 |
| Rhonda praying over ministry partners on food distribution day |
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” II Corinthians 5:7
After working as a banker with AmSouth for ten years, Rhonda Marshall took a step of faith and left her secure job for a new profession. Through much thought and prayer, Rhonda’s heart was led to begin her career working in ministry and with non-profit organizations. The change may have seemed unexpected, but it was Rhonda’s compassionate lifestyle leading up to it that anticipated the switch.
Before beginning this new career and life-shift, Rhonda had always been an advent volunteer in her community. Even as she worked for AmSouth, Rhonda would spend her extra hours volunteering and encouraging fellow staff members to join her. On Mondays she would tutor after work; Wednesdays she spent her lunch-hour serving meals at Pathways, and on Fridays you could find her leading a Bible study with local teens. Volunteering was not just an act of kindness for Rhonda, it was her lifestyle!
Rhonda has always found volunteering enjoyable. She explained that she finds giving back very rewarding because of the relationships and community you build through providing and serving those around you. She believes that as the hands and feet of Jesus we should serve those in need and glorify God by allowing people to see Christ in us... “It’s all about giving back. It may not be for everybody, but if you can serve your fellow brother or sister, even just one time, God is glorified.” With a career in non-profits since 1995, Rhonda has made many connections in the Birmingham community. She joined the CSM team in 2015 as the Food Ministry Coordinator, but her position soon adjusted to Resource Director to meet the needs and growth of CSM.
 |
| Rhonda Marshall, Food Ministry Director |
As the Resource Director, Rhonda has applied her background in business and ministry by utilizing her power to meet the needs of their partners. One way the food ministry is able to serve the community is by meeting physical needs. But, CSM is unique in the way it provides more than what is available. Rhonda strives to perform her job with a focus on the recipients of the donations: “If we can make someone’s life a little bit easier, we can do that by giving specific needed items and not just sending out a bunch of random stuff.”
With nutrition playing a large role in the health of our communities, CSM is shifting to become more and more health-conscious. By asking for specific donations, Rhonda is able to gear the items CSM receives to meet the needs of the recipients. With the prevalence of food deserts and high obesity rates in Birmingham, the health of the city could greatly improve through healthier food and preventative education. As a ministry, the team at CSM actively works to improve their own services by gearing their resources toward improving the well-being of vulnerable people living in the Birmingham community.
Rhonda recognizes the need for the CSM food ministry and the power good stewardship of it has to touch the lives of people around them: “As a ministry we need to provide as much as we can. Healthy eating means healthy families in the community.” If you would like more information about our food ministry, you can reach Rhonda Marshall at rhonda@csmission.org.
