One year and countless meals later, the River of Life Ministries By His Hand soup kitchen is going strong, and now has a permanent location at 65 Redbrook Road.

The relocation is one more step forward for Pastor Cordeiro and his wife, Lisa.

The church previously rented space at the Old Methodist Meeting House, where the amount of hours it could serve its congregation were limited.

Pastor Bob Cordeiro says the main mission of the non-denominational church is to help people, and for the past year they've made good on that promise with the soup kitchen every Friday at 6 p.m.

"We average about 20 people," per week says Lisa, who is also Bob's partner at the church. "It's free, and open to everyone."

Bob's attitude is the opposite of "holier than thou" and he makes a point to share his story and struggles with his congregation, and create a non-judgmental atmosphere.

Bob has battled substance abuse, and from 1970 to 1997 he lived a very different kind of life.

"I was a drug dealer on the streets of New Bedford for 27 years," he said.

"We're human. We're real. We have struggles in life like everyone," he explained. "I want to see people set free. There are a lot of people out there struggling and hurting."

These days, the Cordeiros, married in 2005, focus on bringing food, guidance and hope to anyone in need. They encourage everybody - non-Christians included - to drop in and unload any problems they may have to a sympathetic ear.

According to the Cordeiros, most of the people who come in are from low-income families, or are elderly.

Unfortunately, the number of senior citizens who are able to take advantage of the program has dwindled. As the sun has been setting earlier, some have trepidation driving.

Lisa says she's hoping the local homeless population will find its way to the church.

"I honestly wish more [homeless people] would partake," she says. "I know there's a population that lives behind Walmart...that's not too far, they can walk."

With a permanent location locked down, the Cordeiros hope to expand upon the programs currently offered, and establish a youth group among other things.

The church also reaches a helping hand out to people struggling with addiction with a Thursday night Recovery Group at 7 p.m.

The Cordeiros' soup kitchen gets a helping hand from local businesses. They say that assistance from businesses including Walmart and Shaws has helped the soup kitchen thrive.

"We've had the soup kitchen open for a year, and it hasn't cost us a penny," thanks to generous donations Bob says.

For more information contact Bob Cordeiro at 508-965-9862, or visit www.riveroflifeministries.org.

Open prayer is Wednesday at 7 p.m., and Sunday service is at 10:15 a.m.