By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
Times are tight for everyone these days, but for the poorest of the poor — the people who fall outside the reach of agencies established to help — the need is constant and often urgent. These are the families who rely on small, boots on the ground ministries like the Lord’s Lighthouse in Wimauma, where food and clothing and other essentials are offered without red tape or long waits.
For farm workers, seniors on fixed incomes and low-income residents living in rural and migrant communities across southern Hillsborough County, the ministry is one of the few places where immediate help is available when there’s nowhere else to turn.
The small, faith based nonprofit is rooted in serving these neighbors.
Bill Earle, left, continues adding food items as a long line of residents needing them await the weekly 8 a.m. opening.
Every Thursday, even before the sun rises and roosters start crowing nearby, they begin showing up at 5801 Hickman Street, Wimauma — some with small children and hand carts in tow, others with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
At 8 a.m., following an opening prayer by The Rev. Cornelius Arellano, pastor of the partnering Church of God New Covenant next door, the line begins to move.
Ministry volunteers — choreographed by Operations manager and church co-pastor The Rev. Cecelia Arellano — have set out bread, produce, canned goods and whatever donated staples came in that week. Boxes are set out for recipients to carry their food home.
There’s no rush, no judgment — just a slow, orderly rhythm as each person steps forward, is greeted and receives what their family needs to get through the next few days. For each of them, the distribution is a lifeline.
The operation is so efficient, it’s over in an hour or less. Nothing goes to waste. Leftover perishables are taken to area migrant camps.
The effort is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.
“This is a heart ministry,” said Joanie Frantz, who turns up weekly to help. “There’s no way people can come to volunteer here and not return. There’s such a need, and the people are so appreciative.”
Lord’s Lighthouse, 5801 Hickman Street, Wimauma, its volunteers bring food, clothing and other essentials out of storage sheds in to give away to folks in urgent need.
Current board treasurer Lentyn Earle agrees. She and her husband, Bill, helped revitalize the ministry with the Arellanos in 2019.
“From the very beginning, my husband Bill and I recognized this was a way to make a difference in the lives of these families,” she said. “It’s a genuine passion for both of us. We have been blessed, and we want to share our blessings.”
Help in many forms
The Lord’s Lighthouse partners informally with local churches, nonprofits and food pantries and community groups during holiday drives to sustain itself and for its back to school events and storm response efforts.
In addition to weekly food distribution, which includes clothing, hygiene products, household essentials and seasonal items, the ministry provides limited
financial help for families facing shutoffs or eviction; and through the church, prayer support, pastoral counseling and community worship.
Here are some of the organizations that have provided recent support:
• Interfaith Social Action Council of Sun City Center— new storage shed.
• Children’s Board of Hillsborough County—new freezers and refrigerators.
• 100 Women Who Care South Shore and Valencia Lakes 100 Who Care.
• Crofton Cares—funding to cover the ministry’s Back to School event in July.
• Valencia Del Sol Robin Hoods and others.
Board members include the Arellanos, the Earles, Joanie Frantz, Debbie Marcus and Mike Willmore. Cathy Riley is president.
The need remains and so does the work. If you’d like to volunteer or learn more about The Lord’s Lighthouse and its needs, contact Rev. Cecelia at 813-900-4339 or email her at ca379554@gmail.com/; make a secure, tax-deductible, fee-free donation online at https://tinyurl.com/sewrdjtv/ or send a check to The Lord’s Lighthouse, P.O. 6015, Sun City Center, FL 33571.