Matthew 14; 15-19:

As evening approached, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go into the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them there to me,” He said. And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the

disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

At DeLand Church of the Nazarene, we have been giving away food to our community each month for a little more than two years, but never had a name to call it. As I prayed and thought about what would be a good name, this passage from Matthew came to mind with the name, “Loaves and Fishes.” We serve an average of 65 families caring for more than 200 adults and children. That means we have helped supply needed food for around 2400 people per year! Not as many as Jesus and his disciples fed that day, but God always multiplies what we dedicate to his mission.

This ministry originated through contacts with a food ministry in Lakeland, Florida that offered to help us start one from our church. Many changes have occurred over that time frame to where we are now. Currently, we continue to receive a truckload of food from the original supplier in Lakeland, in addition to receiving bakery goods donated by our local Publix grocery store, and another neighboring church that shares their surplus foods with us. There have been many times that I thought that there would not be enough good food to supply the needs, but God has blessed and multiplied every time.

Products vary each month from not only shelf-stable foods, but many times refrigerated and frozen meats and dairy items, fresh fruits and vegetables, and cleaning products.

The next phase of this ministry that we are working toward is a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank. This partnership will allow us more flexibility and control over the food we receive because we can select what we want instead of relying on whatever is brought to us. There are

some requirements that must be met such as a dedicated storage area with proper shelving for dry goods, and refrigeration for cold foods. You may start to see some changes occurring over the next several months to prepare for this enhancement to the ministry.None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the workers that help with this ministry every month. My prayer is for a continuing supply of faithful disciples who dedicate a portion of their day to setup, distribute, and/or clean up with this ministry to our community. Tithes and offerings support the ministry also, so if you would like to be a part of “Loaves and Fishes”, contact me, Jenny Vander Haeghen at 407-415-4597 to become involved as a worker or a donor.

May God’s blessing of provision be multiplied in your life to meet your every need.