Our Father’s Storehouse
At Our Father's Storehouse, we believe meeting physical needs opens the door to something even greater: introducing people to the love, grace, and saving hope found in Jesus Christ.
Founded in 2006 by Kristi Andrews, Our Father's Storehouse (OFS) has served our community for nearly two decades. Each year, approximately 2,000 people come through the doors of Wildwood Church to receive practical assistance, encouragement, and the hope of the Gospel. Over the past 20 years, that represents nearly 40,000 opportunities to love our neighbors in Christ's name.
OFS is open on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Every gathering begins with a Bible study at 4:00 p.m., followed by prayer, counseling, groceries, fellowship, and resource assistance from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. We also help connect individuals and families with community organizations that can provide additional support.
The Mission
Our mission is simple: to bring the Gospel to our community by loving our neighbors well. Over the years, God has continually expanded the ways we serve, allowing us to come alongside those experiencing homelessness, illness, financial hardship, or other difficult circumstances. When we learn of a need, we do more than pray. We walk alongside people, helping connect them with resources, offering encouragement, and sharing their prayer requests with faithful prayer warriors throughout our church family.
The heart of this ministry is rooted in Jesus' words:
"Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
Matthew 25:40
Another verse that captures the heartbeat of OFS, reflected on many of our ministry shirts, comes from Jesus' greatest commandments:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart... and... love your neighbor as yourself."
Matthew 22:37-39
Since February 2013, OFS has offered a Bible study before grocery distribution. Because many guests arrive early, it provides a meaningful opportunity to spend time in God's Word together. These conversations have become a natural way to build relationships, answer questions, and faithfully share the hope of the Gospel.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS
OFS has three large events throughout the year.
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH: During the Back to School Bash each year, we hand out over 100 backpacks with school supplies and groceries to all families. This presented an opportunity to sit down and pray with hundreds of people.
There is a great need for volunteers and supplies for this BTS Bash! This year we are going TO THE NEED! Conley Elementary is where OFS is needed this year.
VOLUNTEERS FOR THE WEEK OF AND DAY OF THE BACK TO SCHOOL BASH:
Volunteers are needed for bagging the week before
Volunteers needed to load the truck Sunday 8/9 at Wildwood Church (time TBD)
Volunteers needed to unload at school on Monday 8/10 at 11 am
Volunteers needed to staff event on Monday 8/10 from 1-3 pm
Volunteers needed for clean up Monday 8/10 - can arrive at 3 :15 pm
Please consider joining the OFS Group, which will meet at 10:30 at church on Monday, Aug 10th, to go to Conley Elementary, at 2400 Orange Avenue. 32311.
Please see the list of supplies needed below:
- Plastic folders with pockets and prongs
- Spiral notebooks (1 subject and wide rule)
- Black and white composition books (wide rule)
- Colored pencils
- Crayons
- Markers
- Pens
- Pencils- mechanical and regular
- Sharpies
- Highlighters
- Eraser caps
- Scissors
- Glue sticks
- Expo markers
- Pencil boxes/pouches
THANKSGIVING DRIVE: At the Thanksgiving event, we pray with families and typically hand out hundreds of bags of groceries and turkeys. This is made possible by the love and generosity of our congregation.
CHRISTMAS: During the Christmas event, we pray with families and hand out groceries, a ham, and gift card when funds are available.
Further volunteer opportunities include:
- Folding clothes on Mondays
- Setting up supplies on Tuesdays
- Administrative coordination for Tuesdays
- Buying bulk groceries
- Picking up bread and groceries/vegetables from Second Harvest
- Counseling with attendees at Tuesday events
We are always in need of volunteers on Tuesdays to help present the gospel and pray with our neighbors.
**OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE**
OFS is not part of any church budget, but gains support through specified donations. Annual expenses for OFS groceries, Bibles, and events exceed $34,000. The average cost of a well-stocked bag of groceries is at least $20.00.
Please click on the link below, scroll through the drop-down menu until you see Our Father’s Storehouse, and then specify the amount and frequency. 100% of all donations go directly to food and supplies to further the gospel.