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Pastor
Dan Trevino got us off to a good start
with a hearty breakfast; assisted by
his son Eli and Leroy and Vivian Reed.
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Baptist
Temple is preparing to take ministry to the next level. We offer many
opportunities for people to improve their spiritual, emotional,
financial and physical health. This is the abundant
life that Jesus came to bring us. Along with our traditional
church ministries we offer nutrition and fitness classes, quality
education for babies through 8th
grade, food and clothing ministries and so much more. We are assisted
in these endeavors by a family of churches, non-profits and
government agencies.
God has
opened some doors that will allow us to help people on a deeper
level. We will be able to address the underlying issues that cause
people to be in poverty. Most importantly, we will work with people
on a personal level. This will naturally create opportunities to
share the gospel.
When I
first came to BT I saw the potential of the Brunnemann Building as a
center for community ministry but the task seemed daunting. Instead,
we began a modest clothing ministry and mobile food pantry at the
Fritz building. The success of the ministry became a catalyst for the
restoration and naming of the Brunnemann Building.
The full
potential of the Brunnemann Building will soon be realized as we
create a permanent food pantry in the back half of the building. Also
included will be a space for talking one-on-one with clients in a
private setting.
The
heart of our system will be a mentoring-based, client choice food
pantry. Client choice means that people will select the items that
they want from our store. It will be a shopping experience that
preserves the dignity of our clients and reduces both waste and
abuse.
The
mentoring portion is the key factor of the program. It allows us to
partner with our clients in developing a proactive plan to become
self-sufficient. Mentoring is mandatory for continued access to our
food pantry. Clients earn points for every thing they do to improve
their lives. This includes attending classes, worship and
volunteering.
Another
important piece of this program is the Christian
Women's Job Corps. This program equips women for life and
employment. We will be able to leverage our daycare, kitchen and
office to provide on the job training that will give our clients the
skills they need to get a job. This program will launch in January
2015.
Our
bottom line will be people completely transformed by the power of the
gospel. Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and
to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and
that they may have it
more abundantly.” (John
10:10)
A
Christian's health, finances and relationships ought to reflect the
power of the Holy Spirit. The church needs to teach people how to
make that happen.
Join us
in this task. You can volunteer short-term or long-term. You can
contribute finances or material goods. Be a part of transforming
lives.
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