Feeding the body, nourishing the spirit: ABHMS grant empowers community care on K Street

VALLEY FORGE, PA (08/08/2025)—On K Street in Lincoln, Nebraska, a sacred gathering is held on Saturdays. In an act of discipleship, volunteers from First Baptist Church of Lincoln and other churches in town come together to help fulfill their neighbors’ need for sustenance and human belonging. Thanks to the K Street Lunch initiative, those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in Lincoln can partake in God’s bounty that involves a nutritious meal and community connection.

With support from an American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) grant, First Baptist Church served over 5,000 meals in 2023. Each of those was offered as a tangible sign of God’s care for God’s creation. “We are committed to healing communities,” said Rev. Joy Martinez-Marshall, who leads the initiative. “The food is just the beginning. The deeper work is building relationships.”

The core mission values of ABHMS are profoundly realized through this ministry. Healing the community of Lincoln residents can happen through consistent care and the dignity of a warm meal. According to Martinez-Marshall, approximately 600 Lincoln residents have benefited from the program so far.

Volunteers who are making this work of God happen come from diverse faith backgrounds. This is important, as through building bridges across differences, those participating can increase their cross-cultural competency and strengthen social connections in a city profoundly marked by social divides. Lincoln’s downtown, where the church is located, has a large population of low-income residents, the unhoused, and immigrants from countries such as Iraq, Sudan, and Afghanistan. It is often harder for these groups to access services, find employment, and integrate socially; these barriers often lead to further exclusion.

In recognition of these challenges, First Baptist Church of Lincoln continues this ministry with deep faith, despite limited funds. Its energy has encouraged local businesses and retirement communities to join in, making this a community effort and amplifying its impact.

“I have such appreciation that I could be one of those ladies at the church that keep a few of our brothers and sisters in Christ from going to bed hungry,” said Tammy, one of the volunteers who minister to their neighbors through the program. “I feel so blessed by the ability to participate in such a wonderful opportunity to share with others. I know this program is a gift from God because without the grant, neighbors will go hungry.”

In every sandwich handed out, in every bottle of water shared, in every connection forged, K Street Lunch lives out the Gospel. It is a ministry not only of food, but of belonging.

Your support of ABHMS makes ministries like K Street Lunch possible. This is where faith meets action, and love is served one lunch at a time. Give today at our online portal and be part of healing communities across the country.

By Rev. Dr. Anna Piela, ABHMS senior writer and associate editor of The Christian Citizen