Meeting needs in West Brazos

The West Brazos area is no different from the rest of America, as lines at food banks are growing with workers facing weeks without income due to broad shutdowns of business. Iglesia Centro Cristiano in West Columbia is working harder than ever to meet a growing need.

 “God put this in our hearts, and it’s gotten big,” says Pastor Richard Garza of Iglesia Centro Cristiano’s food ministry.  When the West Columbia church first began distributing food years ago, they were providing assistance to 20 and soon 30 families, then 40.  The numbers continued to grow, and by last summer, approximately 180-200 households were getting help from the program. Today, the church is suddenly preparing and distributing 400 boxes of food each week.

Some of the food is provided through purchase from the Houston Food Bank, though the food bank did waive the cost for the previous month.  Additional food is secured through donations from church members and the community. At one time, the church could put in an order for items needed, but recently the food bank simply delivers what is available. The food bank delivery arrives on Monday, and through the next few days, volunteers sort and package donations into boxes for efficient delivery.  The warehouse beside the church building opens Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon for clients to pick up food.  Over the past few weeks, Pastor Garza says cars have begun showing up in the early morning hours to wait in line, and people are still drifting in as noon approaches, hoping to find something left.

Another local church has recently contributed masks and notes of scripture encouragement to be included in the food boxes. 

At times recipients have requests for items beyond the usual types of food. For example, families may need diapers or elderly people can use nutritional supplement drinks. When possible, the church will purchase these types of products to include with food distribution.

“God always provides,” Pastor Garza says. Should readers of the Herald be interested in helping with that provision, the church accepts donations of cash toward the food ministry, as well as nonperishable food items.  The church office at 114 S Columbia Drive in West Columbia is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to accept donations.

The ministry serves an established client group, with families who need assistance completing an application which is available at the church office.

Pastor Garza states that the food ministry enables church members to live out biblical principles of caring for others. He credits the caring participation of the congregation with the church’s growth and ability to reach a diverse community.