Women on Mission – February Update

Women on Mission heard about how First Fruits is serving the Union, Fannin, and Gilmer County communities in Georgia and in East Polk County, Tenn., when several “Red Shirts” spoke to WOM on Feb. 10.

“Most of what I do is pray,” said First Baptist member and First Fruit volunteer Richard Knee as he opened the program.  First Fruits was founded in 2019 through the Ridge Community Church in Blue Ridge and is currently headquartered in Morganton where the ministry’s kitchen, equipment, foodstuffs, and vehicles are stored.

First Fruits is a ministry that goes to people rather than asking people to come to them.  The volunteer “Red Shirts” knock on doors to meet people in need.  They start by offering a hot meal, a box of produce, and a prayer after talking with them and discerning their needs.  As they return again and again, their relationship deepens and they constantly strive to share the love of Jesus, which Richard noted is the main goal of their ministry.

“First Fruits exists to provide physical and spiritual nourishment to those in need through Christ-centered services” is the ministry’s mission statement. “We want them to see the love of Christ in the ministry,” Richard said. “Our prayer is that when they see the Red Shirts they see that cross (imprinted on the shirt) and the blood of Jesus.”

The ministry is presently serving three subdivisions in the Blairsville area, Richard said, noting that 15% of families in Union County live in poverty.

In 2024 First Fruits prepared and delivered 8,275 meals and 2,234 boxes of food weighing 20-25 pounds. They bake 72 loaves of bread each Thursday, from grinding the meal to baking and packaging. Overall, the ministry distributed 62,163 pounds of food – including 4,091 dozen eggs, 2,204 loaves of bread, 359 pounds of pet food, and 3,023 half-gallons of milk – in 15 communities in 2024, all funded through contributions.  In the spring and summer, the ministry also provides a selection of fresh produce for people to choose. The team reached out to and prayed for 3,069 people last year.

First Fruits’ 2ND Mile team follows up on needs identified by the Red Shirts, whether those needs are spiritual, physical, or emotional.  In 2024, the 2ND Mile team provided food to 98 walk-ins, made 402 care visits, completed 22 “Handy Helpers” projects, hosted four special events, made 788 contacts, and provided 2,311 frozen meals to the homebound and elderly. Additionally, the team started a women’s Bible study in September which meets monthly and provided Christmas gifts to 141 families in three counties in December.