LOVE IN ACTION OUTREACH
"You Can't Love Without Action"
1 John 3: 16-18

Meet the Founder

Gail Womack-Murray is no stranger to poverty or financially difficult times.  Her family struggles were not hidden from her as she grew up in the 9^th Ward of New Orleans, LA.  Gail watched her mother as she stretched meals so that everyone could eat. She remembers days when her family ate grits for breakfast and dinner because there was no money left to purchase food.

Divorced with three young children, Gail found herself in a familiar place. Although, gainfully employed, after paying the mortgage, utilities and childcare expenses, she could not provide food for her children. Gail was among the “working poor” who did not qualify for food stamps. One day she shared her story with a stranger who told her about a food pantry at a nearby church.  That same day she received a box of groceries and a $10.00 voucher to buy meat at a local supermarket. “I don’t remember what was in the box, but I will never forget the kindness I received in my time of need,” Gail expressed.

Gail has committed her life to a ministry of loving and serving others.   “Ministry is born out of experience,” she explained, “and because of my life experiences, I can empathize with the families we serve.  Our goal is to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of our clients. We want them to keep their dignity, knowing that what they receive is a hand up and not a hand out.”

How it all started

In 1998, Gail was appointed as the Missions Ministry Leader of Lower Light Baptist Church. She began what would become her life’s purpose. Under her direction, food and clothing were distributed to families in eastern New Orleans and the surrounding communities.  Gail remained in this role for seven years until the birth of "Love in Action Outreach" in 2005.

"Love in Action Outreach" was established as a 501c3, non-profit organization in August 2005.

Gail united with members of other neighboring churches, who shared in her passion for helping others. In their joint efforts, "Love in Action Outreach" began ministering to the community through:

• Hosting monthly food distributions
• Providing hot meals for Vacation Bible School Programs to feed young children.
• Hosting “A Day at Six Flags New Orleans” for community children.
• Hosting school supply distributions

On August 27^th, "Love in Action Outreach" distributed school supplies to help those in need. On August 29^th , "Love in Action Outreach" was in need because of Hurricane Katrina.

Gail and her team all suffered lost during Hurricane Katrina.  Everyone was scattered in different places and unsure of the future of their homes. Gail and her family returned to New Orleans a year later but several members of her team remained abroad.  In spite of her personal struggles with trying to rebuild her home, Gail was drawn to the greater need of her community. She reached out to local leaders and supporters and for eighteen (18) months "Love in Action Outreach" distributed pantry items monthly from a tent on the corner of Chef Menteur Hwy and Reynes Street.  Approximately 20,000 pounds of food were distributed to nearly 450 households each month.  People endured extreme heat, wet, and cold weather to receive food for their family; many would arrive before the break of dawn. The lot began to hold water, making conditions even worse.  Gail knew that something had to be done, so she began to pray.

In August 2008, "Love in Action Outreach" moved to its current facility.  Unexpectedly, Gail and her husband, Solomon Murray, used their personal funds to cover the rent, utilities and other related expenses for two years. In June 2010, Gail struggled with the decision to retire, but because of her obedience, God sent two private funding sources to aid in the Outreach’s expenses. God is Faithful!!

Currently, with the help of committed volunteers, who give of themselves to help others, "Love in Action Outreach" distributes pantry items four days a week, serving approximately 1,200 families each month.