The Bible contains several dozen scriptures that command followers of Christ to be benevolent and helpful toward their fellow man. Whether it’s through the giving of one’s time, talent or treasure, charity is a cornerstone of the Christian faith.
At Kingsley Terrace Church of Christ, located in the Blackburn Terrace area, 10 women joined together just over a year ago to begin a women’s care and homeless ministry. Today, the group has grown to 25 members.
One of the charter members, Bobbie Howard, said the work of helping others is very near and dear to her heart.
More than 15 years ago, Howard, who is the owner of Precise Printing, learned that her son, who was fighting a battle with alcoholism, was living on the streets of Indianapolis. Seeing the way he and some of his friends lived made her aware to the great need present in our city.
“I got involved with the intent of trying to make a difference,” she said. And make a difference she did. Howard took one of her properties and turned it into a rooming house. Sometime later, her son began an effort of his own called Feed the Need. Together, he and Howard would visit homeless camps and deliver meals, clothing and supplies.
“It’s an ongoing thing, but we have to give back. That’s what the Lord expects,” said Howard, who noted that this work can be very eye opening. “I have met so many people, doctors and professional people out there. We are all an eye blink away from things happening to us. You just never know. So many people look down, but we can’t do that. You don’t know how or why people got to this point in their life. I really have a passion for it. Often in my office people come in. Everyone needs someone that they can go to and talk to. There is so much going on. I was in an abusive relationship at one time, so I can relate to things. When you go through something, you can relate to other people’s situations.”
When Howard was approached by her church to start an initiative there, she said it was a no-brainer.
“When the church asked me to head up this ministry, (I said) of course. That’s what I do. Now, four times a year, we bring in people from agencies like Wheeler and Salvation Army.” Attendees are treated to a hot meal and invited to stop at various stations set up around the church where they can get apparel, hygiene products and other things they may need. A church service is also held, and since the ministry’s inception nearly a dozen people have been baptized.
Hope Gamble, who is also a part of the ministry at Terrace and has been a congregant nearly all her life, said service is also a very vital part of her life. “Along with my parents, my church family has always had a servant attitude, and those principles were instilled during my upbringing and directly reflect who I am today,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed serving and helping others, because if I or my family were in need, I would hope that there are others with the same caring and giving spirit to lend us a helping hand.”
Gamble, Howard and the other members of the organization will host A Cause for Elegance, a fashion show and fundraiser, on May 6 at the church, which is located at 2301 E. 30th St. All of the proceeds will benefit the homeless ministry’s year-round efforts, which include a clothes pantry and additional outreach efforts for the elderly, the sick and shut-ins.
Tickets are $10 a piece, and light refreshments will follow the presentation.
“That’s what it’s about, reaching out, planting seeds of hope and talking to them about the Lord,” said Howard. “The bottom line is to help them. If we can reach a few we’ve done well.”
