I just wanted to take a minute to let everyone know about a few changes that we are making at Main Street Baptist Mission. It's nothing too major or life altering, but I wanted to keep everyone as informed as possible. The biggest change is that we will now be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10-12 for a light meal, the clothes closet, and the pantry. On Tuesdays we will be closed. On Thursdays, we will be open for what we are calling a "Community Resource Day" from 9-11. On this day, individuals will be available to assist those in need with various community resources. For example, those looking for jobs can come by to get assistance with filling out applications or with creating resumes. Individuals looking for housing can come by and get help calling landlords. We will also be helping individuals get ID's which is an essential step to getting other resources. Prayer and spiritual guidance for individuals will also be available on Thursdays. Church services and times will remain the same.
In making these changes, it is our hope that we will be able to catch some people who have fallen through the cracks. By slowing down on Thursdays and taking time to minister one-on-one with people, we hope to be able to help people at their deepest point of need. We also hope that these changes will help us to make an eternal impact in reaching people for Christ. I for one am excited to see where God will take Main Street Baptist Mission this year.
Below are some of the goals for the new year as well as ways you can get involved. Please pray about how God may have you or your church serve CENLA.
Our Goals
Our 2017 Mercy Ministry goals are as follows:
To connect people with Jesus: Our number one priority is to let people know about how they can have a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
To connect people with the local church: We also want to connect people to a local church so they can grow in their relationship with Jesus. We want to connect them with our Main Street Baptist Church, with a serving church, or with another church in the area where they feel comfortable.
To fulfill Matthew 25: In Matthew 25, Jesus exhorts us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, invite in the stranger, look after the sick, and visit the prisoner. He says, “Whatever you have done to the least of these, you have done to me.”
To help people get up and walk (Acts 3:1-10): We want to do more than merely feed people and send them on their way. We want to help them walk. We want to invest in people. We want to help them become the people God wants them to be.
Get involved with the Mercy Ministry
Whether individually or as a church, we want to partner with you! Please pray about how you can get more involved with one of the following ministries.
Internship program: Each year, the Mission selects 2 interns to work at the Mission for 1 year. These interns work part-time at the Mission where they learn job skills for the work force and gain experience to put on their resume. They also receive counseling and job training skills once a month. Please consider giving financially to this program. It is our best program to help get people off the street and back to work.
Community Resource Day: Every Thursday from 10 to 12, individuals from local churches spend time counseling and praying 1 on 1 with those in need of help. We help individuals make phone calls, find resources, and gain a little hope on this day. This is a great way to make a huge impact in someone’s life.
Meal: A meal is served every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10am. A devotion is also given at this time. Come help prepare, serve, give a devotion or clean up.
Clothes Closet: Our clothes closet is open on M-W-F from 10 to 12. Donations are welcome, as well as help sorting the clothes.
Emergency Food and Hygiene: Individuals can receive emergency food and hygiene once a month. All food and hygiene donations are greatly appreciated.
Food Bank: The second Thursday and following Friday of each month we need assistance packing and distributing food boxes from the Food Bank of Central Louisiana.
Giving: Monetary donations can be given to Main Street Baptist Mission, 901 Main St., Pineville, LA 71360
