Fellowship opens its arms to town's hungry residents
BY TOYNETT HALL
Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Volunteers at the Agape Fellowship, Lakewood, make it a team effort as they prepare meals during the first soup kitchen, July 21.

LAKEWOOD - The tables were adorned with beige tablecloths and an assortment of flowers as a centerpiece. Members of Agape Fellowship, 215 Madison Avenue, took orders from people who were grateful to be offered a meal and served them.

On July 21, Agape Fellowship congregants gave Lakewood's hungriest residents more than just a soup kitchen. They gave them a dining experience.

According to Sunday school teacher Tina Atiles, Agape Fellowship was started in April by her and her husband, Joseph Atiles, pastor. It is the sister church to Jersey Shore Calvary Fellowship of Point Pleasant.

The church emerged out of an outreach ministry from the Calvary Chapel in Howell, the Atiles' former parish.

Joseph Atiles said he answered a calling on his life to minister to the Lakewood community on a more personal level.

Alicia Lockhart, of Toms River, carries a tray of food as she prepares to serve guests at the Agape Fellowship's soup kitchen.

"I felt the Lord called us to step forward and provide more," he said, explaining that agape means God's unconditional love in Greek. "We wanted to be a home base in that community by providing food and clothing, and ministering to that community."

Tina Atiles said Agape Fellowship has about 25 members and rents space on the first floor of the Montgomery House, a building owned by the All Saints Episcopal Church. They provide services in English and Spanish.

The Atiles, who are natives of Jackson, developed the idea to start a soup kitchen because they saw a need in the community.

According to Tina Atiles, "We saw a need in the neighborhood and we decided to start a soup kitchen. However, we did not want to be just a regular soup kitchen that hands out food. We wanted to be there for them in other ways and create a restaurant dining experience for them."

"We really want to bless people who would not have the capability to go out to a restaurant and eat," Joseph Atiles added. "We not only serve them food, we share a message from the Bible and bless them. This was an opportunity for us to share God's love with the people."

According to Tina Atiles, the church is privately funded by donations. Its mission is to provide a place where anyone can come and feel welcome. She said people of all races and ethnicities are welcome.

She said the Agape Fellowship take its cue from Matthew 11:28 which says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, I will give you rest."

Agape Fellowship's first soup kitchen served more than 50 people. The next scheduled meals will be held on Aug. 18 and Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 215 Madison Avenue, Lakewood. Services are held every Sunday at 1 p.m. For more information call Joseph Atiles at (908) 433-7752.