For many in Volusia County, Thursdays are days of joyful anticipation. That’s when they know “Mr. Lou” or “Mr. Hallelujah” will appear at the door with fresh fruits and vegetables! This deliverer is Louis Carter, an enthusiastic friend of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church’s Faith at Work (FAW) Center, who extends the ministry’s helping arms beyond the house on Wisconsin Avenue in DeLand to those who cannot come there.

Carter readily quotes Acts 20:35b: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Ten years ago, when he and his wife, Jacquelyn, found themselves in a season when money for groceries was scarce, he contacted Dennis Weir, director of FAW. Through that connection, the Carters were sustained with meals and more. “Mr. Dennis even helped with our light bill and called the power company on my behalf, asking them not to turn off our electricity,” Carter said. As Weir stood in the gap for him, he purposed to do the same for others.

Dennis Weir, Director of FAW, and Louis Carter

Moved by gratitude, Carter decided to find those in difficult circumstances and get them the help he experienced. He discovered there were many who, for reasons such as lack of transportation, disability and embarrassment, had not sought aid through FAW. Also, those who lived in makeshift houses in the woods had no address to register there. By calculating the number of people from Carter’s research who needed food and the amount of perishable food Weir had left each week, the two men put a plan into action.

It wasn’t long before everyone on Carter’s list began looking forward to Thursdays. And these were not just one-time visits; he kept showing up with not only produce but also a special treat that made the kids happy: doughnuts. If no one answered the door for his delivery, Carter left the food in a safe place, along with a personal note.

Carter is a natural in the way he connects with people because he’s doing what God has called him to do. Brought up in a Christian family that valued education, he learned the “importance of knowing who you are and whose you are,” he said, adding, “that knowledge leads to a purposeful life.”

Carter’s father, George R. Williams, the first Black master’s-level graduate of Stetson University, taught his children that education is “the ticket to a better life.” Today, Carter passes on this wisdom as a mentor to grade-school students in the Catalyst program, encouraging struggling children to reach their potential. Similarly, as an anesthesia nurse’s assistant, he made certain the surgical machinery was in perfect working order and the people facing their operations were prepared and at ease. As a staff member of Unity Funeral Home, he removes the deceased from the home, which allows him the opportunity to minister to the bereaved. Carter pours out compassionate listening skills and God’s love on every person he meets.

In 2007, diabetes cost Carter his left leg. Despite this trauma, he testifies that God gave him courage. Now, he talks to men from all over the state who have prosthetics and gives them insight on overcoming and finding new purpose. Hearing this positive reinforcement from an amputee who single-handedly and meticulously cuts, trims and edges his and other people’s lawns makes a significant impact on men’s attitudes.

But Carter doesn’t want recognition. “I’m just doing what God wants me to,” he said. His 37 surgeries in four years indicate that life has been tough, and he appreciates when people see the Spirit of God in him. His networking for FAW has helped sustain many. “When people’s welcome is welcomed out, Faith at Work provides it for them,” he said.

Carter extends that welcome feeling by standing in the gap and greeting people in their homes with groceries and a good word. This partnership of Faith at Work and love in action puts food on the table – and hope in their hearts.