Years ago, the Lord pressed upon Evelyn Lewallen’s heart to start a ministry to help people. She had experienced what it was like in her early years as a young parent and how difficult life can be. There were times when the only thing she and her husband had to feed their children were beans, and Spaghetti O’s became a major treat.
2 Corinthians 1:4, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” NLT
It is the driving force behind Evelyn and her husband Tommie’s desire to help. “I went to our pastor, Bob Lawson, and I told him I wanted to start a food ministry. He asked me if I had a name. He suggested ‘Helping Hands’, which was the very name I felt the Lord gave to me years ago,” Evelyn recounted.
Since that moment, the Turnerville Church of God, located at 2829 Historic 441 in Clarkesville, Georgia, has pushed forward to bring it all to fruition.
This Saturday, August 17th, will be the inaugural first Food Giveaway Day.
“I see widows and elderly people having to choose between medicine and food. I see young families struggling to buy food. I pray this will bring them relief,” Evelyn said about her expectations for the day.
Cheryl Sumpter, who is a member of the Board of Helping Hands Ministries, talked about her hopes for the day. “We plan on distributing 50 boxes. It is on a first come first serve basis. Boxes are prepared for families of 4. If a family has more than four, they will receive a second box.”
From the moment someone drives into the parking lot of Turnerville Church of God, there will be people to direct where to go and what to do. Arrival time is 8:30 a.m. and food will be distributed starting at 9:00 a.m.
“There is a simple form to fill out which is required by the Northeast Georgia Food Bank of Clayton. If you come back next month on the 3rd Saturday of the month, we can simply pull your registration form and sign you in,” Evelyn said.
Turnerville Church is a small church with a congregation of big hearts. “God can take something so small and make it so big,” Cheryl said.
You do not have to be a member of a church or share the same faith. The Free Food Giveaway is for anyone who needs a helping hand.
Cheryl said there is always a need for more hands. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information call 762-230-5676. For donations, you can mail a check to Turnerville Church c/o Helping Hands Ministry P.O. Box 99, Turnerville, GA. 30580.
“We’d love to partner with other churches as well if there are any interested,” Evelyn said.
If you are in need of food, come this Saturday, August 17th, at 8:30 a.m. to register and at 9:00 a.m. to receive the box of food. It is on a first come first serve basis. For this inaugural day, 50 boxes will be distributed. Each month, it will be held on the 3rd Saturday of every month.
