JONESVILLE — As The Potter’s Storehouse in Jonesville continues to provide food for thousands, donations and volunteers are needed.
Last month, The Potter’s Storehouse (TPS) provided food for more than 4,000 people. One of those people was Josey, a former CNA who spoke with The Union Daily Times on Monday.
Josey is now disabled, however she does not receive any income for her disability. Josey’s husband works to support the two of them, their three children, and Josey’s 88-year-old mother.
“If I didn’t have TPS, I wouldn’t be able to make it,” Josey said. “We have had hard times making ends meet. There have been times when we didn’t have enough to make a full meal.”
Josey first heard of TPS when she moved to Union around three years ago. On the weekends, she cared for a double amputee, who told her about TPS. Then, when Josey needed it, TPS was there. Josey began to not only receive food from TPS, but also volunteer there. One year ago, she and her family became members of the church.
“God is a huge presence in that place,” she said. “TPS restored faith I hadn’t had in a long time. A seed was planted, and God really does do miracles.”
Josey has brought others to TPS who also needed help, and she and neighbors deliver food boxes to some of the shut-ins from the program. She said she has always felt the need to help others, and TPS offers her a way to do that.
“Passing blessings on to each other — that’s what it’s about,”she said, mentioning that many people still may not realize that hunger is a real issue in America.
“We are all God’s children together, and we have to join together, especially in this time,” she said. “Things are getting harder, and we all have to believe we are one. TPS has touched so many, and it has definitely done amazing things for my life. It is a huge, huge blessing.”
Josey said she knows there are at least 1,500 people who couldn’t make it without TPS, and she is amazed that such a ministry began with only four members.
“I believe it is in God’s will, and I hope it continues to get passed on,” she said. “It’s so much bigger than the church and Pastor Don (Moore). It’s truly God’s work — an ultimate blessing.”
Moore said the lowest number of families to receive food at the distributions was 1,586, but there are usually between 1,700-2,100 families, which equals more than 4,000 individuals.
“It’s amazing how many new people sign up every time — people who have never been,” Moore said.
Moore said the ministry has no problem getting access to food. Two weeks ago, he picked up 12-14 pallets of food for distribution. The struggle comes with costs of a truck and fuel. The ministry owns a truck, which Moore said gets poor gas mileage, especially when weighed down with food. The ministry also faces maintenance costs around the church.
Moore also said the ministry has received the least amount of donations from individuals this year. Moore said the ministry has held a couple of fundraisers, but it is dependent upon contributions from the community.
“What can we do other than ask people to help,” he said.
To find out more about TPS or to make a donation, contact Pastor Don Moore at (864) 680-3465.
Post a Comment
