Food and utility payment emergency assistance is available to those in need in the 70601, 70605, 70607 and 70615 zip code areas. Last week, Manna Ministry volunteers got together to sort some of that food, more than 6,000 non-perishable food items collected and donated by Nelson Elementary School.

It was really a group effort,” said Don Ash, Manna Ministries. “Nelson Elementary teachers Ms. Webb and Ms. Chapman helped organize the food collection. The Barbe football team and most of the coaches helped get the food here. Trinity Baptist Church supplied the trailer and David Self, Manna volunteer, made all of this happen. Today we’re having what we like to call a sorting party.”
With the highly organized and now retired pharmacist Charlotte Langston leading the charge, food dates were checked, food sorted and packed. People of all ages were there, including 12-year-old Beckett Callahan wanted to help “to see a change in the world and yeah, that’s 100 percent because of my faith in God. He’s amazing.”

Ash said it is faith that drives the ministry, and in Lake Charles where 21 percent of the population live at poverty level, according to the latest census figures, there are plenty of people who need help, especially with today’s sky-high food prices and rising utility costs.

“As Christians, we’re commanded to help,” Ash said. “In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus is asked which commandment is the greatest and he replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your soul, heart and mind. This is the first and the greatest and the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

What started 20 years ago as a joint ministry between St. Luke Simpson United Methodist Church and St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church has grown to include Trinity Baptist Church, University Methodist Church and Lakewood Bible Fellowship.

Manna Ministries is located at 1500 Country Club Road in the North Wing of St. Luke Simpson United Methodist Church. It is open most Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

An appointment must be set up to receive help with water, gas and electricity bills, up to $150 per year. The number to call is 337-802–1166. To receive food or utility assistance, bring a picture ID, social security card and a copy of a utility bill. Groceries to feed a family of four can be received every 60 days. No appointment needed.

“As you can imagine, being a volunteer here is very gratifying and we’re looking for others to join us in this ministry,” Ash said.

To those wishing to help Ash gave a list of tasks: answering messages and sending emails, making call lists, setting appointments, working in the food pantry, welcoming and registering, making coffee, entering data, carrying out groceries, interviewing clients that need help with utility bills.

In addition to food items, Manna Ministries accepts funds. Last year, utility bills were paid for 223 clients for a total of $28,192. 530 families received groceries.

“We chose the name Manna Ministries because we are constantly reminded of how God provided for his people in the wilderness,” Ash said. “Just when we think we have nothing left to give to those in need, someone walks in with a sack of groceries or a check. God provides. He provides food, money and he provides spiritually.”