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Operation Blessing On the Front Lines of COVID-19

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With the uncertainty and constraints of a worldwide pandemic, those who struggled before to put food on the table are having an even tougher time now.

“I mean the store shelves are bare,” said Julie, a Hampton Roads resident, “there’s no bread, there’s no milk, there’s just so very little things.”

To make matters worse, many food pantries that normally take care of these vulnerable families are closing their doors.

“We just left a place in Norfolk that was closed, so we kinda were giving up hope,” said Julie.

There are still some keeping their doors open.  Operation Blessing partner Faith World Ministries usually runs a walk-through food pantry out of their gym.  Now, it’s curbside service. 

“This gives me renewed hope in people,” said Cheryl, another Hampton Roads resident.

Suffolk Christian Fellowship, another Operation Blessing partner, doesn’t have a parking lot, but they’re still determined to serve.  Ministry Director Lorna Slaughter:

“We are in a crisis right now,” said Lorna, “we do know that this virus is out there, and we know that all of us are prone to be effected. But at the same time, we also know that there’s still a great need out there and that need has to be met. We’re sanitizing hands when they come in the door. We’re actually trying to make sure that people are not right up on each other. Because we’re just trying to do all we can to make sure that we try to stay as safe as possible.”

These Ministries face a tough problem.

“We do see more people coming in,” said Lorna. “Grocery stores, of course they’re thin right now and so people are coming to pantries where they can get the additional goods that they need. The influx is coming, not only new people, but we’re actually seeing people that are regularly coming in, they’re coming in more throughout the week. But this time I see fear. People are asking for additional goods and items because there’s a fear that of course is present right now. And people believe there’s a comfort in having enough goods.”

When Operation Blessing learned our long-time trusted partners in the Hampton Roads area needed extra support, we were all in.  While continuing our usual shipments, we identified key local ministries as distribution hubs for additional supplies. Then we loaded up trucks with extra pallets of food and water and sent them off.

“When we were asked about being a hub for Operation Blessing,” said Lorna, “because the partnership was already there, we were immediately saying yes because I knew that we were going to have the need. We are very excited about getting the goods, we need the goods. And the goods are going out the door. We got them yesterday, and they’re going out today.”

People in need are especially thankful for our donors and partners who make it possible for us to help that little bit extra during these tough times.

“It’s so wonderful to see the kind side of human nature,” said Cheryl, “and honestly I wouldn’t be eating if it weren’t for this, so it is a blessing to me.”

“And it’s because of Operation Blessing,” said Julie, “and ya’ll being open through this tragedy that we’re able to make ends meet, and I thank you.”

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About The Author

Justin
Jenkins

Justin Jenkins is a Senior Manager of Media Production at CBN.