N.J. Church Launches Grocery Delivery Initiative Spreading Hope across the United States
The vision of one pastor to feed the needy at this time of crisis has sparked a nationwide movement of compassion and generosity.
The Boxes of Hope project is billed as a “tangible way to stretch out a hand to those that are affected either through illness, quarantine, or just the uncertainty of this time” and offers boxes of much-needed supplies to those in need; boxes that are delivered right to their door by an army of dedicated volunteers.
The initiative is the brainchild of New Jersey pastor Chris Morante. The leader of Evangel Church in Scotch Plains, Chris says his goal is simple: “to see HOPE spread faster than COVID-19.”
“We’ve always been committed to reaching our neighbors,” Morante told Fox News. “We always say our mission field is across the street and around the world, so we began to mobilize our efforts as soon as we saw this crisis beginning.”
“We wanted to do something tangible to show God’s love, so we just delivered some groceries in a box to their front door.”
After seeing the profound effect these gifts were having on beneficiaries, Morante’s team started ramping up their operations – they were soon shipping out 600 boxes across the New Jersey area.
Evangel church then partnered up with Convoy of Hope and World Help – along with innumerable local church congregations – to start rolling out the project on a national scale.
Morante said the response of recipients has been consistently overwhelming. “People come to the door in tears,” he said. “For you to know that you’re not forgotten, there’s a God that sees you and loves you and there’s someone in a church that cares about you. It really means the world to people.”
In a video explaining the group’s mission, Morante declared that “the greatest commodity that is in short supply is not found on the shelves of a grocery store, but in the hearts of people.”
“We believe today that Jesus is ready to do another miracle of that magnitude to combat the hopelessness of our day,” he added.
Find out how you can get involved in supporting Boxes of Hope by heading here.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Tatiana Atamaniuk
Will Maule is a British journalist who has spent the past several years working as a digital news editor. Since earning a degree in international relations and politics, Will has developed a particular interest in covering ethical issues, human rights and global religious persecution. Will’s work has been featured in various outlets including The Spectator, Faithwire, CBN News, Spiked, The Federalist and Christian Headlines. Follow him on Twitter at @WillAMaule.
