Angel Food Ministries has seldom had a better month and likely never a worse one. Working with its 5,000 partner churches, including nearly 90 in Louisiana, the Georgia-based nonprofit reported for February its fifth-best distribution ever -- 530,000 boxes of its heavily discounted groceries.
But the 15-year-old ministry's latest success came as its founders, the Rev. Joseph and Linda Wingo, faced the bedeviling challenges of a federal investigation, a lawsuit from board members and accusations of excessive salaries and inappropriate spending, according to a variety of news organizations.
So far order-taking and distributions are proceeding as usual with partnering churches waiting to see what happens before reconsidering their involvement.
"We will continue to use them unless there is something of which we are not aware," said the Rev. Charles Watts, associate pastor of The Rock Church in Zachary.
The Rock Church, 20810 Plank Road, has been involved with Angel Food Ministries for two years and, in addition to distributing to its own customers, serves as the distribution site to three other churches: Heartsease Family Life Center and First Alpine Baptist Church, both in Baton Rouge, and New Life Worship Center in New Roads.Watts, who estimates that those four churches combine to distribute about 275 boxes a month, said he has seen no changes in the Angel Food operation. "And there are other Angel Food churches around here -- I work with all of those guys -- so I'm sure their experiences are like mine."
The Rev. Bob Zannini said the Life Church of Lafayette congregation has kept in constant communication with Angel Food Ministries and expects operations to continue as usual.
Life Church, the first to bring Angel Food to Louisiana three years ago, distributes about 400 to 500 boxes a month and has seen a recent increase in orders, he added.
For its partner churches, the Angel Food Ministries' appeal comes from the opportunity to help cash-strapped families feed themselves more economically.
Using its nonprofit status, the advantages of buying in bulk and the expanding network of churches and their volunteers, the ministry makes available about $65 to $70 of meat, produce and other food items for only $30.
With six children, Dale and Hope Goodrich understand the importance of making the most of their grocery dollars.
The Angel Food Ministries distribution program at Heartsease Family Life Center in Baton Rouge offers the couple a terrific deal and an opportunity to share time in the ministry.
"It gives me and my wife something to do together besides our six children," said Dale, who heads the Angel Food program at Heartsease with his wife. "All our kids help out and the church helps. It's great fellowship. It's really nice to be able to help people."
At Gonzales Baptist Temple, Janet Hodges and the Rev. Charles Ross, assistant pastor, serve as co-coordinators of an Angel Food operation that typically mobilizes 35 to 45 volunteers in the distribution of 80 to 150 boxes monthly.
"The love of the people for the rest of the people is what really pulls this together," Hodges said. "We all have a deep-rooted need to help other people, and this definitely is an absolutely perfect way to do so."
Based on her two years of experience with the ministry, Hodges finds it difficult to imagine anything could be seriously amiss at its Monroe, Ga., headquarters.
"I know this system and to know how it works is to know that there is not much money profitwise," she said. "I have total faith in God that he would clear Joe Wingo. ... A man that loves people as much as he does, I had no way of even believing he was guilty of what they were accusing him of."
Such news organizations as the Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Associated Press and Religion News Service reported that in 2006 the Wingos and their two sons drew combined salaries of more than $2.1 million, up from $323,000 in 2005. The combined salaries dropped to $501,472 in 2007, tax records show.
In a letter to pastors, Joe Wingo explained the 2006 salaries as a one-time way for the ministry to reimburse family members for the personal investments they made during its early years, the news agencies reported.
On the Web site, Wingo acknowledges an ongoing grand jury investigation but says the Feb. 11 search of the headquarters by FBI and IRS agents was aimed at "an individual or individuals connected to the organization, and not regarding the ministry itself."
So far March is turning out to be a better month on the legal front for Angel Food's founders.
Last week, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported the Wingos settled a lawsuit that had been filed in February by board members Craig Atnip, of Texas, and David "Tony" Prather, of Georgia.
The suit had sought to change the leadership and ban the Wingo family from Angel Food property.
But under the deal reached March 6, Atnip and Prather will resign from the board, while Angel Food will cancel the Wingo's company credit cards and undergo a forensic audit, the newspaper reported.
Also, Wingo will sign over to the ministry a company he owns that was renting a corporate jet to Angel Food for $10,000 a month.
Atnip and Prather retain the option of pursuing new legal action after the audit.
On the ministry Web site, Wingo says, "Angel Food Ministries, welcoming its 15th year of serving food to those in need, reaches 39 states to hundreds of thousands of families with nearly 6 million boxes distributed in 2008, and $5.1 million donated to the communities we serve. It is our mission to do that, and we will continue to do so."
On the Internet: http://www.angelfoodministries.com/
Faith Matters columnist Terry Robinson contributed to this story.
Source: The Advocate
Comments |  RSS |
|
I’d be inclined to play ball with you one this subject. Which is not something I usually do! I really like reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
This is a way to take a break from lessening the impact of.
Great! Thanks for post
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like 'Mixview' that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you're listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of "neighbors" will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune "Social" is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
I would like to thanks a ton for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I am hoping the same greatest work from you in the future as well. I loved your style I will join for your feed please keep posting! My kindest regards, Mellisa.
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
Been visiting this blog for a while now, though I should comment and let you know to keep up the great work!
Hey, just looking around some blogs, seems a pretty nice platform you are using. I’m currently using WordPress for a few of my sites but looking to change one of them over to a platform the same as yours as a trial run. Anything in particular you would recommend about it?
Hey, this post showed up 100 times in my Twitter RSS reader. Do you think it's on my end or is it happening to anyone else?
There are some interesting points in that clause but I don't know if I see all of them centre to centre . There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good clause, thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner also.
Thanks a lot wonderful. I be able to get stuff like this article customer, and this sort of.
This is some really helpful information, than you for supplying this to us. :)
put together wonderful. often that you find stuff like this came across your post homework, and trying to find such.
Once more post. come across that kind of information explained so well friend, and precisely what I needed.
The moment I saw this blog was like wow. Thanks for putting your effort in publishing this article.
faves, much too long since the last time I was here one or two things I wanted. Well okay. I need it something I am working on, fortunately for me it is on a similar theme as the one here. I am relieved that I found it, great share.
thanks good post
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like 'Mixview' that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you're listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of "neighbors" will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune "Social" is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
I just added this web page to my favorites. I like reading your posts. Tyvm!
Keep working, nice post! Just the stuff I had to have.
I just added this website to my favorites. I really enjoy reading your posts. Thanks!
excellent, much to offer, exact same subject actually after looking at this
Interspersed with these pictures will be a series of captions that hold personal meaning for you. As a result it is highly likely that you will gain back every bit of weight that you lost while you were fasting.
Helpful article, this is. It is actually good to come across a post that is helpful.
You might be a redneck if: You play Frisbee with your CD Rom's.
Hello mans did you'r have new links ? I approve clerical developing so my dad ... ..
You should add an extra dose of to all of your activities where that may have a negative result.
Hi!. Thanks for the post. I’ve been digging around for info, but I think I’m getting confused!. MSN lead me here – good for you I guess! Keep up the good job. I will be coming back over here in a few days to see if there is any additional information.
perhaps you have heard of the fresh Kinect? Its seriously awesome! I never had a whole lot fun playing game titles before, eventhough I would likely call myself the hardcore player of which usually plays game titles like Call of Duty etc. The Kinect is merely so different than whatever else I have previously played before. the particular motion controles do the job really well, and plus, but not required to use a controller that can be played is the personification involving freedom! No annoying button smashing ever again, a single word will do! You should really think about getting any Kinect!.
I will try to get around this issue.
http://digitalhandshakes.com/node/487
for everyone pretty fantastic enthusiasm . had to all
thought is for everybody that has been posted to see . posted some really good info loved reading
good quality post thanks
Great! Thanks for post
This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn't know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you'll definitely discover it.
Wow! I can’t consider I've discovered your blog. Very helpful information.
Q:What do you get when you cross a snake and a kangaroo? A:('A jump rope')
very good \o/
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
Ohh very much thanks admin
I will be adding your website to the list of resources on my site as I believe that my followers would love to read your article!!!
Wow I'm frustrated. I'm not saying you are responsible, personally I think that its those that aren't motivated to change.
Enjoyed your site
a lot of thanksfor taking this thing to discuss this.
I dugg some of you post as I thought they were invaluable handy
I did a quick query with Google regarding this subject and it appears that you really know your stuff!! Nicely done ;-)
Good morning, this is some fantastic information: which for me I intend to use your info and advice.. Your info web site is of wonderful quality. I wish I could produce content like this for my info site. How do you find your concepts..?
Grande alberino! Ringraziamenti per richiedere tempo scrivere qualcosa che sia realmente degno lettura. Trovo troppo spesso l'Info inutile e non qualcosa che sia realmente relativo. Ringraziamenti per i vostri duri lavori.
Hey, I’ve been comeing here to your site on and off for months now and I always find a gem in your articles. Thanks for sharing. Thank You For This Post, added it to my favorites. Thanks once more for sharing this online. I unquestionably liked every bit of it.
thanks good post
The blog is absolutely amazing! Lots of great information and motivation, both of which we all need!
woh I like your posts , saved to favorites ! .
It's very hard to find a good blog. And I think I am have best of luck to came here.
This was my saving grace that time.
very good \o/
Simply thought I'd comment and say neat theme, did you create it your self? Really looks awesome!
Cheers for this posting, guys, retain up the fantastic operate…
You completed a number of nice points there. I did a search on the subject and found mainly persons will have the same opinion with your blog.
I've been wanting to contact you, you are totally on. I came 2 your site from another site and am totally fascinated by this niche and learning about this. Do you mind if I reference to this blog from my ?
good quality post thanks
thanks good post
You completed some good points there. I did a search on the theme and found the majority of people will agree with your blog.
Thank you for the great tip, it's all so pretty. I thought I would leave my first comment
Well written post.
Well I truly enjoyed studying it. This article provided by you is very helpful for good planning.
Refreshing and I would like to thank you for the effort you have made in publishing this information. very enlightening. I wish there were more blogs like it. Nevertheless, I thought it was around time I posted.Im not that much of a reader to be frank however your web sites pretty excellent, keep it up as I will bookmark ready for my next read.
Well I truly liked reading it. This post offered by you is very practical for good planning.
Hello, I was sitting here at my law firm and came across your site when searching on Google. Just wanted to say great job, and as a business lawyer I hope my blog can be as educational as yours.
Bertrand Russell~ Too little liberty brings stagnation and too much brings chaos.
Ohh very much thanks admin
good quality post thanks
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
Ohh very much thanks admin
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
Nice to be visiting, several weeks one or two things I wanted. Well another article that will work out just fine. I need something like this for a project, lucky mine is on the same theme as this post. I am relieved that I found it, happy trails.
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
Ohh very much thanks admin
It is a unlike any other.
Great! Thanks for post
I have been checking out many of your stories and i can claim pretty clever stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your blog.
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I have you bookmarked to view new stuff you post.
great thanks \o/
good quality post thanks
Good post :)
yesss very thanks man i love this site
thank for post
yesss very thanks man i love this site
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
thanks good post
Bom dia galera, verdadeiramente enviar um SMS de graça está cada vez mais difícil devido falta de opções das operadoras de celular. Há ainda os serviços que prometem entregar meu torpedo mas quase nunca chegam ao usuário final. Alguns como o Mundo oi e o Oi Torpedo funcionam mas e para as outras operadoras? E os que dizem que enviam e nada chega. Para onde está indo as meus SMS? E para a Tim, Vivo? Alguma Idéia? Ou significa ter de comprar?. É só um desabafo, realmente está difícil achar dicas para mandar torpedos barato.
thank for post
I\'m happy I found this blog, I couldnt discover any info on this subject matter prior to. I also run a site and if you want to ever serious in a little bit of guest writing for me if possible feel free to let me know, i\'m always look for people to check out my site. Please stop by and leave a comment sometime!
I like your blog very much. Please keep updating your blog. Even it is Christmas season now, I will still follow your website . I learned quite a bit from here. Happy holiday and 2011 new year!
Its sweet how much more attention I receive from the opposite gender when I smoke cigars!
Great article! What theme are you using? Looks very nice.
Hey there, I just hopped over to your web site via StumbleUpon. Not somthing I might normally browse, but I enjoyed your thoughts none the less. Thank you for creating some thing worth reading through.
I really like this blog very much. Please keep updating your blog. Even it is Christmas season now, I will still follow your website . I learned lots from here. Happy holiday and 2011 new year!
About LPN Licensed Practical Nurses are commonly known as LVNs Licensed Vocational Nurses in Texas & California, as RPNs Registered Practical Nurses in Ontario, Canada. They are also known as ENs Enrolled Nurses in countries like New Zealand & Australia along with SENs State Enrolled Nurses in the United Kingdom.
By virtue of what do children come by champion keys?
This is something you might have to examine as well.
very interesting details you have observed , appreciate it for posting .
Dilettantes told me this in the matter of early last week.
Hrmm that was weird, my comment got eaten. Anyway I wanted to say that it's nice to know that someone else also mentioned this as I had trouble finding the same info elsewhere. This was the first place that told me the answer. Thanks.
Just wanna tell that this is extremely helpful, Thanks for taking your time to write this.
Precautions like that may seem minor but readers notice what you do.