BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

Cochran Street Bible Church opened its doors on Friday evening to feed those who are hungry, those hurt by the delays to federal food assistance payments, and those who wanted to fellowship with their neighbors.

The simple meal of pinto beans, cornbread, tea, and dessert was a small gesture of kindness from the small church working to show God’s love to all.

“We’re going to do whatever it takes,” Pastor Thomas McDaniels said.

Church members prepared about 20 pounds of pintos and several batches of cornbread.

The food was provided by Cochran Street Bible Church, Dr. Shalonda Davidson of Instride Carolina Foot Care Associates, Troutman Church of God, Welcome Inn Ministries, Joel Harbinson, Propel Worship Center, Out of the Darkness Ministries, and Soulminers Ministries. Sean and Karen Prince from Texas also contributed.

Around 20 volunteers helped cook and serve the dinner

“I’m thankful that the Body of Christ can come together to help,” McDaniels said.

Cochran Street Bible Church isn’t focused on raising money like some bigger churches. The pastor would much rather see members step up and serve hot meals to those in need.

“There are churches that can do more than we do,” McDaniels said. “We serve by faith. We try to do a lot with a little. We do the best we can with what we have where we’re at.”

His wife Cathy echoed that sentiment.

“Christians are supposed to be setting a Biblical example,” she said. “When Jesus fed the 5,000, he didn’t ask how many deserved it. We really care.”

McDaniels is focused on the number of souls he can lead to Christ.

“We’re focusing on what matters to our Lord,” he said. “Our mission is to reach the ones that the Church doesn’t want. The more broken, the better.”

McDaniels knows something about brokenness.

“As a former alcoholic, I understand the healing transformation from Christ,” he said.

Sober for 26 years and a pastor for eight of those, McDaniels meets everyone where they are.

“There’s Sundays when our church smells like weed and alcohol,” he said. “We’re just happy they showed up to hear God’s word.”

Photos