Food and Gift Foundation - India Ministry
Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.
Pastor Samuel Karunakar along with his wife Lilly transform the lives of orphans, oppressed and destitute people living in urban and rural poverty zones in Hyderabad and Odisha. Pastor Samuel has a strong influence of Jesus Christ since childhood to serve and reach the unreached and invite them into God’s love. In January 26, 1994 Pastor Samuel was water baptized after accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Since 2009 Pastor Samuel and his wife Lilly have been directly involved in the ministry to feed the poor and help those passing through Hyderabad. It was in December 2017 they together responded to the calling of the ministry. Inspired by the Holy Spirit , Pastor Samuel fasted for 51 days and God revealed Matthew 25:35-40 and gave them this name for the ministry "FOOD" (Feeding Orphan's Oppressed and Destitute). Responding to God's call Pastor Samuel and his wife started serving food to patients and their attenders near hospitals every Saturday. The ministry expanded to daily food lines, where both physical and spiritual food are given. Many are prayed for and almost everyone hears the gospel. Today FOOD serves physical and spiritual food to more than 21,000 people every month. God spoke to Pastor Samuel on expanding the Spiritual food to individuals and families who are going through tough times by inviting them to "GIFT" (Grace In Faith Temple) confirmed through the scriptures recorded in Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” This led Pastor Samuel and Lilly to complete their Master’s Degree in Theology.
During the pandemic, the needs have greatly increased and so has their outreach. They established a shelter to provide temporary housing to the sick until they can return home or get medical help.
You can follow FOOD's ministry on Facebook , under 'Samuel Karan'.