The barrel is never empty when people of deep faith take their work seriously. Scripture is so rich with instruction of what needs to be done to reduce suffering, relieve hunger and round up idle things for those who truly need them.
Recently brought to my attention was the abiding and steady work of Broadway Christian Church in Mesa. The Nov. 8 issue of “Church Executive” magazine carries a story by John Sloper, an ordained minister with Hospitality Solutions in Scottsdale. The one-time pastor and church camp director thoughtfully lays out three distinct dimensions of ministry at Broadway. Clearly things will work out where humble people go to work with a goal of helping and then have trust that they will be furnishe with the resources to give out.
Broadway Christian has three separate ministries in place that go to serving people. They are food boxes, the Family Aid Ministry and Community Compassion. The beauty of the balanced outreach is that it is practical because some people may have food, but there are specific things that threaten to doom daily life, like a car that has broken down, defective air conditioner or a lack of skills in negotiating social services.
In July, for example, Broadway provided food boxes to almost 400 families, or about 1,500 people. The demand has increased 250 percent in a year. Sloper provides examples of people who come. One is a man who lost his home and job. Then his wife left him in the stress of it all. He was beset with taking care of their two daughters. They spent the summer living in a camper. The food boxes let him hold his little family together.
“Yes, there are phonies, playing the system and asking for food, but help is offered regardless, ” the article notes. “Volunteers are ready to pray with those who come in, so more than just physical needs are being met.” The congregation is almost automatic in purchasing and bringing in what things are asked in church announcements. They have put togther hygiene packets — 300 so far. The food box minitry is entirely driven by volunteers.
The Family Ministry takes on the knotty issue of hearing daunting requests and finding a way. Requests must initially be made on a hotline, and then six volunteers call those people to diligently find out the problems and needs. Such screening sorts out scammers. With a can-do attitude and knowing where to go for help, Broadway’s volunteers are able to help with rent, gasoline, utilities help, transportation, etc. Such help went to 600 families the past year. Family Aid funds come from nongovernmental sources and a November offering is very important.
Finally the Community Compassion leg, started a year ago, is about getting practical help — fixing homes up, cleaning yards, making sure the AC is working, getting a house up to acceptable standards, etc. Again a hotline is used to screen calls and sort out wants. To date 180 people have been helped in the first year. The costs are covered by the church’s budget.
“Cooperation is the key,” Sloper writes. “The three branches of community ministry try to work together.” The three ministries keep their distinctions and avoid duplication or redundancy with limited resources. We salute Broadway Christian Church, 7525 E. Broadway Road, Mesa.
Perhaps, other faith communities can develop one, two or three similiar programs — start small but strive for quality and trust.
I applaud Broadway Christian Church for their work. There are many churches in the valley that are doing this kind of work — and have been for years. We need to express our gratitude to them. Thank you for highlighting this in your blog.
Karl, I agree.
At least they are putting their money where their mouth is. AND - most iportant, they are keeping their mission AT HOME.
More than we can say for a lot of the faith-based groups bleating for our money and time.