Your hearts will be warmed to know that several of Southern New England’s pastors’ wives received the HOPE & COMPASSION EVANGELISM GRANT offered by the North American Division Ministerial Spouses Association. With the $1000 grant, Kimberley Miller, Natacha Francis, Lionnys St. Natus, and Patricia Sierra led by demonstrating good stewardship of the opportunity provided by this grant as they each organized a different outreach designed to meet the specific needs of their community.
Here’s news on the latest outreach funded by this grant, organized by Patricia Sierra:
The weather was cloudy and cool on Sabbath afternoon, May 18, 2024, in Providence, RI, but there was a small team of individual whose hearts were warm and ready to perform a community mission. Patricia Sierra, ministerial spouse at the Foxboro and Taunton SDA churches, coordinated a food, toiletries, and inspirational literature giveaway to some of the low income and homeless population in Rhode Island.
Members of the Attleboro, Grace and Glory, Central Falls Spanish, and Foxboro SDA churches came together to assemble bags with literature, food, and toiletries, and distribute them to residents of Crossroads Rhode Island, an agency that provides housing and services to the homeless in Rhode Island. The church members connected with many of the individuals who received a meal. They provided a listening ear, a hug, words of comfort, and even formed prayer circles around those who requested prayer.
After passing out all 75 prepared food bags, these church-members-turned-local missionaries divided into pairs and took to the nearby streets to knock on doors, talk with residents, and give out gift bags containing the book, Steps to Christ, a health pamphlet, and an inspirational book marker, in both Spanish and English. Most of those they met were receptive, and some even shared their phone numbers.
“After seeing the Holy Spirit use this small effort to serve a community in need, we were greatly warmed and affirmed and came away inspired to continue to serve locally as well as in the city of Providence,” Sierra said. “We want to encourage all churches to join us in heeding God’s Great Commission, to mingle, show sympathy, and meet the needs of those around us. After establishing relationships and winning the confidence of those who God places in our lives, let’s lovingly invite them to journey alongside us into God’s eternal kingdom.”
How we steward God’s gifts includes how we use our money and talents, but also how we use who we are, our influence, and the opportunities placed before us. We are “Together in Mission,” so let’s pray for each another that our hearts will see and respond to the physical and spiritual needs of those around us, using everything God has given us.
Audrey Folkenberg, Director
SNEC Stewardship | Planned Giving & Trust Services
Ministerial Spouses Association, Sponsor
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