Volunteer Spotlight: Mt. Zion Baptist Church – A Decade of Service and Love
Every night, volunteer groups from across the community prepare dinner for the residents of Harford Family House’s Belcamp Emergency Shelter. Among these faithful friends, one group has been a steady source of nourishment and encouragement for more than a decade: the Soup Kitchen Ministry from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Aberdeen. Their service goes far beyond food; it’s an expression of compassion, faith, and community.
Karen’s Story: From Idea to Ministry
Over ten years ago, Karen began volunteering at the shelter with friends and family, covering the costs herself. Soon after, she presented the idea to her pastor and church deacons, complete with a proposal and budget. Their enthusiastic approval gave birth to Mt. Zion’s Soup Kitchen Ministry.
Since then, the group has prepared monthly meals at the shelter, sponsored a Harford Family House family for a whole year, and even inspired church ministers and deacons to visit regularly to share encouragement.
For Karen, the most memorable moment wasn’t during a meal service, but when she volunteered as a resident helper. That evening, she learned of a young man graduating from high school without family support. Shelter residents pooled resources to get him what he needed, and Karen gladly contributed.
“That showed me you don’t have to have a lot to show love,” she said. “I will always remember that experience; it changed how I think and feel about humanity.”
Latanya’s Story: Serving Body and Spirit
Latanya first joined the Soup Kitchen Ministry after hearing about it in a church announcement. She loves the opportunity to provide both “natural and spiritual food, basic needs for survival.”
Her favorite moments happen every time she serves: seeing residents smile, hearing their thanks, and sharing small moments of connection.
“We are not just providing meals,” Latanya reflects. “We are introducing God’s love in kind words, gentle smiles, and the sacrifice of time and resources. HFH provides shelter to those in need, and it’s a blessing to partner with them to display love, one meal at a time.”
Tanika’s Story: Living Out God’s Command to “Go”
For Tanika, serving at the shelter is a calling. “God’s last command was for us to GO, and that is what I plan to do until I can no longer do it,” she said.
Each month, she helps prepare a dinner that’s not just delicious but made with love. Her favorite moments come when residents return for seconds—or even thirds—because the food hits the spot.
She believes the mission is simple but powerful: serve the underserved, help the helpless, and always make time to care for one another.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s Soup Kitchen Ministry shows us that feeding the hungry is about far more than providing a meal—it’s about building relationships, uplifting spirits, and living out love in action. We are deeply grateful for their years of faithful service to our residents.