08/11/2026
This is a really long post, so please, please bear with me & read it all.
Consider the rich man and Lazarus.
Jesus tells of an unnamed rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. Lazarus sat at the rich man’s gate every day and longed for the crumbs off of the rich man’s table, yet he received nothing. When both men die, the rich man goes to hell and Lazarus to heaven. He begs Abraham to have Lazarus dip his finger in water and just give him a drip on his tongue. He also begs Abraham to send Lazarus from his side in heaven to warn the rich man’s family. Even in death, the rich man only had use of Lazarus to benefit himself. (Linda’s paraphrase Luke 16:19-31)
Blessings await those who are considerate of the poor. We should not give just to receive, but in sincerity and compassionate heart. Kindness and love are free.
What are our motives in showing mercy to others?
Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. Meekness is an attribute of human nature and behavior that has been defined as a mixture of righteousness, inner humility, and patience. Humility is freedom from pride and arrogance. I believe all three work together and are leading virtues in a person who walks with God. I am struggling with all three.
I 100% believe God placed a calling on me 3 years ago to open Five Loaves. I cashed in everything I had, bought the building, remodeled and began begging. Begging for donations of money and food.
It troubles me so many fail to acknowledge the real need for the pantry in the community. I see the need every week.
I see the people. I’ve learned about their lives and their struggles. I see the blessing that a can of fruit gives.
How a box of ice cream cones that brings a smile because it’s a simple pleasure an old man rarely gets.
To love a sweet older man, becoming his friend then mourning his death.
To go into someone’s home so destitute with no running water, heating or cooling living in filth, who are so happy that somebody just talks to them, willing to acknowledge they are a person.
To give a bag filled with items to a homeless man who lost his job and place to live 2 years ago, living on the same street in Springfield with other men and women; so kind, friendly & polite. He remembers your vehicle and says “you came back.”
To give these bags to school districts who tell you about the kids they have, the hundreds of homeless kids, neglected kids, in our local school systems who lack food, adequate shelter, living with whoever under whatever conditions.
They are why I fight to keep going. They are why I do this. But friends, we are REALLY struggling. I personally do not have the means to financially support the pantry. Emotionally I am tapped out as well. I can’t continue this without help.
The pantry is open 12 months of the year not just November and December. We have enough food to realistically make it to fall and that’s it!
I was graciously given hamburger that will help tremendously and I thank Mr. Dale Prater profusely for it.
After paying the annual insurance renewal this month & legal fees, we will not have enough funds to get us through the end of the year. Oh, I just got the annual renewal & it's $3746. We only have $770.
That. Is. It.
I need people to go on the Walmart runs each week, put it out and assist the people that come. I need people who will help do the stocking, seeing what we need and picking it up FOR ME. I need someone who will make sure it’s cleaned, have boxes ready for when people come. Someone who will meet people for appointments, make and take the boxes to shutins who are physically unable to come to the pantry.
I’m always asked why don’t you apply for grants? Why don’t you apply for the grants for me? I’m always asked why don’t you fundraise? Why don’t you do a fundraiser for me instead of asking me why I’m not doing it?
I'm often asked, why don't you try….Central Illinois Food Bank does not accept new clients. Mid-Illinois Food Bank is backlogged. I have been on their waiting list since I opened in 2023. And frankly, I do not want to be regulated by the government via their grants or gifting of food.
It takes to keep a non-profit going. To pay the electric bills, legal bills, filings, buy everything you need, keep it cleaned, keep it mowed, keep the building maintained, keep it insured, try to find funding, try to get people to volunteer, try to find people for transportation, have money magically appear when your refrigerators and freezers die. Keep gas in your car and keep your car maintained for all the Walmart hauls and grocery runs you have to do. The list is endless.
You see, I am the ONLY person doing it all for the pantry. I don't say this to brag. It is a fact. I have 1-2 volunteers to go on the Walmart hauls with me and the same ones do some stock, but that's it!
Will you please, search your heart? Think about the people being reached. I know this mission isn’t fun and you won't see the kind of results you may want. It is not a social gathering of fun and games. You’re going to see hard things at times. You are going to hear horrible things, smell horrible things.
It is work.
But the blessings you receive, the smiles you get, the hugs, the tears you shed because of the stories you hear and just because...it is so worth it.
FIVE LOAVES NFP 501©(3) public charity
NonProfit • Illinois • Formed on Aug 17, 2023
STATE ID 74153658
EIN 93-3161407
Mailing address:
PO Box 144
Fillmore, Il. 62032
Physical address:
116 S. Main
Fillmore, Il. 62032
