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Hope by soup, smile, and clothes
Through this ministry, a small group of men take a message of hope, along with warm clothes, soup and a smile to the streets of Baltimore in the cold of winter...
One evening Steve Pettie of Westminster, Md. was watching a TV broadcast about the blistery cold weather in the Baltimore area and the suffering of the people who are homeless, living on the streets. The news startled him and caused him to act quickly. He gathered blankets and coats from friends, and set out that night for the streets of Baltimore.
Thirteen years later, Steve’s initial act has blossomed into Grace Fellowship Chapel’s annual Northwest Provision Drive. Through this ministry, a small group of men take a message of hope, along with warm clothes, soup and a smile to the streets of Baltimore in the cold of winter.
To prepare for Northwest Provision Drive, volunteers collect items all year long. Church members find creative ways to inspire people to donate to the cause. The blankets, coats, hats and other items are stored in the basement of Grace Fellowship Chapel.
Church members show up early Friday to cook soup, make sandwiches and goody bags and sort clothes. Steve and John, along with a group of eight other men, load up a U-Haul and head into the city. They seek out those who are homeless and do not access other resources, and offer them food, clothing, good conversation and a chance to stand near their portable heater.
The men will often serve until 4 a.m. The whole time they are out, their brothers and sisters in Christ are in prayer for their ministry, the people they encounter and the lives that need healing. The church puts together a prayer schedule, challenging members to pray during a specified time slot for the Lord’s guidance and for lives to be changed for God’s purpose.
This growing ministry has not only impacted the homeless population of Baltimore, but it has also has challenged the hearts of the Grace Fellowship congregation. Steve and John have heard the testimonies of their growing group of men who returned changed from the experience, and committed to doing more. The ministry has challenged the church on issues of homelessness and poverty as well as Christ’s command to love the poor through action.
Church Information:
Grace Fellowship Chapel
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