Contributed to The Flash Today by Come Eat, Inc.
ERATH COUNTY (April 7, 2017) – Come Eat, Inc. has been serving individuals in need for almost a decade. The ministry grew in 2010 when the mobile soup kitchen got rolling with a mission of “feeding God’s people.” It has continued to grow ever since.
Almost seven years after the first meals were delivered from the brightly painted kitchen on wheels, LZ Harris, director of the 501c3 nonprofit organization, is singing the praises of individuals, organizations and event organizers that have kept the dream of providing, peace, comfort and sustenance going.
“Last year we distributed over 6,000 pounds of meat and canned and packaged goods,” LZ said. “Everything we do relies on support from a very giving community.”
Among the list of supporters is Cowboy Church of Erath County.
“They have given us monthly contributions from the beginning ,” LZ said, adding while the support has been instrumental for about seven years, it became vital about two years ago. “When our key benefactor passed away, we could have never continued without the help of Cowboy Church of Erath County, Pastor Mayes, his family and congregation.”
When the partnership began, LZ was told the church previously supported foreign missions, they decided to include this outreach closer to home.
“If there is ever anything we need, all I have to do is call Becky at the church and she will spread the word, and it will get done” LZ said.
In its early years, the mobile soup kitchen delivered meals to families in Stephenville and across Erath County. It still does, but LZ explained that much like need, the ministry knows no boundaries. It’s a growing ministry, catering to an array of needs.
The nonprofit reaches children and families across the region, as far west as Abilene, providing everything from food to tooth brushes, bedding, mattresses, warm winter clothing, school and work clothes and more.
“Once we felt like Come Eat was able to fill local needs, we extended into other nearby areas,” LZ said. “There is need everywhere and always somewhere we can help make lives better for our fellow people.”
The expansion of the organization has included taking on a new approach. LZ explained that her daily involvement is about a lot more than a meal delivery route. The new-found mission of Come Eat is to provide ongoing support that will one day take those it serves out of the feeding line and place them in line for gainful employment and independence.
“It’s now as much about providing a step up as it about providing a square meal,” LZ said.
That support includes rides to and from job training, assistance with budget planning and financial management, help with obtaining reliable transportation and affordable housing, haircuts and dental care, GED support, and more.
“Food definitely helps, that’s where it all begins, but to truly change a circumstance and impact lives, we need to help them find a path to independence and future success,” LZ said.
Over the years, LZ has also learned the support of others has allowed her to take an important role in the lives of many. She has become a nurturer and mother-figure to young people in dire need of love and guidance.
There was the young woman who was prostituted by her mother. The girl was addicted to alcohol and knew nothing about self-respect or self-esteem when she first met Harris. She had no clue about social norms and appropriate interactions. That young lady is now living a positive and productive life, about to give birth to child of her own that will now be raised in a positive and loving environment.
Then there was a down-trodden young man, who went from struggling with the plight he was born into with unkempt hair, no shirt and trousers hanging below his waist line, to being clean cut, well dressed, happy and productive.
“They took that step up,” LZ said. “They only need someone, anyone to show them they matter, to show them they were worth something and that someone really cares. They also know I understand that life is full of ups and downs and I will be there to celebrate the high points and help cushion their fall when they need the support.”
LZ sees support as bridges between people. There are many services that support the less fortunate. Come Eat helps the benefactors and bridges the support between the kind and generous people and those in need. None of us stand totally independently, helping each other through life is the way it should be.
“All of this is only made possible with the support of the Cowboy Church of Erath County,” she said.
She also named many others who also play an important role, including Hard Eight BBQ; Jingle Bell Classic Roping; Reecie and Opal Jones Trust, Linda Chew Trustee; Dublin Family Dentistry,the Kernaghans and the Wisners and the local youth clubs: The Girl Scouts and the 4-H Clubs and many others who volunteer their talents and time and resources.
“We would like to thank everyone for allowing us to serve our Lord by caring for those in need in our community and in North Texas,” LZ said.
For more information on supporting Come Eat through monetary contributions, donations of goods or services or volunteering time and manpower, contact LZ Harris at 817-913-1235 or via email at lzhtwm@gmail.com.
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