You'll often find the volunteers and members at Bahamas National Feeding Network (BNFN) gathering groceries, stirring a pot, plating a meal or facing traffic to deliver one of the 1,100 plates per week to people in the Bain Town, Market Street and Potter's Cay communities, many of whom may have gone without, if not for their efforts. But recently the members and volunteers of Kingdom Mercy Ministry (KMM) found themselves being fed, as they enjoyed a Thanksgiving appreciation luncheon hosted at Graycliff Restaurant.
"All throughout the year these men and women have committed themselves to being good stewards," said Philip Smith, founder of KMM and executive director of BNFN. "It made sense for us to come together in fellowship over a meal and for me to say thank you for their diligence in helping the poor and needy which does not go unnoticed."
Graycliff chairman and founder Enrico Garzaroli said the restaurant and hotel thought it appropriate to host the BNFN volunteers and members to cater to them after they had catered to so many people throughout the year.
"We have a long history with Philip and are aware of the incredible work that he and his members have been doing and the impact they've made in the areas where they work," said Garzaroli. "I'm sure they're overjoyed that someone else will be responsible for doing the dishes."
KMM was established in 2005 by Smith, who also serves as the executive director of BNFN, which was launched to try to find a better way to unite the efforts of the many churches and feeding centers in The Bahamas seeking to feed the growing number of hungry persons, of which KMM is a member.
The ministry has 23 volunteers. Judith Hanchell has been managing Mosseff House, its headquarters, for the past six years. She oversees menu planning, sourcing of food items and pitching in wherever a gap appears.
"It's truly been rewarding to see one of the most simple and basic needs of people met," said Hanchell.
Chef Roland Solomon returned to the kitchen as head chef of KMM after retiring from the hotel industry. Each volunteer has a different reason for why and how they got involved.
"Being a part of Kingdom Mercy Ministry took me out of my comfort zone," recalled Kelly Nixon-Russell, a volunteer for over a year. "I needed to stop being selfish with my time. Rather than always donating money, I made up my mind to give of myself. This experience has been nothing short of rewarding. I've also met a number of other persons on the same selfless mission."
Valene Benjamin, a member for the past five years, who assists with cooking meals on Sundays at Mosseff House and feeds people out of her home three times a week expressed similar sentiments.
"A lot of people are hurting and hide behind a mask," she said. "I have been able to minister with people on a daily basis, smile and laugh with them. I've also taken persons into my home. This goes beyond the meal for me," she said.
Mosseff House, headquartered in Fox Hill and home to KMM, was a part of the estate of Leslie Davis who left instructions that the house, equipped with a commercial kitchen, be used to feed the poor. Additionally, other assets were entrusted and managed by the estate to defray a large portion of the ministry's operational expenses.
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