Rivers of Hope Ministries’ food distribution usually runs like clockwork. But on Monday, the rush wasn’t just to serve families, it was also to clear out of the Grace Fellowship Baptist Church.

“We’re emptying everything out because of the fire,” Stacie Rivers, the ministry’s co-CEO, said.

A fire started Sunday morning at the church off Eckhert Road near Marshall High School, where Rivers of Hope operates its food pantry. On Monday, the ministry gave out the remaining food they had in storage. Now, as contractors work on the church, they’re looking to temporarily relocate.

“Hopefully we will come back stronger and bigger than ever,” Stacie said.

In the last few months, Stacie said Rivers of Hope has gone from serving 50 families a month with its H.O.P.E. Food Pantry to 250 families a m

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