Every Thursday evening, staff and volunteers at Hope Center Indy witness a remarkable scene as two long lines of cars form around their campus. Comprised of individuals needing weekly groceries or delivering food to friends and neighbors, these lines represent both need and opportunity.
To operate efficiently each week, the David Nolen Pantry of Hope relies on a team of 45 volunteers, including organizers, food runners, and loaders. Among these committed individuals is a special group serving as prayer coordinators who approach each car, ready to welcome them with a friendly smile and a question: "How can we pray for you?"
When offered prayer, most people accept and often share a prayer request for themselves or a loved one. For those hesitant to disclose specific prayer needs, the prayer coordinators are more than willing to offer a general prayer for them.
Robin Macwan, a volunteer since 2019 and staff member as of 2023, has witnessed God answer many prayers for those coming to the food pantry. "It is beyond my imagination how God answers on the spot," he reflects, recalling instances of medical diagnoses, job opportunities, and recovery from addiction. "I always emphasize that God is taking care of everything."
Beyond his duties on Thursday, Robin dedicates each Friday to praying individually for each visitor. “I pray for each and every individual by name,” says Robin. “And sometimes, if I don’t know their name, I still pray.”
Just as important as providing food is letting people know someone cares—that God loves them and that there are people who want to pray with and for them. "The people coming here not only need the food, but they are also telling us how we can help them and pray for them," says Robin.
In 2024, Robin received news of 24 answered prayer requests, perfectly reflecting the year. But, indeed, God is always doing more.
"I am certain that God has been at work in many more of the lives we see here every week," Robin concludes. "The power of prayer and the sense of community we can provide here is just as nourishing as the food we share."
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