VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Manna Ministry started with one prayer, one family and one donation. Several days later, the mission snowballed into a nonprofit.
Shortly after the start of the COVID-19 shutdown, Beth Voorhees and her husband John felt compelled to help. They connected with families through their church who were feeling the impact of the pandemic.
“There is a big need, and we could be God’s hands and feet throughout this process,” said Manna Ministry Founder John Voorhees.
Donations from the community came pouring in.
“The Lord is providing every need,” said Manna Ministry Founder Beth Voorhees.
There were so many donations, the Voorhees’ operation became known as Manna Ministry.
“Every time there was a need for one of the families, that stuff would show up; that’s how the name Manna Ministry came about,” John Voorhees said.
Manna Ministry has grown to about 20-30 volunteers. Candace Schmitt is the outreach coordinator for the nonprofit.
“I just feel the calling, and the doors have opened, so we try to be obedient to that calling,” Schmitt said.
The Voorhees’ garage has been turned into a makeshift warehouse stocked with wall-to-wall essentials, including hand sanitizer, toiletries, baby items and food.
“The food really is a gift from God,” John Voorhees said. “When you bring people this food, it’s like you’re bringing them gold bars.”
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The ministry has helped close to 90 families so far, donating more than $18,000 worth of items to those living paycheck to paycheck.
“We are just vessels in the process,” said Schmitt.
Manna Ministry’s main goal is to make sure no one feels alone in this fight. They work with families to help connect them with other resources to have long-term sustainability.
For more information on how to donate, head to Manna Ministry of Tidewater.
