[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       FAITH AND LOVE MINISTRIES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, in March, I became a member of the Renewal 
Alliance, a group of 28 Congressmen and Senators committed to promoting 
local volunteer-driven, faith-based solutions to problems associated 
with poverty and cultural decline. While at home in California for 
Memorial Day recess, I was able to further my efforts with the Renewal 
Alliance by joining forces with Faith and Love Ministries, a volunteer 
group that networks with several churches in my district to feed 
impoverished families while helping them regain self-sufficiency.
  I served meals to needy families in the community because I believe 
that there are no limits to what a caring community can do to touch 
lives. Faith and Love Ministries in Vista, CA, is a wonderful example 
of what can result from a compassionate heart and a helping hand.
  Mr. Speaker, Washington simply never had an answer or replacement for 
the family, community, or church. For 30 years, we have watched poverty 
rates rise and the quality of life decline, despite billions of Federal 
dollars and hundreds of programs. We must now refocus and empower 
families, churches, and community groups to heal broken spirits and 
restore hope.
  Faith and Love Ministries is powered by volunteers from several local 
religious organizations and depends entirely on donated surplus foods 
and other items to meet the needs of the community. Last year, the 
group provided over 36,000 hot meals, as well as job-assistance, 
laundry service, haircuts, and showers to several hundred. This year, 
their food pantry is experiencing severe shortages which threaten the 
operation.
  Mr. Speaker, many of us think of can-drives and other charitable 
causes only around the holidays. Unfortunately, hunger is a yearlong 
problem. Most groups that serve the needy, including Faith and Love 
Ministries, find themselves short on donations and volunteers through 
the long summer months. If we are going to heed Gen. Colin Powell's 
call in Philadelphia to become active in volunteering and serving 
others, this is where it must begin.

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