As Arkansans are still reeling from the effects of the longest federal shutdown in American history, the General Board of Global Ministries has awarded grants to some ARUMC feeding ministries to provide support during this time, when keeping food on the table is becoming increasingly difficult.
Rev. Paul Marshall, who is the pastor of Hays Chapel UMC and Newberry Chapel UMC in the Northwest District, shared, “By receiving these grants, we will be able to ensure those who are in need will be helped. I am amazed at our feeding ministries, and these awards from Global Ministries of the UMC are deeply appreciated and help to shed light on the worthiness of our efforts.”
With both of these churches receiving $2,000 each, Hays Chapel UMC will continue to offer “Free Community Suppers” that now feed over 70 people. Newberry Chapel UMC plans to use the grant money to provide additional food boxes to the community. The food boxes contain 6 days’ worth of meals for each family.
Salem UMC in Conway also received a $2,000 grant from GBGM. Pastor Peaches Smith shared that this grant will provide funds to support the continuation of the food pantry that ministers to people in Faulkner County.
Pastor Peaches shared, “I am so proud of how everyone has come together to meet the needs of our community.”
Rev. Hammett Evans, chair of the ARUMC Global Ministries committee, shared, “Congratulations to Hays Chapel UMC, Newberry Chapel, and Salem UMC on receiving these $2,000 emergency feeding grants from GBGM. I’m thrilled to see how each of these churches is stepping forward to address hunger in their communities through this critical ministry.”
