Extending Hands Across the Atlantic in Antigua
In the midst of a world grappling with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, a beacon of hope shines from Houston, Texas, extending its reach across the Atlantic to touch the lives of many in Antigua and Dominica. This beacon is none other than Let’s Go Higher Ministries.
Harvesting Hope
Growing up in a large family, Pastor Liddie learned early the value of sharing and caring for others—a lesson that would define her life’s work. This deep-seated compassion gave rise to Liddie’s Pantry, an initiative that has become a cornerstone of Let’s Go Higher Ministries’ outreach efforts.
The call to action reached a pivotal moment during the summer of 2020 when a heartfelt plea from Antigua echoed the prayers of a community in need. A simple phone call, inspired by faith and guided by divine intervention, set into motion a remarkable chain of events. Pastor Liddie, moved by the stories of hurting families and the unwavering faith of a distant prayer group, answered the call with a resounding “Yes.” This response marked the beginning of an extraordinary mission to provide for those across the waters.
With over 30 barrels of food dispatched to the twin-island state, Let’s Go Higher Ministries became a lifeline for 21 families, offering sustenance and hope amidst uncertainty.
This story of international compassion and community support is a testament to the power of faith and the global reach of kindness. It illustrates how the simple act of giving can bring together hearts and hands in a shared mission of love and service.
As Let’s Go Higher Ministries continues its work, the impact of Liddie’s Pantry on the lives of those in Antigua and Dominica remains a powerful reminder of what is possible when we listen to the call to serve. Let’s Go Higher Ministries stands as a shining example of how humanity’s light can shine brightly, offering hope and healing to a world in need.
Featured in The Daily Observer, Let’s Go Higher Ministries’ impactful outreach in Antigua.
‘Let’s Go Higher Ministries’ touching lives from across the Atlantic
By Shermain Bique-Charles
for The Daily Observer
January 21, 2021
Antigua and Barbuda’s pleas for food assistance during the coronavirus pandemic have triggered help from the ‘Let’s Go Higher Ministries’ based in Houston, Texas.
Pastor Liddie Owen, who started the movement almost 14 years ago, told Observer that she always had a keen interest in taking care of the less privileged.
“I grew up in a large family of 11 siblings, and many times I saw my mother find ways to stretch the food so that we could all eat. This upbringing taught me to be aware of the needs of others.
“The experience and compassion that was birthed as a child, little did I know would be the genesis of my helping hand ministry, Liddie’s Pantry,” she explained.
Owen’s faith then led her on a journey to Tortola, BVI, where she met a sister named Bridget Huggins, who later connected her to Antigua and Barbuda.
“As time went on, I was introduced to several pastors and ministers who expressed the needs of many hurting families; hearing those needs, moved me to take action to do what I was born to do.
“I now use my influence and platform to encourage others to donate.
God is good,” she said.
But the Covid-19 pandemic really changed things around for Liddie’s Pantry after she received a call from someone in Antigua about the cries of the less fortunate.
“One normal day in the summer of 2020, I received a call from a sister in Antigua. I hadn’t spoken to her for quite some time. She told me that her prayer group had been praying and asking God to make a way for some food to be sent to their group, to help the families in need,” she revealed.
She said that while praying, the Lord spoke to her and told her “call Pastor Liddie,” and she told the Lord, “Pastor Liddie lives in Texas”.
“Nevertheless, she obeyed and called. It was like an Elizabeth testimony; (Luke 1:41) the baby leaped in my belly, and I knew it was a call to say ‘Yes’; there was a demand for Liddie’s Pantry to send barrels to Antigua and Dominica,” Owen disclosed.
Let’s Go Higher Ministries has so far dished out over 30 barrels of food to the twin-island state where over 21 families are being fed on a bi-weekly basis continuously.
The government has been assisting in the process, allowing duty-free concessions on these barrels.
The food is sent to the local representative here, who informed Observer that these families have been receiving food packages since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The packages are prepared in such a way that they can feed a family for two weeks. We don’t want to publicise the matter too much as we want to remain committed to these families. We may increase that number as time goes by,” the agent disclosed.
“In an effort to ensure that there isn’t a shortage, we cannot go beyond the 21 families. We know there are many people in need, but for now, this is the wisest way to deal with the matter,” she added.
