders can be paid by credit card or food stamps. Orders usually come in on the third Saturday of every month. The food comes from vendors in Georgia and is delivered to a central drop point in Waterloo. 'Men from the church take a truck and trailer to the distribution point,' Powell said. 'Tractor trailers unload. It's a tremendous undertaking. The men's reaction was, Wow, that is huge.'' Between 19 and 25 volunteers help hand out the orders at the church. Angel Food Ministry is open to everyone. There are no qualification limits, income restrictions or applications. 'If you eat, you qualify,' said Powell. For more information, to place an order or to receive a menu by mail, visit Lighthouse Baptist Church's Web site at www.lbcnewark.com, or call 331-5141. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The Angel Food Ministry at the Lighthouse Baptist Church is helping families keep food on the table in these uncertain economic times. There are no restrictions on who can apply. How to apply: 1. To have a menu mailed to you, call the Lighthouse Baptist Church at 331-5141 or visit their Web site at www.lbcnewark.com. The menu can also be viewed online. 2. Place your order by mail or online. 3. Pick up your order at the church, usually on the third Saturday of every month. Copyright
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