Volunteers move ministry forward By WES HELBLING   Like a beacon of hope, Christian faith in action shines in start contrast to the hardships faced by many in an imperfect world. Since 1983, the Crisis Assistance Ministry has served as a beacon for the downtrodden residents of Morehouse Parish. And while the volunteers who distribute food and clothing certainly believe in the power of prayer, they also know the ministry cannot survive on prayers alone. Director Nellie Bacot said the ministry began 25 years as a relief effort for Collinston residents devastated by a tornado. When the first director retired for medical reasons in 1985, Bacot said she "volunteered to do whatever was necessary to keep it going." Since then, the ministry has grown into an ecumenical endeavor with donations and volunteers from churches of all denominations giving the necessities of life to the elderly, the disabled and the unemployed. "We want all churches to work together and help those in need," said Bacot. "But interest seems to have diminished." Today the ministry receives financial support and donations from 25 churches. Volunteers from 17 of these churches continue to sort and transport donated items twice a week in the modest headquarters on the corner of Hall Street and Jefferson Avenue. Bacot said as many churches have ended their support, finding enough volunteers to help has become more difficult. "Our senior citizens are struggling to buy food and clothing," said Bacot. "Of course they can go to the (Morehouse) Counsel on Aging, but many don't have transportation." First Presbyterian Church delivers goods from the ministry to the homebound during Christmas and Easter. The ministry does not deliver items except in emergency situations, partly because the workers are so few. Nor does the ministry provide financial aid anymore, except in rare circumstances. In the early days, according to Bacot, the ministry wrote checks to grocery stores and utility companies for those of limited means. Waning church support has ended that part of the ministry. Bacot said civic organizations have stepped up with support of late, and Crisis Assistance receives canned foodstuffs from the Boy Scouts' annual food drive. They also receive financial help and clothing donations from individuals. Donors receive tax benefits because of the ministry's nonprofit status. "About 200 people get clothes from us each month," said Bacot. "So many children get their clothes here, sometimes I think that's all the clothes they have." Each summer the ministry collects and distributes school uniforms for students from limited-income families. Bacot said they receive many donations of children's' clothing, but they need adult-sized garments as well. The ministry cannot afford to keep buying large garbage bags for people to transport their clothes, so they are encouraging recipients to bring their own bags. "But I hate to turn anyone away because they don't have a bag, so we don't," said Bacot. The ministry's greatest need at this time, according to Bacot, is financial assistance. "The economy is diminishing and has put many people out of work. That increases our work load," said Bacot. "It takes a lot of money to keep the ministry alive."