We are three-quarters through our year and each month we have seen new faces come in for help.  While we do have paperwork (and now the new computer system) that we have to maintain for our records and for the USDA government requirements, the families that come through our doors are much, much more than their card number we process through and send on their way. Each one has a story. Do you think people line up hours before we open just for the fun of it? Do you realize what it takes to humble yourself and ask for help? Yes, it comes easier for some than others. Unfortunately, many of the people we help are regulars who have been coming for years.  I say unfortunately because it is a shame that the elderly, the disabled, the single parents can't make ends meet.  On the other hand, those of us who work at Joseph's Storehouse have come to know these people like extended family.  When we see them come in we can ask about their children and grandchildren (and great grandchildren). We can ask how their surgery went or if they are over their cold.  We can ask if they got that job they were hoping for.  While we may not have the foreknowledge of the new people, we take the time to listen to their stories of how they came to be here.  This one was recently laid off from work. That one works for himself and had an accident that will keep him from working for months. This one's husband left her and the children and she doesn't know what to do.  Another has terminal cancer with months to live. Everyone has a story.  For all who come through our doors, we can pray with them, encourage them, and show them that God's love is still alive and well. We can touch their hearts, encourage their souls, and feed their bodies.  Will you help us help them?

Joseph's Storehouse Food Ministry is one of the many organizations around the country that partner with Operation Blessing in order to provide food to the hungry.  Last month the Operation Blessing team once again came to do a story on our ministry.  The last time they came, the resulting story was featured on the 700 Club.  The video from that episode, containing the true story of one hurting family that received help and hope from us, can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/700club/videos/10153095356086668/

We are excited about our new computer system. The new system will make the process easier for those of you needing assistance as well as the volunteers processing the paperwork. While government regulations require some paperwork, our primary objective is to share the love of God with His people by providing both physical and spiritual food to those in need. We believe the new system will help us acheive our goal. Recertifications will now only be required once per year instead of every six months. Only one form of identification (a picture ID such as a driver's license) is required now instead of two. The new cards will have a bar code on them allowing us to scan the card when you come through, which will eliminate hours of back end paperwork. The ladies in the front office will process new applications and recertifications directly into the computers, which will both speed up the process and eliminate duplications. We are also implementing a paperwork reduction plan. Please bear with us as everyone gets up to speed on the new system.

As we are all preparing to celebrate the Easter holiday, we think about the glorious resurrection of our Savior, but it didn't start there.  Jesus left the splendor of Heaven to come to earth and live a life of sacrifice.  He wasn't born into a lap of luxury, but into poverty.  He endured struggles and hardships even before His ministry began.  He was persecuted, mocked, betrayed, beaten, and ultimately crucified.  He lived, and died, as a sacrifice for us.  In turn, let us live a life of sacrifice for Him.  Give of yourself to help others.  If it's not but one day per month, volunteer your time.  Skip that extra Starbucks or softdrink one month and donate the savings to feed a family in need for a month.  Buy an extra can of soup or beans or bag of rice or roll of toilet paper the next time you're at the grocery to give to the hungry.  Go to the dollar store and put together a little care package of toothpaste, soap, and other toiletries for someone without a home.  Let's all live a life of sacrifice to help our fellow man.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are always our two busiest months.  The need of those less fortunate is so great, but it is even more so during the holidays.  We saw record numbers of people coming for assistance.  We are so thankful to all of our volunteers who give of their time... sorting, boxing and bagging food, loading the wheelbarrows full and unloading them into the cars, directing traffic... outside and inside, processing paperwork, and ministering to those in need.  We are so thankful to all of the many Joseph's Storehouse supporters... those that help us keep the doors open with their financial contributions, those that donate food and toiletry items, and those that support us in prayer.   You all understand the Spirit of Giving, or more commonly known as The Christmas Spirit.

The very first Christmas gift was given by God to humanity... the Gift of His Son.  For God so loved the world that He gave... It is because of this precious Gift that we in turn give to others in celebration of His birth.  Those of us who are blessed to have small children or grandchildren in our lives anticipate Christmas morning and seeing their little eyes light up seeing all the presents under the tree.  Oh, the joy it brings us!  It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

We certainly can't out-give God. The more we give, the more He blesses us so that we may continue to give. While it is a blessing to be able to give gifts to our loved ones, it is even more of a blessing to give to those less fortunate.  The volunteers who helped at the food distributions this week can all share stories of the people who came in weary and without hope. Stories of people who were so thankful to receive a car load full of groceries and a few toys for the kids... and hope- knowing that someone truly cared enough to help.  If you've never been in need of assistance, you don't fully understand the weight of hopelessness that accompanies it. If you've never been able to give to someone less fortunate, you don't fully understand the joy and blessing that comes with it... and even more so when you can do it secretly.  Just like the joy of playing Santa Claus to the wee ones and watching their surprise, the joy that comes from the Spirit of Giving is worth more than any present under the tree.  This year, may we all strive to let the Christmas Spirit operate in our lives not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, the majority of Americans are planning to be surrounded by more family and food than any other day of the year, except maybe Christmas. Travel plans, grocery lists, and Black Friday sales are on our minds.  Some of us will take the time prior to the big meal to offer up a prayer of thanks for family, friends, food, and blessings, but how many will stop to think of those less fortunate who won't have a turkey, or maybe not even a hot meal at all?  Maybe your neighbor was just laid off and doesn't know how he will feed his family.  Maybe your co-worker is struggling to make ends meet.  Maybe that stranger walking down the street in the cold as you drove by was just turned down for yet another job.  Maybe the weary woman in the grocery store has fled an abusive relationship with just her children and the clothes on her back and is using the last bit of change she has to buy bologna and crackers to feed the kids one more meal... while she goes hungry herself.

Too often here in America we see the pictures of starving children in third world countries and fail to realize how many go hungry in our own backyard. The answer is TOO MANY.  If even one child goes hungry, that's one too many, but the sad reality is that we have not only hungry children, but countless senior citizens who go hungry as well. Statistics show that Tennessee is second in the nation among senior citizen hunger.  Quite often these seniors live alone and social security barely covers their basic living expenses. What little may be left is typically used on medicines with nothing left to buy food.

Here at Joseph's Storehouse we see the need every day. Hundreds of senior citizens and struggling families come through our doors looking for help.  We offer them food for their bodies and hope for their souls. So many are discouraged and depressed when they come, but we offer them hope and encouragement along with the food.  We want them to know that we care.  Why? Because God cares, and we are His hands and His feet in this world today. It is up to us to make a difference in our world.  Will you help us help them?

LOAE/JSFM recently donated bicycles to the Next Step Ministry here in Lebanon. Next Step helps people get back on their feet. For those without transportation, a bicycle is a great way to get to job interviews and then to the new job. This is just one more way we help the less fortunate of our community, by assisting other ministries in their similar missions of helping people.

Bro. Bob & Sister Peggy Evans were presented with House Joint Resolution 768 by Senator Mae Beavers and Representative Mark Pody on behalf of the State of Tennessee, honoring them for their decades of ministry and service to the community, especially recognizing the work of the Joseph's Storehouse Food Ministry.  In addition, Lebanon Mayor Philip Craighead surprised them by proclaiming June 28th, 2014 to be Bro. Bob Evans Day in Lebanon, TN.  Bro. Bob & Sister Peggy are so thankful to everyone who made this day possible and give all glory to God.  They are also thankful for everyone who has worked alongside them through the years to see God's vision come to pass.

Meet John.  You don't have to be in his presence but a few minutes before his energy and bubbly personality put a smile on your face. We like to call it the Joy of the Lord, and it's infectious. John's happiness is evident as he gives of his time volunteering here at Joseph's Storehouse, but he will be the first to admit life wasn't always this good. There was a time in his life that he, too, needed benevolent assistance like we give to hundreds of families each month.  John first came to Joseph's Storehouse Food Ministry over three years ago. Shortly after that he began volunteering to make a difference in the lives of others. Since that time his life has blossomed. He has a well-paying job that he loves and a nice car to drive, but he will also tell you that his new "family" here at Joseph's Storehouse is among the top of his list of blessings. We count him as one of our many blessings as well. John is just one example among many of lives that have been changed through the Joseph's Storehouse Food Ministry.

Meet Steve.  He and his wife had been happily married for 16 years and attended church regularly.  Then his wife had a massive fatal heart attack in her sleep and his world changed forever.  Steve was mad at God. He lost his faith, quit going to church and began, as he calls it, "running with the devil." He turned to drugs and alcohol and ended up losing everything he ever had. He even wound up in jail. He had hit rock bottom.  After his release from jail, Steve had been sleeping in a tent for almost a month when someone told him about Joseph's Storehouse Food Ministry.  When he came for food, he was given the opportunity to meet with a prayer counselor, and Steve met Bro. Leonard Diebold, the JSFM Ministry Director, for the first time. Steve said he was so impressed with Bro. Leonard because he talked to him like a man, understanding Steve's situation and not trying to force his faith on Steve. They talked for a couple of hours and Steve left with a lighter heart. He could hardly wait for the next month's food distribution so that he could meet with Bro. Leonard again, even waiting in a longer line just to pray with him.  Steve started attending church again and found not only peace, but a family here with Joseph's Storehouse Food Ministry as well.  It has been almost six years since Steve first came to JSFM. He now has a great life, a beautiful wife, home and friends. "Life is good now," Steve says with a smile.  We are very thankful to have Steve as part of our JSFM family as a regular volunteer. He is a blessing!