After storms knocked power out for thousands of Berrien County residents, the Niles Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church stepped up to serve hot meals and offer encouragement while crews worked to restore electricity.
The food truck was originally planned as a community outreach event with Pastor John Boston II in preparation for the church’s upcoming Kids Camp and evangelistic series later this spring. But on April 1, as neighbors lined up for tacos, it became clear that the outreach would serve a much deeper need.
“What started as an outreach for families turned into something more,” said Ramona Minisee, assistant Sabbath School superintendent with a focus of children’s ministry. “As our neighbors showed up hungry for a warm meal, we realized that our focus needed to include them, as well. Our church didn’t have power, but we served free, hot tacos and the love of Jesus.”
Niles Church Pastor Earl Baldwin Sr., said he was thrilled the church could still host Free Taco Tuesday despite the outages. “Sometimes people just need to know they’re not forgotten,” he said. “We’re in this journey together. The storms knocked out our power—but not our compassion.”
The church plans to continue community outreach leading up to its Kids Camp and evangelistic series later this spring.
