Caring for Your Neighbour – One Meal, One Prayer at a Time

Hunger and loneliness are just two of the many challenges facing people like her – often hidden in plain sight. Their circumstances are shaped by misfortune, family breakdown, health issues, or economic hardship. Love Thy Neighbour (LTN), a ministry of PlentyLife Anglican Church in Mernda, steps into this gap with compassion.

Founded 12 years ago by Nola and Alan Young as part of the church-plant’s mission outreach, LTN lives out the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35: “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.”

What began as a small act of service has grown into a powerful response to rising community needs, particularly during and after the COVID years. Today, around 24 dedicated volunteers deliver food boxes to approximately 35 families doing it tough. “If someone’s hungry, we feed them,” Nola says simply.

The Process

Each week, the LTN team receives referrals and assesses the needs of individuals and families, carefully coordinating deliveries based on size, urgency, and dietary requirements. Larger families receive more substantial hampers. Most deliveries are made fortnightly, though those with urgent needs are supported weekly or as the need arises.

Tuesdays are for preparation. Volunteers collect food donated by generous local and regional partners – fresh fruit, vegetables, non-perishables, and toiletries. Everything is sorted and boxed according to a detailed Food List, ready for delivery on Wednesdays.

“It’s such a privilege to be invited into people’s lives – especially when they’re at their most vulnerable,” says Leonne, one of the food hero volunteers. Food opens the door to deeper support.

Nola oversees logistics, budget balancing, food sourcing, dietary considerations, and food safety compliance. While financial pressures are ever-present, the heart of the PlentyLife community sustains the mission. “We keep praying – and the Lord makes it work,” Nola says with conviction.

Stories of Hope

“Some stories bring you to tears,” shares Elaine, another long-time helper. During the pandemic, one man told the team, “You were my lifeline – without you, I may not have made it.” Today, his circumstances have improved and he no longer needs help, a moment of celebration for the LTN team. Clients are never asked to leave, but always encouraged on their journey.

LTN’s support extends beyond food security. It may be a hospital visit, emergency accommodation, or simply a listening ear. And often, it’s a moment of prayer. “Offers to pray are rarely knocked back,” Nola notes.

A Community Effort

LTN’s work is strengthened by the generous support of the broader community. Ivanhoe Grammar’s garden project supplies some fresh produce, local schools run food drives (one contributing over 300 bags), and school families helped pack 120 Christmas hampers. In some cases, school chaplains personally deliver food parcels back to families in need within their own school communities.

Despite occasional feelings of being overwhelmed, Nola remains grounded: “It’s not in our control – it’s God’s work. He just asks us to care for ‘the least’.”

PlentyLife Anglican Church member support has been vital – from teenagers helping clean pantries and fridges and assisting deliveries, to members donating food, funds, and time. Even the smallest contributions – like empty boxes and ice packs – keep the mission running.

What started out as missional outreach has not always developed ‘fruit’. “Relationships are built over many years”, comments Nola. She adds there has been many opportunities to have ‘faith’ conversations but often it’s the little things – like providing food and chairs for a local funeral – that count. Many messages of thanks are received. One woman greets volunteers warmly each fortnight: “Hello lovely neighbour. God bless you and your family.”

Looking Ahead

PlentyLife Church’s Parish Council oversees the good work. “The ministry is always evolving”, says Kylie Towt, the Missional and Discipleship pastor. Strategic plans are implemented responding to current needs. The church leaders are proud of members ‘owning’ the mission for the past decade – with generous gifts of food, funding and time.

Yet, practical needs remain – freezer space, translation support, and sustainable funding are ongoing challenges. The Melbourne Anglican Foundation and its supporters have an opportunity to come alongside a thriving, Christ-centred mission that is deeply embedded in the local community.

As the PlentyLife’s senior pastor Revd Kirk McKenzie puts it:

“It’s our Christian service – being like Jesus is the heart of our ministry.”