Pasco Riverview Church Volunteers Serve 1,500 Families Weekly Through Food Pantry and Community Outreach

Every Wednesday, the community around Pasco Riverview Adventist Church witnesses a powerful display of neighbor-love and service. Members of the church, along with Church of Latter-day Saints missionaries and local neighbors, come together to support approximately 1,500 families with their basic food needs. This initiative has become a cornerstone of community support, demonstrating the gospel through action.

The food pantry opens its doors at 6:30 a.m. and operates until noon, requiring some volunteers to arrive as early as 3 a.m. to ensure everything is ready. This early start is a testament to their dedication and commitment to serving others. The pantry is more than just a place to distribute food; it is a hub of community and spiritual connection.

Before the pantry opens its line each week, volunteers gather to share prayer requests, stories, and a time of prayer. This practice has fostered a deep sense of community and belonging among the volunteers, with one describing it as her “home.” This sense of unity and shared purpose is a living example of Galatians 6:10, which calls for doing good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

The motivation behind this service is not rooted in seeking converts or promoting a particular faith. Pastor Jason Worf explains that their efforts are driven by the culture of God and His heart of love. “This is the heart of God. He loves simply because He loves,” Worf shares. This approach aligns with the biblical principle that love is the greatest testament to faith, as highlighted in Matthew 25:35, which speaks of feeding the hungry as a reflection of Christ’s love.

The impact of this ministry extends beyond the immediate provision of food. The joy, passion, and openness of the volunteers have inspired others to join in service, creating a broader team of community volunteers. This affection and dedication among team members are drawing some to a deeper understanding of Jesus through the experience of serving alongside His people.

Ellen G. White, in her writings, emphasized that the love Christians show one another is a key to the world recognizing the truth of the gospel. Pastor Worf echoes this sentiment, stating, “It’s not that evangelism should be replaced by service, but evangelism can’t work without service.” This ministry in Pasco is a living example of how service and love can be powerful witnesses to the gospel, embodying the biblical call to care for the least of these, as seen in Hebrews 13:16.

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