The Shepherd's Storehouse 1189 So, Hwy 377 Pilot Point, Texas 76258 940-686-3014

The Shepherd’s Storehouse was organized in 1989. It was formed out a need in the community to take care of indigent people who came through our town. The pattern for most people who passed through our town was to stop at every church and ask for help. They would not go to just one church, but every church. The Shepherd’s Storehouse became a clearing house for indigents.

For a long time this writer felt this to be wrong. They may have needed help, and that was our business to help them, but for them to go to every church in the community and leave with untold monies, clothes, gasoline and who knows what else, was wrong. Luther Slay, the founder and director, called a meeting of all interested people one Sunday afternoon. Twenty four people showed up for that first meeting. It seemed that every one had the same feelings but no one knew what to do about it. Out of this meeting came an organization named, The Shepherd’s Storehouse. Luther Slay was named director, and continues to serve in that capacity. Bro. Bob Smith, who was at that time pastor of Midway Baptist Church, suggested the name, The Shepherd’s Storehouse. Behind the name was the idea of this being the storehouse of things needed by the indigents and it was to honor the Lord Jesus, The Great Shepherd. We wanted to do what we could to help Him tend the flock, not that he needs any help, but since He has chosen to work through human instrumentality, we all wanted to be a part of that work.

Immediately He began to open doors for us. Billy Ray Pedigo gave us a trailer in which to house the organization. Walter Ray gave us the property where we are now located to set the trailer. People began to volunteer to help and money began to come in that we needed desperately to operate. It soon became a multi-community project. All the surrounding communities were having the same problems we were having and everyone saw that this could be the answer to a major problem that we all faced.

At first we centered our ministry on just those who were passing through but it did not take long to see that the need was far greater and we began to widen our offer of help to locals who faced a crisis situation. From that very shaky beginning we have evolved to what we have today.

In 1991 we were granted our 501c3 tax-exempt status. This made it possible to begin to do business with The North Texas Food Bank located in Dallas, TX. This organization makes it possible for us to get food by just paying a maintenance fee of 14 cents per pound. Before this we had to rely on churches for food drives and this soon got old to everyone. As it is now, we can turn every dollar given into $11.00 by getting our food through the food bank. Of course we have to go and pick it up when we need it but that is much easier.

Today we minister to an average of 150 families per month. Consistently, 10 churches and several individuals support us. We never have had to make a fund drive. The funds have just always come through the churches, individuals and a few civic organizations. We have never accepted government funds and do not intend to accept them in the future. The organization being supported by the people for the people is the way we started and will remain that way as long as I am director. We are a true faith based organization.

In 1995 we were able to sell part of our property on the north side and get enough money to begin building the nice metal building we have now. With the sale of the property on our north side and the financial help of few individuals plus volunteer labor, we are able enjoy our present facility, debt free. In 2009 we added an additional 20 X 60 ft on the rear of out present building. The building we added is gives us almost double the space we originally had, thanks to Walter & Jane Ray who put up the majority of the cost.

We operate the Storehouse on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 12. We operate with over 50 volunteers. We have no paid staff. As long as God continues to direct and as long as He provides the finances, we will continue to minister. We now are able to offer more than food and clothes. We are able to assist with utilities, medicine, over-night lodging and most any need that comes up.

Because of the generosity of Fortress Computer Services, owned and operated by David and Gail Finster, we have our own computer setup. David wrote for us a program through which we are able to keep track of our clients, the times we help them, their families and their eligibility for the services. We are deeply indebted to them as they continue to keep our system updated and working properly

The Storehouse also sponsors the Angel Tree for the kids at Christmas. Every year we have over 250 kids that we help have a brighter Christmas. This is a community effort and the entire community joins in to make his happen. All of us who volunteer at the Storehouse join together and say ...

“TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE.”