Loaves & Fishes Ministry
To help people in times of need, with food, friendship and support.
“You give them something to eat”
In the early 1990's four Sisters from our Community moved to Ashley Road and we have had a presence here every since. As part of our lives of prayer and active service, Sisters began giving out small food parcels to about 12 people who came for food each week. However, this soon grew and for many years now we expect to see around 250-300 people a week in all typs of need. Our callers come for food and companionship. Poverty in the UK is a disturbing reality we see every day. In the Gospel of John 6:1-14 Jesus took a boy's offering of 'five small barley loaves and two small fish' and fed the five thousand. Together with our wonderful volunteers, we are the channels of countless people's kind and generous donations which is why we have named the ministry 'The Five Loaves and Two Fishes Project'.
Food Parcels
We offer a food parcel to anyone who calls asking for one. We judge no one, we ask no questions except their name. Anyone and everyone is welcome. No justification is needed. Our only restriction is that one parcel is given per person, per week. The food bag usually contains: Tinned meat or fish, vegetables, baked beans, soup, custard, fruit. We also include a carton of milk, cereal, tea bags and a packet of pasta or rice. We stress usually, as there are times we run out of specific items.
When possible we also offer sandwiches and drinks.
Support
We can offer limited help with form filling and making phone calls - this is limited to how many volunteers are available to offer this.
Family Holidays
We try and offer some of the families that come to us for food parcels a short break, this is limited to what funds we can get and availability of dates.
Childrens Day Out
Each year we organise a trip out for our families who come to us for food parcels to some sort of adventure park, usually aimed at children under 12. Recently we have been visiting Puxton Park near Weston-super-Mare.
Pastoral Care
The listening ear is another vital part of the ministry here in Bristol. Listening to our callers as well as our volunteers. There are times we need to visit people in prison, hospital, home, etc. and we willingly do this.
Prayer
This is a vital part of our ministry and is offered to anyone who asks. We also ask our callers for specific prayer requests and use these in our services in our Chapel.
