The Life Church’s “Love Our City” Project Feeds Physical and Spiritual Hunger

(May 4, 2024, Albany, Georgia) Amidst the hustle and bustle of Albany State University’s graduation celebrations, one group of people stood out for their selfless and noble actions. While others were attending parties and filling up restaurants, Rita Wooden and her team of volunteers at Life Church were up and working at 6 am for their “Love Our City” project.

In a city like Albany, Georgia, where the dichotomy between the haves and the have-nots is evident, Life Church is making a significant impact by addressing both the physical and spiritual hunger of the less fortunate. With the help of Food Lion North Slappey location manager Curtis Ware and his wife Lakesha, Life Church’s Love Our City Peanut Butter and Jesus project has taken off on a new level.

Every month, Rita and her team gather to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, load them up in vehicles, and hit the streets to feed those in need. But it’s not just about the food; it’s about sharing the message of love and hope through Jesus Christ. As Rita puts it, “The peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are more than just a meal; they are a means to start a conversation about feeding the soul.”

In a society where individualism and materialism seem to take precedence, Life Church’s commitment to serving their community is a breath of fresh air. The volunteers of Love Our City project do not just show up for one-time donations or for the sake of community visibility. They are part of the community, and their name speaks for itself – they are about injecting life into Albany, Georgia, to make it a truly Goodlife City.

During one of Life Church’s Love Our City activities, Curtis Ware, the manager of Food Lion’s North Slappey location, was present to witness the impact of the Peanut Butter and Jesus project. He was so moved by their actions that he not only delivered donated items to make the sandwiches but also joined the team in their mission to spread love and hope through food and the message of Jesus Christ. In his words, “What we are doing today is true collaboration. We are not here for just a photo-op, but we are here because we genuinely care about our community.”

It’s heartwarming to see organizations like Life Church, Food Lion and individuals like Curtis and Lakesha Ware coming together for a greater cause. In a world that can sometimes seem cold and hostile, it’s crucial to have examples of compassion, kindness, and generosity. They are a reminder that the real meaning of success is not measured by the wealth that one accumulates but by the change one makes in the lives of others.