BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — God’s Kitchen Battle Creek is up and running once again. The service charity — that feeds the sick, shut-in and homebound people in the Battle Creek area — lost their original delivery car a few weeks ago when it broke down. They put 300,000 miles on it within five years, delivering meals and transporting goods. But, it had enough. Now they bought a new car and according to Pastor William Stein they couldn’t be happier.
“It's a wonderful feeling,” said Pastor Stein who runs God’s Kitchen at the First Congregational Church on Capital Avenue NE. “Once we took ownership of the vehicle, I came here to the church went in the sanctuary, I got down on my knees and praised God and thanked him for continuing to bless his program.”
Pastor Stein said that after their first car died they immediately set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for a new one. So far they’ve raised over $1100 but it wasn’t quite enough to get a car. Then their friends over at Sunshine Toyota offered them a PT Cruiser.
“Last week we were closed temporarily because we had no way of actually addressing the needs of our dinner guests here at the church,” said Stein. “We collaborated with Sunshine Toyota. They gave us a significant discount on the vehicle that we had to purchase.”
Stein said God’s Kitchen did not operate for a week which was too long. Sunshine Toyota offered them the PT Cruiser for $5,000 and they bought it using the GoFundMe money and took the rest from their food budget. They now need to raise money to replenish the budget.
“When it comes to holiday dinners people are more in the giving spirit,” said Stein. “But we operate well beyond December 25th of every year. So we still have to appeal to our brethren throughout west Michigan to acquire the resources that are required to help us help others.”
The GoFundMe page is still active for those who want to help. Stein said he’s going to write grant letters seeking donations from local businesses. They have to raise enough money to keep the car operational and pay for its $1000 insurance.
“If we are unsuccessful in securing the six thousand dollars that we need, sadly we will have to close for the month of February only in order to try to glean those resources to put back into our food budget,” said Stein.
He said he hopes not to close again. A week was long enough. He's grateful for everyone who has donated to date.
“God bless all of the individuals and organizations who have contributed and continue to contribute to this program,” said Stein. “With out their resources we wouldn’t be here.”
