caring hearts To reach out to all who are hungry-hurting-lonely-homeless. That's the banner statement on Maranatha Homeless Outreach's website, and that is just what they are doing. Reaching out. Maranatha was founded by Rickey and Chrissy Daughenbaugh in 2006 when they felt the call on their lives to feed the hungry. Mrs. Daughenbaugh had been through some hard times herself, and while the couple was traveling as a truck driving team, they really felt the need to help those that were hurting. Chrissy knew one thing she could do was cook, and that was how the ministry began, with her heart to feed the hungry. Since then, Maranatha Homeless Outreach has helped many. The organization has regular weekly feedings for any who are hungry on Friday evenings in Flat Rock, NC at Flat Rock Church of God and has recently been helping another ministry with a weekly feeding on Thursday evenings that takes place behind Roses in Mt. Airy, NC, as well as helping individual families with groceries, rent, warm clothing, blankets, and more. The organization also provides holiday meals each holiday, as well as Easter baskets and Christmas toys for children. People tend to associate homelessness and hunger with larger cities, but according to Daughenbaugh and Maranatha's secretary, Penny Rinehart, there is agreat need in this area. People are homeless, hurting, and hungry, and they need help. Beyond their local events, Maranatha has also organized under the bridge feedings in nearby large cities, including Greensboro and Winston Salem, as well Knoxville, TN, Savannah, GA, and more. Maranatha has traveled to help those in our nation who are suffering from hardships related to natural disasters and have even traveled to New York City and Skid Row in California to help those in need. According to their Facebook page, their ministry is “called forth by God to feed, clothe and to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to all people – everywhere!” According to Mrs. Rinehart, who has helped the Daughenbaughs from the beginning when she met Chrissy at church, Mrs. Daughenbaugh is always ready to help. “That girl never stops. She's always going, helping people whenever she can,” Rinehart said. When asked how others can get involved, Rinehart mentioned that Maranatha can always use prayer, funds, and food, particularly cases of bottled water or canned goods. Others can also volunteer to help with food prep for the weekly feedings. The organization has recently started a fundraiser to help raise funds for an RV so they can travel more to help others around our nation. They will be hosting some events on social media soon to spread the word and try to get some monthly sponsors to help as well.
Rickey and Chrissy Daughenbaugh
Reaching Out WRITER/ Amy Beam
Maranatha Homeless Outreach can be found online on their Facebook site and also their website maranathahomelessout.wix.com/outreach. The organization can be contacted by email maranathahomelessoutreach@yahoo.com or by phone (336) 320-8387. Amy Beam
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