MARSHALL COUNTY—A generous donation from an anonymous donor provided the space for Blood River Baptist Association to move their Bags of Hope ministry, just when it seemed like it would not have a permanent home.

In February, the ministry was told that they needed to move from their current location, across the street from the associational office in Hardin.

Knowing the value of this ministry that confidentially provides food for those in need in the community, they temporarily housed Bags of Hope in the association’s office.

As a committee explored other possibilities for a suitable location for Bags of Hope, Director of Misisons Mark Sickling received a call from a pastor in his association. An anonymous church member was “sensitive to the Spirit’s leading,” Sickling recalled, and donated two buildings and land to the association.

Those buildings at 3265 Mayfield Highway in Benton became the new home for Bags of Hope. An open house was held Aug. 12.

“This entire process, while it has at times been a rollercoaster, has once again proved that our Heavenly Father provides for His servants,” Sickling said. “As the Scripture says in Psalm 50:12, ‘For the world is mine, and all it contains.’ We praise the Lord that our anonymous donor was sensitive to the Lord’s voice and willingly gave this property and two buildings to Blood River Baptist Association for the ministry of Bags of Hope Food Pantry and Clothing Ministries.”

He added, “We are excited to see how the Lord uses this new location to expand and grow the Bags of Hope Ministries of Blood River Baptist Association.”

The director of the pantry, Marvin Gore, admits that the work there isn’t easy, but it’s worthwhile.

“It’s a glorifying feeling to see someone walk out of here that really needs it and get groceries,” Gore told WPSD of the ministry that gave away more than 30,000 food items in 2017 alone. (WR)