This is our mission statement. Sounds simple, but living out this mantra takes daily intention. The good news? We don't have to do it alone. Together, we can embody this mission and make a lasting impact.

First, love God. Well, that seems like a no-brainer. But loving God is more than just an emotion. It involves a surrender of oneself to God's will and a commitment to living according to His teachings. This includes obeying His commandments, prioritizing His word, and actively engaging in worship and service. Loving God is about aligning one's life with God's purposes and demonstrating love for Him through actions and a transformed life. 

Second, love others. This means that we are to treat others with kindness and compassion, recognizing the inherent value and dignity of all individuals. If we truly love God, then we must love every one of His children, even the ones who think and act differently than us. Don't we want everyone to know how much they are loved by God? The way we treat others is a reflection of Christ's love. 
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Finally, make a difference. There are many ways to make a difference in the world and impact those around us. Making a difference as a follower of Christ essentially involves a holistic approach. It is about living out our faith, demonstrating God's love through our actions, serving those in need, and sharing the hope and transformation found in Christ. 
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Together, with God's help, we can live out our mission, both near and far!

PORTSMOUTH, VA – On Friday, July 25, Virginia-based disaster relief nonprofit Mercy Chefs held a press conference in Ingram, TX, to announce the opening of a Beacon of Hope Kitchen in the Texas Hill Country. The kitchen will serve as a long-term response hub following the devastating flooding that recently swept through Kerr County.

Since the disaster, Mercy Chefs has served nearly 70,000 hot, chef-prepared meals to flood victims, first responders, and volunteers. Now, the organization is committing to an extended presence in the area as the community rebuilds.

The new Beacon of Hope Kitchen will operate from Light on the Hill at Mount Wesley, providing hot meals and groceries through December 2025, while plans for a permanent site continue. During this transition, Citywest Church will remain an active meal distribution location, supported by local volunteers. Daily lunch and dinner service will continue without interruption.
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The kitchen and its newly added warehouse space for food and grocery storage will significantly expand Mercy Chefs’ capacity with upgraded equipment and infrastructure.

ABOUT MERCY CHEFS  Mercy Chefs is a 501(c)(3) founded in 2006 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The organization exists to provide professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in natural disasters and national emergencies, and partners with existing ministries with food service in underserved communities across the country and around the globe. Since its founding, Mercy Chefs has served over 30 million meals. In 2020, Mercy Chefs founder Gary LeBlanc was recognized by Southern Living Magazine as a “Hometown Hero,” and Mercy Chefs was named the 2020 Small Business of the Year in the nonprofit category by Inside Business and the Hampton Roads Chamber. Mercy Chefs has also been featured in major news outlets, such as CNN, Fox News, NBC News, PBS, and ABC News. For more information, visit mercychefs.com.

Stay tuned to more opportunities to volunteer with Mercy Chefs in the Nutrition Center at Light on the Hill! ​