Buenos Aires Food Bank Grand Opening

When it comes to love in action, there are no boundaries! In January, Saddleback Buenos Aires helped open a local food bank in the heart of an impoverished community.

Ten years ago, a family began handing out a glass of milk with a slice of bread, to a hungry child in the neighborhood. What started with one child, grew to 30 kids getting the small meal twice a week thanks to this one family. The kids would sit in the dirt and drink their milk and eat their bread. There were no tables to sit at, and no building to cover them in the event of rain. This family didn’t have much, but they took what they had and used it to help her neighbors.

Two years ago, Pastor Sebastian Ojeda met this family and immediately felt God calling him to step into action.

“When I went there for the first time, I couldn’t believe this family was giving so much,” Pastor Seba said. “I was so touched, I felt God tell me that our church should help out, I promised that we would build a place for the kids to get a decent meal in — a commitment I knew could make a change that would last for generations. It would be a transformation for this neighborhood. I didn’t know how this was going to unfold, but I just knew God would provide.”

That next Sunday, Pastor Sebastian shared his heart with the church family and they immediately stepped into action by donating their time and resources. Some people donated supplies or food, others chipped in their time to construct the building for the kids to eat in. We have been going back to this neighborhood once a month for the last two years, spreading love, and the work of God to the kids and families.

We have done many one-off projects, like “Back to School” when our church members donate backpacks full of school items so that the kids can have all they need for that school year. For Christmas, we have gathered boxes of food for the families, and toys for the kids. Even Saddleback Kids stepped up, donating a lot of milk to give away. Now, the food bank is finally open regularly for this community with enough space for nearly 100 kids. The building has indoor bathrooms, a kitchen with hot water, a fridge, air conditioning, and tables and seats for 90 kids. It’s the most beautiful building within five miles.

The grand opening of the building was a huge success. It was a party with 90 children from the community in attendance. Thirty-five Saddleback volunteers stepped up to decorate with balloons, serve food, and hang out with the kids.

What started out as kids drinking milk on the dusty streets is now a multi-purpose ministry building providing meals to local children three times a week.

To learn more about Saddleback Buenos Aires, visit saddleback.com/buenosaires