Dr. Stephen J. Clay, senior pastor of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, announced recently an outreach initiative designed to serve people in the community who have been affected by the economic crisis that has impacted the city and country.
The “Messiah Cares Community Night” initiative’s primary intent was to demonstrate the love of Jesus and the call of the church to the community by providing for the spiritual and material needs of attendees.
Pastor Clay shared that, “In light of the tough economic times that were evident as I looked across the landscape of our country and our city, I knew this was an opportunity to offer the kind of hope only the church can provide.”
The church embraced the vision and began bringing in gas cards in increments from $10-$25 as well as food and household supplies to prepare to serve people in our community. The church reached out to other organizations and the law firm of Nathaniel Lee (represented by attorney LaKeisha Ingram) supported this outreach initiative by providing pro-bono legal counseling for families facing home foreclosure.
Employers willing to offer employment to ex-offenders made applications available. Rodney Bynum provided applications for Popeye’s Chicken. Fed Ex, UPS, Adams Mark Hotel, Pearson Education, Hoosier Gasket and Church’s Chicken also partnered with the church.
When the church doors opened at 6 p.m., the members of Messiah were greeted with a line of people in need. Attendees participated initially in a spirit-filled worship celebration designed to lift their hearts as Pastor Clay preached a powerful word offering to them the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Following the worship, families were provided needed help and services. Over 150 families participated in and were served by the Messiah Cares outreach initiative. Church members donated gas cards providing nearly 450 gallons of gas and over $3,150 dollars in donated food and household supplies.
Messiah Missionary Baptist Church is located at 5640 E. 38th St.
Call (317) 568-1534 ext. 226 if you would like more information. All visitors are welcome.
