In 1987, following a 37-year career as a school teacher and administrator, Gene Beckstein sensed God's leading towards a new occupation: reaching out to those in need right where he lived. Along with his wife, Margie, they placed a sign in their front yard inviting all who were hungry into their home for lunch.

The word of their hospitality spread quickly and from this daily display of concern for those in need, "Good News At Noon" was born. The overflow crowd in their kitchen soon relocated to a seldom-used community center at Melrose Apartments, which are today the Midtown Villages at Melrose.

Churches, civic groups, families, businesses, and individuals from across Gainesville's diverse community began to align themselves with Mr. & Mrs. B (as they affectionately became known) in their attempt to meet the immediate needs of those around them.

Multiple side ministries soon began to sprout out of the original free lunch program: a homeless shelter was constructed, a food pantry ministry blossomed, summer school programs reached out to the children of the area, even a free medical/dental clinic began (Good News Clinic) and was later able to move out on their own.

God graciously prospered Good News At Noon. Today hundreds, without regard to social or ethnic background, are fed, clothed, housed, and ministered to each year.

19th century missionary Hudson Taylor once said, "God's work, done God's way, will never lack God's supply." The truth of that statement is on display daily at Good News At Noon.

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