It’s almost 5:30, and the line outside of Ouachita River Fellowship’s (ORF) local food pantry wraps around the building and down the street. Families, veterans, and single mothers all wait eagerly for a warm smile and this week’s grocery haul. Those who show up early enough know that many have walked here in the cold, January weather for a bag of food to help sustain them until the next paycheck.
With over 35% of households living below poverty level, and more than 50% living in rental homes, A Cup of Water has become saving grace for struggling families in Malvern, Arkansas. Lovingly nicknamed “The Cup,” the organization's name found life behind its mission. Local youth pastor, Wade Overturf, summed it up best - “We want to give them something not only physically but spiritually as well that refreshes their soul.” The church recognized real need in their community; so it was surprising when its humble beginnings in 2010 consisted of 20 volunteers, a couple pantries full of food, but only three patrons showing up for services. Overturf speaks about that first night. “It was kind of disheartening, but in a year’s time, we saw those three people grow into well over 100 people. Four years later and over 150 people with real needs are served weekly." When the doors open, hungry community members flood the building, and volunteers begin greeting and taking orders, always with a smile. It is evident that many volunteers have built relationships with the people because they call them by name, ask about their children, and even offer hugs and words of encouragement. After the orders are taken, everyone gathers in a meeting place while volunteers fill the bags. "Because He lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone…” rings through the room. Some sing, some just listen, but the heaviness of the hope these words offer hangs in the air waiting to be embraced with abandon. The Cup pastors take turns sharing a portion of scripture every week prayerful that someone will want to know more about Jesus. And they do. Over time, patrons see that these volunteers don't just speak about their faith, they live it. Not just a weekly commitment, volunteers are meeting one on one and building lasting relationships with families who visit The Cup. Just recently, ORF witnessed spiritual fruits of their labor. “There are a lot of relationships being built, so much so that those being served on Monday are actually coming to worship on Sunday," commented Overturf. “Shantay”, full time worker and single mother visits The Cup twice a month with her daughter. She says this organization means “The difference between eating and not eating” for her and her little girl and states, “if they weren’t here, lots of times, I don’t know what we would do.” But ORF doesn’t work alone. Their original dream to feed those in need has inspired other churches and organizations to give to the cause. Just last week, the local Catholic Church dropped off warm coats and the Methodist Church down the street donated homemade blankets to the mission. “People have come from all different locations to help us bag groceries, meet with people, and just in general be there to talk to people, says Overturf.” Volunteer Renee Ingram says, "there are so many people out there who are hungry. The blessings we receive far outweigh any inconvenience it may be." Ingram goes on to say, "The families are extremely appreciative, and it isn't uncommon for them to say 'if it wasn't for you, my children would go hungry.'" When members of The Cup dream about the future, they envision services that extend far beyond food. While no plans are in place, talk of opening a second location and adding a clothing service give volunteers something to hope towards. The Cup is not sure what the future holds, but their hope is to ultimately do so much more than just feed the hungry. They want to offer Living Water to anyone in need of a Savior, and have discovered that first meeting a physical need is a great way to begin that conversation. Overturf closes by saying "To give them food doesn't mean a whole lot. Don't get me wrong, it's good and necessary to meet that physical need, but in the end it's about meeting their greater spiritual need." Anyone interested in volunteering or donating items should contact ORF for more information! |
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