Jenny’s Hope is open for business in Hughes Springs

By Marlene J. Bohr

mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

 

Striving to serve others with not only physical food, but gospel food, Jenny’s Hope on First Street in Hughes Springs was opened a few weeks ago, according to Daniel Bramlett, pastor of the First Baptist Church.

“We have opened Jenny’s Hope several weeks ago and have served several people so far,” Pastor Bramlett said. “We are offering counseling services and a worship service to anyone that comes in for aid. We are also offering rental assistance, utility assistance and 31-pound sacks of food to anyone in need. We have a thrift store so folks can pick out clothes. The store also has kitchen items.

“Jenny McKinney is the namesake for Jenny’s Hope. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. The church spent a lot of time praying over her and we watched as God completely healed her. She said throughout the whole process she prayed God would use this to impact people for His kingdom and His glory.”

Pastor Bramlett said they require every recipient to spend time with a counselor and to spend time with a worship service. “The goal is for them to walk away with an awareness of the gospel and an understanding of what it takes to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and an invitation to be a part of that,” Pastor Bramlett said. “We give away food, but we have never seen a piece of food change someone’s life. We make sure every person who comes in has ample time to tell their story and come together with a worship service. We want to reach out to the broken, the hurting and the people who feel like they have slipped through the cracks. We know they are not going to set foot in the big church building. There is no dress requirement but they have an assumption there is. They don’t feel comfortable coming into a room that is nicely furnished.

“We created this building with the broken in mind. The floor is painted like a garage or shop floor, our decorations are made mostly out of palletsand our furniture is made out of pallets. Everything we did for our counseling rooms is all built out of old tongue and groove lumber. It is built to feel welcoming for someone who would not feel welcome in a fancy place.

 

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