By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
LEESVILLE, La. (LBM) – Modie Phillips initially wanted only to console an emotional child whose mother had been deployed to Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, but God had other plans for her.
What began as a simple act of kindness in 1991 quickly evolved into a ministry that has reached thousands in Leesville and Vernon Parish.
Desiring to encourage children of servicemen and women, she organized a monthly food distribution drive for military families with the help of churches in the Vernon Baptist Association. It would eventually lead to the formation of Helping Hands Storefront Ministries in 1992.
On Friday, July 31, after 28 years of faithful service, Phillips retired as the ministry’s long-time director. She is grateful for the opportunities God gave her to serve.
“God just led the way all this time,” Phillips told the Baptist Message. “He has sent reminders for all these years that reminded me how much of a difference this ministry has made in this area. Even though we have all these ministries to help people, the main purpose has been to let them know God loves them and His Son is their hope for Heaven. God has blessed us much more than I ever could have dreamed.”
A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Phillips accepted Christ in 1957 while stationed with her husband, J.D., an airman, at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. During a worship service at a church on the outskirts of town, the Holy Spirit convicted Phillips to seek the Savior.
The couple were transferred to numerous bases in the ensuing years, until they relocated to Anacoco in 1971. Twenty-two years later, Phillips started Helping Hands Storefront, a compassion ministry of Vernon Baptist Association and the Louisiana Baptist Convention.
Modie Phillips plans to spend more time with family and serving her church now that she has retired from Helping Hands Storefront Ministries. Brian Blackwell photo
While Helping Hands began as a food ministry to 64 military families, it gradually added additional services, such as
–a clothes closet,
–chapel services,
–tutoring,
–English as a Second Language (ESL) classes,
–home supply center,
–school supply distribution to area students every August
— “Shop With A Cop” for children during Christmas.
While the ministry has expanded its services over the years, Helping Hands’ focus remains on feeding families (an average of 330 a month). However, the ministry has seen a significant increase (470) since mid-March at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 60 volunteers assist Phillips each month with the ministry. Those same volunteers also have provided her with encouragement when she lost her husband, J.D., in 2008 and her daughter, Janie, 10 years later.
“The fact they were both Christians brought me comfort,” Phillips said. “Those experiences have helped me minister to others here at Helping Hands who have lost loved ones and needed someone to offer an uplifting word.”
While Phillips, 83, has closed this most recent chapter in her life, her story is far from complete.
She plans to spend more time with her three daughters and one son, read and enjoy bird watching from her front porch. Phillips also plans to continue serving in various ministries at First Baptist Church in Anacoco.
“God is not through with me yet and He will give me something else to do in His work,” Phillips said. “I know God is going to keep me going and helping others just as I have done all these years at Helping Hands. I will be ready when He calls.”
