Five years ago, Garry and Martha Langley began building a mobile food kitchen they dreamed would be used to feed the hungry when it was complete. The work was in response to a challenge given to them by their pastor to invest $100 each into the community to make a difference in someone’s life. Their plan developed as they shared the idea with other people who supported and offered to help with their time and financial resources.

As donations came in, work continued on what has become Living Hope Food Kitchen, a mobile food kitchen enclosed in a trailer and pulled by a large box truck. Living Hope Food Kitchen is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

In October of this year, Living Hope Food Kitchen became fully functional and ready to begin operations. The kitchen board has made arrangements with Extended Hands Ministries of Willcox to take over the next phase of development, which is to fulfill its purpose of feeding the hungry and elderly, and sharing God’s love with surrounding communities. The first time the kitchen is taken out will be Thanksgiving 2008 in Willcox.

Readying the Living Hope Food Kitchen for Thanksgiving are, from left, LHFK Board members Martha Langley, Phyllis Matson and Garry Langley; Heather and Pastor Paul Sheats of Extended Hands Ministries and Leslie Jones, secretary of EHM. Contributed photo

The Langleys are grateful to all who have offered their time, prayers, money, resources and items for fund-raisers while the building of the kitchen was under way. Their generosity made its completion possible. The Langleys also express their thanks to the churches and businesses that have given their resources to keep the construction going, furnishing and supplying equipment and helping to spread the news; and to Pastor Paul Sheats of Extended Hands Ministries in Willcox, who will be taking over the kitchen in accordance with his church’s mission to offer a helping hand and hope to the community.

Businesses that contributed to Living Hope Food Kitchen include Ellis Auto Salvage, Haralson Tire, Desert Rider Motor Sports, Wal-Mart, Trophies ‘N Tees, Gila Auto and RV, Mack’s Auto and Supply, Earp Machinery, Holyoak Wrecker and Service, Valley Auto Wrecking, Open Bible Fellowship, New Beginnings Church, New Life City Church, Safford Builders, J. Kirk Gray Public Accountant, Griffin’s Propane, Jay’s Construction, Labelmasters, Mount Graham Supply and Boulevard Glass.

Those involved in the food kitchen said it has been a blessing to see so many members of the community come together to build this kitchen and help others and that it is an even greater opportunity to watch it in action, growing and impacting the surrounding areas.

For more information, to contribute to its future or to help with the Thanksgiving feast contact Extended Hands Ministries of Willcox at 520-384-4642.