A local pastor dedicated to street ministry and feeding those in need found a way to keep his mission going amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

Easter Sunday, Rochester Salvation Army Pastor Jon Soza took to the streets. He organized his team of helpers to serve meals from a mobile kitchen and minister to the homeless. Stops around the city included Tint City and Liberty Pole Way.

“We’re just finding ways to still be out and make a difference,” said Soza, “otherwise we are staying inside. But, we need to be out here feeding people. There’s a lot of hungry people; hurting people; a lot of people full of fears.”

Soza traditionally holds Sunday church services, but with the current ban of social gatherings, he had to find an alternative method.

“The homeless really don’t have too many places to go,” said Soza, “as society is shutdown. So, I am just trying to put a little band-aid on a huge problem.”

The Easter celebration included serving up ‘grab and go’ hotdogs, live music and words of love and encouragement; all while practicing social distancing.

“We are out here to reassure them [the pandemic] will pass,” said Soza.