May 30, 2023
BY JOHN BAILEY
For David Stowell, New Hope Ministries is more than a Blue Bus delivering food and other items to those in need.
It’s a labor of love and faith meant to bring hope to those who might otherwise suffer in silence.
In 2020, Stowell founded New Hope Ministries to bring food and essential supplies to those who were homebound, living in poverty or homeless - meeting the need where it was in the county.
A recent medical diagnosis for Stowell threatened the future of the ministry, but by reaching out to the Catawba County United Way, he was able to create a collaboration of local agencies who will continue to build the program’s outreach.
Earlier this month a plan was created at the United Way with the help of several other non-profits.
“When I arrived and saw our friends from brick-and-mortar agencies there willing to help I had an instant feeling of relief,” Stowell said.
The Hickory Soup Kitchen, The Corner Table Soup Kitchen and Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry will pool their resources to help keep the bus stocked with food.
In My Father’s House Community Support Services in Newton, will take over the outreach operations of the bus, retaining the name New Hope Ministries for the program and continuing the delivery schedule already established by Stowell.
The bus currently visits the Hickory Soup Kitchen the 1st Saturday of the month, Vertical Life Church in Newton the 3rd Saturday and Maiden the 4th Saturday.
Ivey Robinson, chief executive of In My Father’s House, was honored to carry on Stowell’s legacy.
“Having the bus means citizens can shop for free and receive healthy foods, clothing and hygiene products. Citizens who may have a problem with transportation will benefit from this program,” Robinson said.
With the help of so many, Stowell is confidant the mission he began three years ago will continue to grow.
“New Hope Ministries has always been and now will always be a supporting neighbor to all in need,” he said. "Can't stop the miracles."
For more information, visit https://inmyfathershousecssn.org/.