The heart-breaking news that a cherished food ministry in San Luis, Arizona, is closing its doors after 25 years of dedicated service has sent shockwaves through the community. Gethsemane Baptist Church has made the agonising decision to cease the operations of their beloved Gethsemani Food Ministry, following pressure from city code enforcement that forbids them from continuing their invaluable work.
Pastor Jose Manuel Castro, the leader of the church, has expressed his deep regret at having to make this difficult choice. He cited a recent incident where one of their cargo trucks crashed into a neighbouring house’s fence as the trigger for the city’s rigorous enforcement of the municipal code. Despite promptly repairing the damaged fence, the city of San Luis has imposed a regulation that prohibits the parking of trucks with a capacity of more than one-and-a-half tons on any lot in a residential area, including the church’s property.
Pastor Castro explained the impossibility of unloading any cargo on their property now, fearing calls to the police from concerned neighbours and potential tickets for violating the city code. This fear has led to the heart-breaking decision to close the food ministry, leaving hundreds of families without access to essential food.
The closure of the Gethsemani Food Ministry is a devastating blow to the community, as it has been a lifeline for 200 to 250 families during each distribution. In addition, donations are regularly provided to other churches in nearby areas, like Yuma, San Luis Rio Colorado, and the Mexicali Valley. Pastor Castro emphasised the desperate need for food assistance in the area, expressing his worry for the many people who will be impacted by the closure of the ministry.
In spite of the church’s unwavering commitment to serving the community, Pastor Castro expressed disappointment in the lack of support from the city, especially considering the involvement of city leaders in the ministry’s efforts during the pandemic. He highlighted the numerous drive-thru events organised by the ministry, some of which took place in the city hall parking lot, with council members actively participating in distributing food to the people.
Despite the efforts to seek a response from the San Luis Mayor’s Office, they have declined to provide a statement on the matter. The city’s silence on the enduring closure of a beloved food ministry has only added to the frustration felt by Pastor Castro and the church community.
The discontinuation of the Gethsemani Food Ministry serves as a poignant reminder of the obstacles that small community organisations face in navigating local regulations while striving to provide essential services to those in need. The closure not only impacts the families who depended on the ministry for food assistance, but also underscores the broader issue of balancing municipal regulations with the humanitarian needs of the community.
