April 12, 2024

Retiree supports homeless men and women through Bread and Water ministry

NATIONAL
Story and photo by Nick Morganelli

David Toledo (left) and his friend, Mike Simpson, pose for a photo before beginning their weekly ministry bringing food and hope to homeless people in the Great Springfield area.

AGAWAM – Signs of homelessness can be seen as one drives through the city streets of the Greater Springfield area, but a ministry started by a retired man brings light to those in despair.

David Toledo and his Bread and Water vehicle can be seen often as he feeds those in need. And it’s not just physical food, but spiritual food that he offers. In his time as a parishioner of All Souls Parish in Springfield for more than three decades, his role as a Eucharistic minister was instrumental in preparing his heart for what was to come.

“As a minister of the Communion, I loved it. To be able to go out to the brothers and sisters that can’t come to church anymore and bring Communion to them, spend time with them, listen to them, pray with them, it’s a blessing,” said Toledo.

What also prepared him was his own struggle with substance abuse. Toledo said the Lord renewed him from his troubled past.

“I struggled for twenty years. Finally, in 1982 I woke up one morning with no money and no drugs,” he recalled. “Then, I looked to the sky and prayed, saying, ‘Lord, please, don’t let me die here.’ Now, for the glory of God, I’ve been clean for forty-two years. Because of this I understand my brothers and my sisters in the street, so whatever they need, whether it’s food, water, blankets, pillows, sneakers, clothes, I help them.”

Toledo, along with his friend Mike Simpson, not only deliver meals, but learn their names and ask if they can pray with them.

“He’s been doing this anonymously forever. When we find those in need, we pray together we pray for each other, we pray for our families. It’s not structured, it’s talking to God. The more you do it, it comes from the Holy Spirit which dwells in our heart,” Simpson said. “He prays, ‘Give them the provisions to make them feel good. Faith, hope and love. And let them know that they’re loved. Jesus be their comforter and helper in their time of trouble. May they know your mercy, Amen.’”

Food comes from the Bethany Assembly of God Food Bank in Agawam, the Western Mass. Food Bank and some local businesses, as well as private donations. Helping with sandwiches is Debbie Whitehead, the parish secretary at St. John the Evangelist in Agawam. She and her son and friends make about 60 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Toledo each month.

Donations of personal care items, toiletries, feminine products, as well as bottled water and financial contributions, can be brought during normal business hours to St. John the Evangelist Church, 833 Main St. Agawam or Bethany Assembly of God Church 580 Main St., Agawam, or call Toledo directly at 413.364.7098.

A video version of this story will be featured on the April 13 edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 on WWLP-22NEWS.