How it began

ATOP’s “Meals from the Heart” feeding ministry grew out of a need and vision to reach beyond the walls of ATOP. It is in line with our vision and original mission (Anointed Temple of Praise Outreach Ministries) statement and is also incorporated into our yearly focus. 

It's inception is pre-covid. After I moved about the city, I kept seeing people on the corners and other places asking for a handout - whether it be food, money, or work. Matthew 25 was the driving force behind the original name, which consisted of a bag with non-perishable items to give to those we encountered if we were at a corner or intersection where we saw homeless people asking for money. Each bag also contained information about the church and its ministries.

The name, Matthew 25, has evolved since its inception to “Meals from the Heart”, with a goal of feeding 400-500 families and individuals with a hot meal, once a month. Through this ministry, we feed our own Golden Ministry and members of the congregation who are homebound. However, our primary focus is delivering meals to the homeless; one co-ed shelter with about 90 people, another ministry where we deliver 45-50 meals, and an apartment for disabled vets. The remainder of the meals are given out to those in the parks and other areas downtown.

How ministry outreach gets done

In order to have a sufficient number of volunteers, we ask each ministry to serve at least one Sunday per month so that everyone gets to witness how ATOP is making a difference beyond the walls of the church. Volunteers work to prepare the meals which consists of 15-20 people that cook and package the meals. We have another group of volunteers who load and deliver the meals and are typically supported as well by other ministries in the church.

Along with the bus, we also have members who drive and volunteer to ride the bus as we make our rounds. Our Outreach Ministry takes care of the whole person, physical and spiritual needs with toiletries, sermon CDs, and a meal. Currently, the “Meals from the Heart” ministry is funded by donations from the ATOP church, along with family, friends, and others who have seeded into this ministry.

How you can help 

Our outreach effort (the feeding program) is meeting needs and connecting with people. Contributions are coming in from external sources in the form of gift cards and monetary donations. We have adopted two ministries and having conversations about adopting a third one in alignment with the grants they are currently operating under. If you would like to support this vital community program, please visit  anointedtemple.org/give.