This Augusta Gold Medalist never dreamed he would be able to help so many people in Georgia Carolina.

As you'll find out in this special report, Mike Firmin's journey took an unexpected and positive turn.

Mike Firmin was used to mission work. He had started up three
non-profit groups in Louisiana.

Yet, after pouring his heart and soul into those projects, he moved to Augusta and thought, he needed a break.

Firmin, the Executive Director of Golden Harvest Food Bank, remembers, "And, so the last thing I wanted to do was to get back into non-profit work. But, God had a different plan."

It would not be rest and relaxation. Instead, Firmin would lead the way at Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Golden Harvest Food Bank started back in 1982. During the past 26 years, its mission story is amazing. They've helped millions of families and distributed 140 million pounds of food.

Golden Harvest has partnered with churches and other agencies in 30 counties across Georgia and South Carolina. They can order online, pick up much needed food and supplies, and then feed the hungry,
at a very low cost.

Kelly Hamilton, the Minister of Missions at First Baptist Church of Augusta, adds, "Just this morning, I was there and shopped and filled up a grocery cart of groceries and stuff that we'll use for our ministry here, and only spent 28 dollars. If I'd gone to a local store, it would have been a lot more."

Firmin says he's able to take one dollar and stretch it into seven dollars worth of food, thanks to the companies, which donate by the truckload, and generous Samaritans, who send money.

Greg Deloach, the Senior Pastor of First Baptist, says, "Sometimes, we wonder, if I make this donation, this contribution, will it be used?
Mike is one of the people I hold in high esteem. Every dollar, every effort, every prayer, every cent is used for good purposes of which it's been solicited."

A new study revealed, one in five people in Georgia Carolina are in need. The results don't surprise Firmin, who knows, despite more than a quarter century of giving, he can't slow down, OR stop the Golden Harvest.

Firmin smiles as he says, "My mission is my job, is my life, is my joy."

Recently, Firmin received a call from a man he had helped 15 years ago. At the time, the man was addicted to drugs, but was given food and encouragement at the Golden Harvest soup kitchen.

Today, that man is a successful businessman in New York. He drove nearly 800 miles to Augusta so he could celebrate his 43rd birthday with Firmin and his family!

Besides distributing ten million pounds of food through its three warehouses, Golden Harvest Food Bank also feeds more than 300 people each day at The Master's Table soup kitchen in downtown Augusta.

If you'd like to donate, volunteer or learn about its other missions, there's a link to the Golden Harvest website at the bottom of this story.