Kentucky Pastor Launches New Ministry to Feed Children

A pastor from a megachurch in Kentucky has initiated a new ministry aimed at providing deer jerky to hungry children throughout the state.

“We’re kicking off our mission tomorrow morning because there’s an urgent need to feed children in Kentucky,” Pastor John Weese stated during his final Sunday sermon at Southland Church of Christ in Lexington, where he has dedicated 26 years of service.

He shared a concerning statistic: “Twenty-one percent of the children in our state go to bed hungry each night. This should really trouble all of us here as residents of the Commonwealth.”

The new initiative, known as Boone Brothers, will “transform Kentucky’s abundant natural resources into nourishment for the next generation.”

“When you choose to donate, hunt, or volunteer with us, you’re helping to ensure that hungry kids don’t grow into angry adults. Our partnership with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife allows us to process and package venison into nutritious, protein-rich jerky (Boom Bites) that doesn’t require refrigeration,” the department’s website explains, listing Trey Benson and Weese as part of the team.

Weese, who started at Southland Christian Church in 2000 as a teaching pastor and became senior pastor three years later, announced last January that he would retire and be succeeded by his friend, Rev. Scott Nickell.

He admitted that he was unsure about his future after retirement until June of last year. “Four years ago, I felt God was telling me my time at Southland was nearing its end. However, what I didn’t know was what my next task would be until June of this year,” Weese reflected.

During his time at Southland, nearly 15,000 individuals were baptized, and about 3,000 new members joined the multi-campus church just last year.

Weese expressed gratitude to his congregation for their love and financial support, which totaled over $430 million during his leadership. “I have never claimed to be wise. I’m just an honest person, and it’s your love that has enabled me to share my mistakes. You loved me even with my flaws, which has changed me for the better,” he told his followers.

“The church has doubled in size and our budget has quadrupled. Central Kentucky has been changed thanks to how you express God’s love. I want you to know, on this last Sunday, that your love has truly made me a better person,” he added.

Weese urged his congregation to support Nickell effectively. “Like me, Scott sees it as a privilege to lead this church against challenges. He has his own scars to show for it. So, as his brother, I encourage you to uplift him. Pray for him. Don’t do what many do to their pastors; support him genuinely.”

“Scott is a man’s man,” he remarked. “He’s proven that here. He makes the right choices, even when they’re tough or unpopular. God has transformed his challenges into strengths, and his faith has been tested, so it can be trusted.”