With so much emphasis on Evangelism, Discipleship, and Church Planting among the urban poor, it is easy to lose sight of the many ways that World Impact demonstrates compassion and justice in the communities we work in. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting our ministry in West Oakland where they represent what we are doing around the country. In this one location there were vegetables growing in the community garden. These vegetables are sometimes the difference of a family going hungry for a night or not. We know this because out of the same site we feed hundreds weekly with food drives. Our facilities are used by the local church plants for daycare for families who might not otherwise have anyone to watch their kids. Down the street resides one of our reentry homes for the formerly incarcerated; where we train up and transition men of God who desire to submit to the Lord’s calling on their life.
Our ministry in Oakland represents one of the many locales that World Impact has an opportunity to demonstrate compassion and justice. We set an example of how the church can engage impoverished communities throughout the United States. For instance, our ministry operates Christian schools where young men and women from kindergarten through eighth grade can get a quality education rooted in the foundations laid by Jesus Christ. World Impact continues to run Teen Centers dedicated to reaching teens that are bombarded with issues like physical and verbal abuse, family and community dysfunction, substance abuse, gang involvement and violence, and sexual morays. Finally, we engage people of all ages at our summer camps dedicated to those individuals that need an escape from the city and find rest in Christ.
In areas like Dallas, Topeka, and Richmond, we instituted Siafu Chapters – groups where adult men and women can join to enjoy fellowship with like-minded believers. In cities like Los Angeles, Wichita, and Newark, we run Thrift Stores that provide our communities with a way to purchase much needed items while keeping their respect often lost in a handout.
Our compassion and justice ministries help to undergird everything else we are doing in the community. These ministries are a pivotal part of transforming communities for Christ. We cannot keep these ministries going with the prayer and financial support of partners like you. As we head into the holiday season, will you prayerfully consider helping to support this key area? We appreciate your previous support and are so thankful for your willingness to invest in Kingdom growth. Your partnership is making a difference.
Click here to support our Compassion and Justice Ministries.