North Georgia pastor leads food pantry ministry

A North Georgia pastor is leading a ministry that's feeding so many people in need.

New Beginnings Baptist Church member Alexis Sloan spends most days in the food pantry helping so many people in Lafayette. She says it’s a ministry her Pastor Junior Williams has led for over 20 years. “He’s out in the community all the time and he’s helping people. He grows a garden. He basically started the food bank for our community,” said Sloan.

Alexis says she typically meets families seeking assistance and says the need is growing. “People will come in who have kids and they’re struggling with gas money, struggling to pay power bills and this will help them get over that mountain,” said Sloan.

So, she recently reached out to Newschannel 9 to surprise her Pastor Junior Williams for his hard work and dedication. “I want to say that I love you and I am so proud of what you do for this community and your church members. On behalf of Newschannel 9 and the Mcmahan Law Firm, we would like to Pay it Forward with $500,” said Sloan.

Pastor Williams has been pastor here for 25 years and that's when he says he started the food pantry. “I saw a need and wanted to do something. We don’t have certain days we do this. We just take care of the need as it comes up,” said Pastor Williams.

Williams says they typically feed anywhere from 300 to 400 families every year. Pastor Williams says about 15 years ago he also planted a garden with the help of some donations to provide fresh vegetables for families in need. “I can sleep good at night knowing I am able to help others. I feel good about it and it brings me joy,” he said.

Do you know someone who deserves $500 cash for helping others in need? Nominate them by clicking the link here!