HISTORY OF rESTORATION DEDICATION Life Center
How did it come about?
Antoshia was living in Polk City around 2011 / 2012, and at that time, a strong desire came on her to go into the kitchen and fix meals for those in need. She did exactly that and took her family to pass out the meals. Antoshia had no clue where to go to give the meals out, but she was determined. She only saw one person while traveling into Lake Alfred and stated, "We will have to go to Lakeland." They drove to Lakeland, and while driving, they still did not find any unsheltered to feed. Antoshia stopped at a nearby Taco Bell, where she saw a police officer. She asked the police officer, "where can I find unsheltered people?" The police officer said, "go down toward Massachusetts St. near Salvation Army." Antoshia said, "Okay, thank you so much!" She and the family headed toward Massachusetts St. she saw the unsheltered people sitting out under a tree, and she started getting so excited and joyful. She saw an opportunity to serve the people who would welcome a hot meal. She had her 2-year-old help pass out sodas, and her brother passed out the plates. They were able to give every dish away. That was the start of something great!
A friend gave her $50 to register the ministry's name that the Lord placed in her heart. She also designed the building layout in very great detail. Antoshia was passionate over the years but had times when she felt like it would not come to pass. Over the years, she would volunteer with others to feed those in needy. She also started asking those she went to church to donate to make hygiene bags and snack bags to give away. Antoshia had the opportunity to make hygiene bags for women at a conference in Bartow one year. They were very grateful to get items that allowed them to pamper themselves. The desire to help stayed stirring up within her being she loves to cook. She always said, "Lord, who can I now cook for since I always have too many leftovers?"
Melissa, Antoshia, and her daughter started doing popups where they would go drive downtown Winter Haven to a halfway house near the library. They were so excited to have such an opportunity to serve. In the process of their first four or so popups that they did monthly, she either burned herself, burned noodles, meat, or something would try to discourage her from continuing. Antoshia will never forget the day she badly burned her pinky finger and cried so badly. She said, "the Lord did not call me to do this; it must be something I just wanted to do." Her daughter said, "Mommy, the Lord did call you to do this; you just have to keep going and not stop." That day turned out good after she pushed through the pain and went and served others.
Many times she questioned because she wanted to be sure it was the Lord calling her to do so and not just a feeling. The Lord gave more confirmation on another occasion by having a stranger there to sow money into the ministry. That was another confirmation that you are to keep going, and this is toward the following popup. They have planned to do it every month as a popup, but sometimes things did not go how they hoped. They often went, and the unsheltered had moved because downtown Winter Haven was having a festival. They would drive around, stop and serve meals when they saw anyone who would accept a Hot Meal. She has always had the heart to give them a home-cooked meal that they may not get anymore because of their living situation. They have had the opportunity to distribute jackets, clothes, business attire, and shoes to them. Whether rain or shine, they would be serving those in need.
They have now had the opportunity to team up with a friend she met this year 2021 that would recommend parents with kids for a hot meal. She has been blessed to be able to make her "famous lasagna and brownies" and take them to where they are staying. Antoshia got so excited to be able to meet them, listen, and talk to them about the Lord. It broke her heart to know that these women and kids live day to day at motels with a chance of not having a place tomorrow. After meeting the few moms, her passion for going full-time into the ministry was bubbling over to get busy even more outside of just popups.
She did a couple of tours at other unsheltered places in the area that helps the needy. Antoshia is now completing the process to be fully functioning in the ministry, to help someone who needs assistance with a place to stay and all the other necessities in the Winter Haven area. They do not just want to be another food kitchen, even if that is where they will need to start, but that will not be where they stop.
In May 2021, she felt the urge to look for some books she took classes on for business packed away in the garage. While finding the books, she also found the original design of the building tucked in the bottom of the bin. She then started to cry out of gratitude and confirmation because she had no clue when she ever drew that design up. She has one layout that has been on her computer for years, but it is nowhere near the details on the original pink paper that she found.
Antoshia, Melissa, Keith, and Rani realize that every idea or plan, or resource comes from the Lord and not their own doing. She praises her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for God's wisdom, knowledge, and understanding through this whole process. Glory to God for ALL he does and how he has us plan for something in the future... A beautiful God of Providence we Serve!!
