Church making an effort to help Lakewood's needy BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer On a recent day at the corner of Second and Lexington avenues in the parking lot of the Future Glory of Zion Church, parishioners accepted the challenge of helping to restore the spirit of some of Lakewood's downtrodden individuals with food and the Gospel. PHOTOS BY ANDREW MILLER staff Lenny Riccobona of Lakewood listens as gospel music plays before a food and clothing drive held by the Future Glory of Zion Church, Lakewood, on Sept. 20. Fried chicken, smoked sausages and mashed potatoes laid across blue vinyl tablecloths helped welcome the hungry to a place where stomachs and souls were fed. With limited public resources for Ocean County's homeless population, community churches have started their own efforts to help people in need. The Future Glory of Zion Church Outreach Ministry has been meeting this challenge for nearly four years. The vision for the ministry emerged out of a message sent by God to the Rev. John Hagler, pastor, and Louise Hagler, assistant pastor, during a trip to California. "One morning while visiting my son in California, my wife and I decided to take a walk. On our walk we passed by a church and saw saints donating clothes and goods to the needy," John Hagler said. "At my church we were conducting flea markets and selling items as fundraiser for our building fund. Upon seeing what this other church was doing, we decided to change our direction and donate goods as well." Chiquita Evans of Lakewood gives a kiss to Jimmy Wilcox of Lakewood during the mealtime portion of a luncheon and Gospel event sponsored by the Future Glory of Zion Church. Immediately afterward, Hagler directed the Rev. Dorothy Jackson to lead the outreach program. Jackson complied and has been leading the ministry with the help of volunteers. "The Lord placed this on our heart to start a feeding ministry. We want to use this ministry to reach people and empower them," Jackson said. "This ministry is not only about filling their bellies, it's about ministering to their needs and sharing the good news, the Gospel." On a recent day about 30 people of all different nationalities came in for a meal while Jackson preached from the book of Matthew in the New Testament. Lenny Riccobona, 59, of Lakewood, said he has been coming to the outreach for almost two years. He said his monthly Social Security check of $102 is hardly enough to cover any living expenses. He said the Thursday afternoon meals have been a godsend for him. While others were reluctant to talk about their hardships, they all seemed receptive to the message given by Jackson, "Who do men say that I am?" With some tearful eyes, and longing hearts, in one voice many of them called out "Jesus." Lauren Jackson, 38, is an active member of the church who volunteers for the outreach program. She was raised in Lakewood and said the town has changed. "It's not what it used to be," she said, adding, "I do this because I have been on the same streets, and it is only because of God that I am not sucked into that lifestyle. I do this because I have a giving heart and I want to bring the streets back to life again." Volunteer Brenda Jackson, who is the praise and worship leader, and choir director, said, "This is not just a meal, it's not just a place where they can go. It is a council of refuge." She said the church wants to expand its ministry and create a place where the needy can get help, be restored and learn job skills. "As of right now, we are doing what we can. However, I believe if all of the community churches can come together with all their efforts and unite, we will be able to build a stronger initiative," Jackson said. Louise Hagler reiterated Brenda Jackson's point. She said the church's vision is to provide some kind of transitional housing for the needy. Millicent McKenzie, church secretary and treasurer, said the church, which serves as a nonprofit, has applied for a 501(c)3 tax-exempt number and is working to obtain accreditation from the Ocean County community development commission. Once all of those things have been acquired, members of the clergy will obtain information on grant writing. After that, the church will seek out grants that will help it to better serve the community. In the meantime, Louise Hagler said, as long as there is a need in the community, the outreach ministry will continue. "If there is a ministry that sees the need, we have to rise up and meet that need. It is the church's obligation to rise up to the need if they can," she said.