If you visit the Healing Waters Mission & Wellness Center in Hardeeville, the first thing you’ll notice is the old bus that marks the property from the highway. The second is the warm welcome you’ll receive from Dr. Brenda Singleton and her husband, Jeff.
As you tour the center, you’ll be amazed by everything this resourceful couple has done on a parcel of land provided by Brenda’s grandfather, William Green. In addition to the family home, there is a church building, food storage and distribution facilities, a walk-in cooler, parking, and room for the vehicle they use for food distribution.
The Singletons came to the Lowcountry from New Jersey more than 30 years ago. There was no Wesleyan (a Methodist Christian denomination) church in the area, “so I decided to build one in my backyard,” said Brenda, who is Pastor and Founder.
An important part of their ministry is the Marquise (Bubba) Singleton Compassionate Food Ministry, named for their late nephew, who was a faithful volunteer. They distribute food every other Saturday in Ridgeland, St. Helena, Burton and Seabrook. The Singletons and their volunteers prepare for the distribution by assembling about 200 bags and boxes of food. The amount given to each recipient depends on the size of their family. Most of the food is provided by Second Helpings (nearly 35,000 pounds in 2021). They also receive and purchase food from the Lowcountry Food Bank, and a generous donor purchases “stacks and stacks” of fresh bread.
The ministry continues to expand, driven by an ever-increasing need for food. “We are getting new people all the time,” Brenda remarked. She is also planning to do some Spanish-language outreach to ensure that everyone knows that food is available. To keep up with the demand, the ministry is in need of equipment, supplies and donations; anyone interested in learning more can call (843) 816-1334.
“Second Helpings has been one of the biggest blessings we’ve ever had,” said Jeff Singleton, Mission Leader. “They come at the right time, just when we need it. The volunteers are truly amazing – all these guys are so full of fun and joy.”
