Love is more than just a word — it’s an action. When expressed as such, it can manifest through helping others. This form of love transcends from just mere words to embodying a commitment to the well-being of those around us. When we lend a hand, offer support, or simply show up for someone in need, we are actively choosing to invest in their happiness and comfort. Acts of service — whether small, like holding the door open, or large, like volunteering with local nonprofit organizations such as Lebanon’s Joseph’s Storehouse — speak volumes about one’s dedication and care for others. These actions foster a sense of community and belonging, reminding us that we are not alone. They create a ripple effect, inspiring others to also act with kindness and compassion. Love in action is about making a difference and showing that we genuinely care.
Growing into helping others
Lebanon resident Benny Nolen is an avid practitioner of putting love into action. Since childhood, he’s understood the infinite good that comes from helping those in need.
“I was raised to help others,” said Nolen. “But it really started in church — taking part in mission trips and being involved in special projects at church for people who needed something done.”
Throughout his 35 years in the health care field, Nolen saw the good that came from helping others. This act of doing for others continued in his personal life when Nolen married into what he calls a “family of giving.”
“I had the privilege of marrying Lisa Evans. Her parents are the founders of Joseph’s Storehouse,” he added.
According to their website, Joseph’s Storehouse is a faith-based food ministry that Bob and Peggy Evans began in 1999. They are also the founders of Love One Another Embassy, a faith-based ministry focused on international missions.
The storehouse’s beginnings saw the distribution of food to around 22 families. Today, it aids an average of 800 families per month. Joseph’s Storehouse distributes over $100,000 worth of food, toiletries, and household items each month. The food program targets the financially challenged, disabled people, older people, and single parents. Additionally, the organization also assists other nonprofit agencies in the Middle Tennessee area.
With the eventual passing of the torch to Benny and Lisa, Benny now serves as president and executive director of Love One Another Embassy and Joseph’s Storehouse. Lisa serves as administrative director, and together, they work to keep the organization running and benefiting those in need.
“We’re fortunate to be able to work together,” he said. “It’s been a lifelong dream of ours at some point in time to work together, and God just made a way later in life. It is a joint effort. I wouldn’t do this without her by my side,” he said.
As executive director, Benny is in charge of day-to-day operations, working with the organization’s staff and volunteers and doing different things in the community.
“I enjoy helping to meet the needs of those who are coming to us for food,” said Benny. “I also enjoy working with the volunteers who sacrificially give their time and efforts to be here. It’s a blessing to work with them and see the ministry move forward to help those who need it most.”
Each month, the organization provides local families with much-needed food. “We’re feeding 800 families a month and providing them with anywhere from 140 to 150 pounds worth of food and drink,” explained Benny.
“It takes a lot of people to make that happen. We have around 100 to 150 people who make this giveaway a possibility. To see different people come together as the body of Christ and work together with a common goal and a common purpose of helping their neighbors is a huge blessing.”
Love thy neighbor
Benny said that an additional blessing of the organization is the ability to put love into action in more ways than just donating food.
“Love is a verb. It’s an action,” said Benny. “God gave us the example of loving our neighbors in the verse, John 3:16. ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ That was an act of love. Jesus did the same thing in Mark 10:45, which says, ‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ We have an example that God and Jesus put before us, and we need to follow that example. Our neighbors can be anyone we come in contact with who has a need. Some people just need a few minutes of quiet time, someone to listen, or even to offer a word of encouragement.”
As the organization moves into its 26th year, Benny said he hopes to continue meeting the needs of those hurting the most.
“The legacy for us is that we leave here knowing that, as a community of believers, we can work together with a common purpose and goal,” he added. “And in doing so, with the support of individuals, companies, churches, civic organizations, and others who support us, we can continue to meet the needs of hurting people. It’s the hope that we can see that need diminish over time. While I’m unsure if we will ever get to that point, I know we can come together, even when so much divides us. We can be a testament to what it means to unite with a common goal and vision and get some things done while meeting people right where they are.” GN
