The above picture is our family photo. We may look different than other families, but that’s ok with us. We look out for each other, take care of one another, and take care of our house. The LOT Project is our home; it is home to a lot of people around Anderson. We invite guests into our home every Tuesday and Thursday, but they quickly become family. That’s the way we like it.

So what’s our story?

Many people ask me how The LOT Project got started. “A kid who needed a ride to church” is generally what I say. Two guys, Matt Beasley and Jason Ashley, started the LOT Project back in 2007. After driving a kid to Newspring every Sunday, that kid wanted to bring a friend and then those kids wanted to bring friends. Soon Matt needed a van, and then, shortly, he needed a bus. So began the bus ministry. Jason found himself in a similar situation and was introduced to Matt through a pastor at Newspring. The two found they had a similar heart for the homeless and broken in Anderson, and wanted to do something to help.

“The Feeding” was the original name for the Tuesday night meal we now refer to as HOPE (Helping Other People Eat). Volunteers would stand on the street in front of the 302 with signs saying free food and drinks to people passing by in the cars. They would hand out sonic burgers or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to those passing by in the cars.

Andy came into the picture after meeting Matt one summer at a ministry bussing kids across the country for missions work. Later in the year, Matt remembered Andy had a Masters in Business Administration, and realized he could use some help with the new ministry that was in its infancy, a ministry that would come to be known as The LOT Project.

Andy did all the ground work for the non-profit status and kept up with the numbers and the books. He took over and became president in 2011 when Matt was called to YWAM in Hawaii where he is now serving today. Charlie Sullivan, who had proved to be a dedicated volunteer, became Vice President until his recent calling into overseas missions. I was brought on in October 2011 to do the grant writing and Marketing.

The entire journey of The LOT Project this far has sort of been like watching a baby grow. At first you’re not really sure who this little person will be. But the excitement of finding out is thrilling. Will they be tall, will they be smart, will they be funny? Who will they look like? What part of God will they be? But babies are always growing and changing, and more is being added to their character every moment. But it’s a slow process that only God can do.

That’s how I feel about this place that I love so much. With every new volunteer there is a new perspective, a new heartbeat, a new part of God’s heartbeat coming together to serve, and the older we get the more we look like our Father in Heaven. It says in scripture, “And they added to their number daily.” We at The LOT Project add to our number daily those who feel the love of the Father, those who learn to serve others, and those who are part of our family.

The Bus ministry is now the Disciple Ship and still takes people to Newspring every Sunday Morning.

Here is one of the first pictures of The LOT Project back when it was "The Feeding" 

Mission Statement

The mission of The LOT Project is to be a platform for the body of Christ to love, pursue, and provide for the “least of these” both physically and spiritually

Vision Statement

We are The Least Of These Project. It is not only our vision, but it is our determination to see people who have been abused, neglected, angry, and oppressed be vindicated as we have been by the love of Jesus Christ. Food and Clothing is our vehicle whereby all who are searching may find life and freedom.