Today we’d like to introduce you to William.
Hi William, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In December of 2013, my wife, daughter and I were part of a mission trip team to Alajuelita, Costa Rica. Alajuelita is one of the most poverty-stricken cities in the entire country of Costa Rica. We were blessed to be a part of some amazing community outreach events on this trip. This mission trip took a love of helping others and completely engulfed our hearts with a yearning to do more not only in countries abroad, but right in our own backyards locally.
Upon returning from the mission trip, we asked our team if they would like to help make up some lunches. The first time
out, we made 50 lunches and drove around just passing them out of our vehicle. For 2 years, my family and I would make these meals ourselves and distribute out of my truck.
Over the course of the past 9+ years, our group has been blessed with growth to provide 1200 meals monthly adding
essential items like clothing, shoes, and hygiene items during our bi-weekly Street Friend Outreach Events. We have been blessed to create some amazing partnerships with other organizations serving the local communities in Duval, Clay, Nassau and St Johns county. There are many people on the streets who, for one reason or another, do not want to enter a shelter or program. We believe we offer the opportunity to spread love of hope during our outreach events that they do not normally experience.
More recently in the past 4 years, we noticed there was a hurdle with some of our Street Friends receiving housing that we could assist with, we often heard of the excitement of receiving housing and joy in their hearts, only to see them return to the streets distraught a few months later. They shared the struggle for furniture, food resources and basic household items that are often taken for granted. We felt in our hearts that we could fill this gap and share God’s love in tangible ways with anyone in need. So, we have been assisting with furniture, beds, household items, to not only street friends receiving housing, but also Veterans groups, those in recovery who are moving forward with their life. It’s an honor to be able to provide not only these tangible needs, but to be able to offer love and support to create a self-sustaining life for their future. To see someone take pride in joy in their newfound home and life in Christ, is priceless.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
We have always tried to be obedient to following the path that God leads us on with our ministry, less of us, more of him. We have had our share of struggles, but God always provides when truly needed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
With Saved 2 Serve, one of the things I have always been proud of is our quality meals that we are able to provide for our street friends, we believe that if it were not something that we would eat ourselves, then we certainly would not share with anyone else. We strive for each interaction to be special, we want to share love and compassion with everyone we encounter, When we serve it is less about an assembly and how fast we can serve and more about how many names we know and how many high fives and hugs we give out.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Without a doubt, my number one supporter is my wife, Candiss. She’s been the backbone of this ministry since before we even had a name. Without her amazing influence over Saved 2 Serve, it would never be what it is today. She is truly my rock and I am beyond blessed!
My mother, Linda Gloria has also been a tremendous influence and supporter since Day 1. She assists with not only finances, but wisdom and guidance to keep us true to our mission.
My good friend and mentor, Pastor Tone Benedict. Pastor Tone has been such an incredible role model to me. From the first time we met, Pastor Tone has been a constant source of encouragement and a special friend. Pastor Tone offers a constant reminder of our focus to share the love of Jesus with everyone we encounter.
Momma Audrey Turner, she’s my hero. Her heart to love others and maintain an incredible unwavering faith inspires me.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of our core group that have been involved with Saved 2 Serve for years and years. Jeff, Alice, Josh, Danielle, Joe, Marjorie, Marguerite and Della. I am sure I am forgetting people but without every person, Saved 2 Serve is not possible, they are truly answered prayers.
Contact Info:
- Website: saved2serve.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/saved2serve.streetfriends
