BETHESDA CHARITY FACES CLOSURE WITHOUT HELP

For 11 years, the Bethesda Fellowship has helped people in need with free food and clothing. Now, the charity has fallen on hard times.

The Rev. William H. Marshall, who operates Bethesda Fellowship at 14 N. Sprigg, said the storefront will have to close in November unless a new source of funding becomes available.

Each month, between 160 and 170 families receive food from Bethesda's pantry. Another 50 families or so get used clothing each month.

In 1991, the organization faced a similar crisis. After reading a story in the newspaper, an anonymous donor began supporting the Bethesda Fellowship with monthly contributions.

"I call her a miracle," Marshall said. "I've never met her. She said she had a background of poverty and worked herself up, but now she has to quit."

The storefront is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays. This Tuesday will likely be the last Tuesday when food will be distributed.

Marshall said he plans to stay open a few more weeks to give away the remaining clothing items.

Marshall preaches at the Chaffee Assembly of God. He and his wife, Loretta, both of Benton, started the Bethesda Fellowship as a way to reach out to people.

"We were raised in poor circumstances ourselves," he said. "That's why we decided to have compassion for people in bad financial circumstances. It's a work of faith."

It takes between $700 and $800 a month to run the operation, Marshall said.

"We don't charge. We have never charged a penny for any thing we've given," he said. "That's what we set out to do and that's what we've done all those 11 years."

Marshall said he is proud of the work the outreach has done and the people they have helped.

"If another donor would step forward, we would be able to stay open," Marshall said. "You never know: Maybe someone will be interested."

Those interested in making a donation may contact Marshall at his home at 545-3104.