OPINION-EDITORIAL – Wondering where our next meal is coming from is something most of us never have to worry about. However, for many it’s a constant concern.
Solomon’s Porch Foursquare in St. George, Utah, is doing just that. Hunger is a topic that has been written about for thousands of years. The Bible has many references to feeding the poor and less fortunate as a fundamental way of demonstrating our humanity.
“We take great joy in meeting an important need in the community with this Sunday Feast,” Pastor Jimi Kestin of Solomon’s Porch Foursquare said of its now ongoing program of feeding those in need. (Kestin is also an assistant vice-president of State Bank of Southern Utah.) “Feeding those who come to the table to dine with us is in the best tradition of Christian love and something the Foursquare Church has been known for since its founding nearly a century ago,” he said. “We thank all those who have found it in their heart to donate funds to help us make this possible and look forward to the community continuing to help us help those who need this service.”
I went to see for myself how Solomon’s Porch Foursquare went about feeding the many that show up each Sunday around noon. It was remarkable and humbling to see how this little congregation shares what they have and how they break bread together.
With Thanksgiving coming up, this is a topic that comes to many people’s minds. They want to help the homeless, the hungry, and make a difference. Hunger happens every day of the year, not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Solomon’s Porch Foursquare is there to feed them each and every week. Food is donated by businesses such as the Utah Food Bank, Lin’s Marketplace, Harmon’s, Costco, Winder Dairies, Wal-Mart and private donations of time, money and service. Solomon’s Porch observed that there was a need.
Grace Episcopal Church, on 900 South off River Rd., offers hot meals on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There’s no place for the hungry to go to get a hot meal over the weekend. (Editor’s note below.)
As I was watching and eating lunch with those who attend Solomon’s Porch Foursquare and the hungry, a few Bible verses came to mind:
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'” Matthew 25:31-40 NLT
“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”Luke 14:13 RSV
“If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10 NSRV
Uriah Luke Hernalsteen plays guitar and serves on the worship team at Solomon’s Porch. He was there for the Sunday Feast and said, “It’s a wonderful ministry and gives us the opportunity to serve like Jesus served.”
Not only do they feed anyone on Sunday who comes to them that is hungry, in addition, Iglesia de Dios de la Protecia, who use the church facilities, provides food boxes every Friday around 1:30 p.m.
Because of Solomon’s Porch and the many volunteers and donations, hundreds of people are being fed each week.
While standing in line with those getting food boxes, there was a little girl that was in need of a princess cake for her birthday. She came to the last table and there was a princess cake that was donated by one of the local grocery stores. Her eyes lit up when she got her cake. A simple cake brightened that little girl’s world for that moment. Her joy was undeniable.
Craig Divan said how nice this was that he could get milk, eggs, bread and fresh vegetables. “I wouldn’t have enough money to get these items,” he said, “since I am on social security and that is just a bit over $800 a month.” He also said, “I receive a merely $75 a month of food stamps and now I can get the additional things I need.” Craig couldn’t do it without some help from places like Solomon’s Porch Foursquare and Iglesia de Dios de la Protecia.
“It’s such a blessing to know that someone cares and are being the hands and feet of Jesus,” Lisa Louwsua said. She said she is thankful for Solomon’s Porch Foursquare for ministering to those of us in need of a little help in the community.
Solomon’s Porch Foursquare Church Location:
410 East Tabernacle
St. George, Utah 84770
Phone: 435-669-8153- Fax: 435-652-8286
Iglesia de Dios de la Protecia
Meet at Solomon’s Porch – Martes: 7:00 p.m and Jueves: 7:00
Pastor Diego Delgado – 702-513-7060
Photo Gallery
Submitted by Sandie Divan. Craig Divan, quoted in the story, is Sandie’s brother-in-law.
Editor’s note: Grace Episcopal Church operates the Community Soup Kitchen for Dixie Care and Share in St. George. St. George News has not verified whether or not there are hot meal charities offered in the community on the weekends.
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