By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

M.O.G.

Men of God, a street ministry, is a vision for a mission of Xavier King, Sr. of Orange.

King, 31, said the inspiration for the ministry came from God.

“God started working on me back in 2014,” King said. “The ministry is about making a difference.”

The men in the group are not of one specific church or station in life.

“We come a multiple of churches and religions,” King said. “We have some colorful backgrounds.”

King added he was not always so charming.

The group formed in 2015 as a testimony to help encourage others to serve the community.

“People can be flamboyant in tearing the community apart,” King said.

King repeatedly says the food drives, serving meals and school drives are God’s work.

“It is never about us,” King said. “We could not do this without the support from the women in the community. They will donate or buy supplies for the events. Once, I changed my life around, God said ‘You can now work for me.’”

As a testament to God, the back of the group’s shirt reads: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness – 1 Timothy 6:11

King has often worked 11 hours, then cooked and prepared food until 5 a.m., sleep for three hours, work the event, then return to work for a full shift.

“I am just as faithful to God as I was to my past life,” King said. “I love to cook and feeding people.”

Growing up, King does not recall seeing anyone making sure others were fed or had the needed school supplies.

From smoking turkey legs, holding food or school supply drives, M.O.G., the organization strives to give back to the community with a hand up to those in need.

Saturday, the group will be at 6^th Community Church starting at 10 a.m. providing lunch for those who may otherwise go without.