Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We just got news on Tuesday that the church group that was cooking the meals for our daily distribution in the line, is unable to cook for us any longer. We got only 24 hours notice! Now we are scrambling to get our kitchen finished so that we can get to work. We will need to cook for about 500 people per day this summer. We still need a few more pieces of equipment as well as large pots, pans and cooking utensils. Another concern is getting the commercial size cans of food, meat, and spices. We are looking for sources to donate industrial/restaurant type foods. As summer approaches, we anticipate the need for hot meals to rise as the kids will not have them available through the schools while they are out on vacation. This will cause our need to increase by quite a bit. Please keep all of these matters in prayer.
We are working on a project right now with the President's Katrina Fund. 20 million dollars has been allocated for the rebuilding of churches and faith based organizations in the effected area. On June 1, 2006, Joy Fellowship Church will be hosting a free symposium for church and ministry leaders in our area on grant writing to procure these funds for the rebuilding of their organizations.
The daily line for distribution and feeding continues as we labor to help the poor. To date, we have seen over 1900 salvations in the parking lot!! We have started to put out surveys to track the needs of the people that we serve, and are shocked by the number of people who have indicated to us that they do not have access to clean drinking water yet. Another shocking fact is that about half are still unable to cook a hot meal, except for what they can heat up in a microwave. The average visitor through the line anticipates needing the food and water for the next 6-12 months.
We ask that you pray for us and the relief work ministry at Joy Fellowship Church. We have many challenges before us in the next few months, and need the Lord's favor and direction. Thank you for standing with us, we truly appreciate you. We could not have done anything at all without people like you helping us and praying for us.
Expect your blessings to come in abundance!!
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given. Proverbs 19:17
Amazed by His Love,
Pastor Leslie Roques
