Despite the ministry’s success, Pointer takes none of the credit. “Look what God did!” she said. “He is there all the time if we step out of self and help others.” However, in 2010, “Running for Jesus” ran into a few road bumps. The mobile kitchen is only mobile if it has a truck pulling it. The volunteer driver had to step down. The kitchen could no longer be pulled to its downtown location and ended up in Pointer’s front yard. Fortunately, an electrician volunteered his time and material to run electric for the kitchen. Though no longer mobile, meals are still going out. Volunteers meet at Dolly’s every Saturday and prep about 175 meals that will be delivered in the Blanchester area. An entrée is usually cooked the day before and the Saturday staff efficiently mans the assembly line and prepares the serving trays, packs the containers and helps the volunteer drivers load the cargo. The meals are then delivered in time for a hot lunch. The Full Gospel Church of Blanchester and Heartland Church of Goshen have been the most loyal donors, Pointer said. Still, more are needed. Food costs are rising and the ministry would like to be mobile again. In 2008 and 2009, the group had permission from local law enforcement to be on the road during winter and snow emergencies. “Running for Jesus” continued to serve people during that time in the midst of two blizzards and two ice storms. Pointer said she has never been discouraged. “It’s not about me, it’s about the Lord and my babies [those the ministry serves]. If we believe it, we can receive it.” Plans to start a food pantry and expand locations and days have been put on hold until additional financial resources are secured. “What we need right now,” Pointer said, “is a truck and driver and about $50 to $100 more a month [to keep up with the demand].” If passion alone could run the ministry, Pointer’s would be all it needed. “I enjoy this more than I enjoy anything,” she said. The drive behind her work comes from having been there. She recalls a low point in 1960 when she and her sister regularly did not have anything to eat. She shared this story: “We worked at the Tuscaloosa Steam Laundry. That place could get mightyhot. One day, I fainted from the hunger while at work. Instead of getting discouraged, I thanked God for having a job and promised I would do something for other people who may be in need.”
VALERIE MARTIN Valerie LK Martin is a non-profit professional turned freelance writer. Valerie has broad writing experience from public relations and business writing to travel writing and health articles to devotionals, but people are her favorite topics to explore. Valerie lives in Oregonia, with husband, Tom, cats and dogs.
Salt | February 2011 | 35
To date, “Running for Jesus” has not had to turn anyone away. Pointer promises to keep it that way. “If I can help it, I will never see someone go hungry,” she said.