Arkansas churches unite after plant fire puts 800 out of work

Published: 2008-04-29

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (CNS) -- After a fire destroyed the Cargill Meat Solutions plant in Booneville, putting 800 people out of work, the community has pulled together to brave the economic disaster. The recovery is being fueled by the Ministerial Fellowship, a group of 10 Christian churches, including Our Lady of the Assumption, from Booneville and the community of Magazine seven miles away. Five days after the March 23 fire, the group opened the South Logan County Family Resource Center to help families hit with sudden unemployment. The Rev. Darrell Frost, pastor of the Booneville First Assembly of God Church, is treasurer and past president of the fellowship, which he said has been in existence for 35 years. The resource center has a food pantry and offices for Cargill and the United Way. Volunteers are also offering counseling, both emotional and financial; job placement services; resume assistance; help with utility shut-off notices; and medical referrals, he said. Glenmary Father Don Tranel, pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption, is a member of the fellowship. He said the resource center is a "one-stop shop" for those in need. All those who lost jobs are being directed to the center.

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