His House reaches out to community
with clothes, food and compassion
College church is probably best known in the brotherhood for its international missions emphasis. In Searcy and White County, however, it is likely best known for its benevolence ministry called “His House.”
For 18 years, His House has served White County families with clothes, food and household items. Between 75 and 80 church members volunteer each week to pick up food, unload trucks, stock shelves, sort and size clothes and household items, and interview and serve approximately 80 families. Although the facility is open only two hours each week, hundreds of hours are spent stocking goods for the people who come for help.
Charles Raley directs the work at His House. He and others make weekly trips to the Arkansas Food Bank to purchase food at low cost to be given to the people who come to His House for assistance. The program is designed to help people only until they can get back on their feet financially.
Church members of all ages have contributed to the benevolence ministry. The teenagers came up with the name. Senior members do most of the actual interviewing and distribution. Young families and college students help unload trucks and stock shelves.
For the most part, His House operates out of a budget provided by donations outside the regular contributions that are distributed through the annual budget. Local businesses, such as Wal-Mart and Land o’ Frost, contribute dry goods and frozen meats. Food, over-the-counter medications and toiletries are purchased at about 20 cents a pound or extremely discounted rates. When coats, bedding, blankets and towels are needed, a notice in the weekly bulletin prompts your contributions. Numerous church families participate in “Sack Sunday” efforts.
“I was hungry and you fed me” from Matthew 25:35 serves as the theme of the benevolent outreach. Other messages on cards in the food bags of those who receive them are “From His House to your house, given with love” and “Please accept these gifts as an expression of our love.”
Looking for a way to serve the Lord by serving others? Try His House.
