By Loretta Fulton

In June 1994 two men were moved to minister to the homeless on the streets of Abilene.

From that vision, Love and Care Ministries arose as the signature nonprofit in Abilene serving the poor and homeless. The vision took on a form in early January 1995 when Mark Hewitt and Jim Sayre took 20 large cups of soup to the streets in search of hungry people. They ended up serving five meals that day from the back of a pickup truck.

In January 2025, Love and Care Ministries observed its 30th year in Abilene. In those 30 years, its services have expanded and its primary fundraiser Mission: Thanksgiving is well known throughout the area. In the past 30 years, Love and Care Ministries has spread to Clyde, Merkel, and Anson, serving the needs of the poor and homeless in those communities. 

“We are continuing the Lord’s vision for us,” Mark said, “helping and loving as many people unconditionally as we can.”

Mark Hewitt

Mark was employed full time when he and Sayre felt the pull to serve food on the streets. Eventually, Mark quit his job and founded what is today known as Love and Care Ministries. It became a nonprofit in September 1996. Mark is executive director and his son, Zack, is associate director. No one was more surprised than Mark when he felt called to quit his job for full-time service.

“I was only following what I felt the Lord asking me to do,” he said. “But by Him having me leave my job, I knew it was for life.”

In April 1997, with the help of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, The Mission church was started to serve the people that were being assisted by Love and Care Ministries. In 2005,  Mission Abilene, 3001 N. 3rd St., became a separate entity. 

The first Mission: Thanksgiving was held in November 1999. Today, it is an all-day event held the Friday before Thanksgiving. People drive through the parking lot at Arrow Ford, dropping off winter clothing and bedding, bottled water, food items, and cash. Similar events are held in Merkel, Anson, and Clyde. 

Mission: Thanksgiving is Love and Care Ministries signature annual event, but others are held as well. A fall revival, including local ministers and worship leaders, is held at the Abilene Convention Center. Free haircuts and pedicures are provided. Weekly day and night strikes provide love, prayer, food, clothing, and relationship-building. Staff and volunteers take to the streets for these events, reconnecting with Love and Care Ministries’ origins. 

Bins of nutritious snacks to be packed in bags for CarePack For Kids, a project of Love and Care Ministries.

A food pantry and clothing pantry provide basic needs for Abilene’s poorest. A dining hall serves occasional meals. CarePack For Kids is a ministry that provides food for selected children over the weekends and school holidays. Volunteer groups meet in Love and Care Ministries’ warehouse to pack bags of nutritious snacks. The schools choose the recipients. 

The last 30 years have been quite a ride, and quite a leap of faith, for Mark and his associates. It takes a strong sense of calling to quit a full-time job and set out on an unknown path. Mark was willing to take that leap and, 30 years later, he is still in awe.

“It has been amazing,” he said, “but I believe He still has more for us.”

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene