In 2008, “Don’t Go To Church, Be The Church” started as
an annual Mission Outreach Ministry with a focus on our senior citizens.
Today, “Being” the church has become a regular part of the New Life
Church of God In Christ (NLCOGIC), Missions Ministry. The focus has
expanded to include partnership with other NLCOGIC ministries and
spawned the development of The New Life Community of Faith Community
Garden.
The expanded vision has widened the impact of God’s people and allows
those, who may not know Christ, to see him first, in us. NLCOGIC members
and friends have loaded into cars/vans, carted equipment, and a joyous
spirit to fan across Northwest Ohio and our local community, to serve.
The Youth Department has enthusiastically
cleaned and repaired the home of a senior citizen. Sister Suzette C.
also known as C.C. The Clown, performed for critically ill children at
Toledo Children’s Hospital, with the help of several New Life members.
While the children were being entertained, dedicated workers captained
by London W. cleaned the Ronald McDonald House, where the families of
ill children reside during the course of medical treatment. This service
included a meal prepared by the willing hands of all involved.
In June 2010, Northwestern Ohio
communities that included Delta, Millbury, and Lake Township, were
devastated by a tornado that left families homeless and many more
struggling to repair their property and lives. On the June 27th
a hardy group of able and willing workers led by Team Captain
Arlene B. bound together and drove into Delta, Ohio to help clean
up. No glamour. No glitz. No titles. No positions. Just a
willingness to share and show the love that God so freely gives to
us.
In establishing this group, a new
opportunity for future partnerships with a local aid society was
made.
In
addition, Team Captain, Greta H. along with her team members served at
the Sparrow’s Nest, a local shelter for women and children. Service
included a home cooked meal, personal sharing, praise songs led by our
youth, and a testimony of God’s forgiveness and acceptance. Future plans
include preparing a meal requested by the residents; assisting in a
clothing boutique; and providing the shelter with personal care
products. Team Captain Greta already has plans to return in November!
Team Captain Crystal T. took on the task of starting The New Life
Community of Faith Community Garden, in partnership with the Toledo
Botanical Gardens outreach program, Toledo Grows.
Her vision was to sow, nurture, and glean fresh produce as an
additional nutritious option for NLGOCIC ministries, Feed My Sheep and
Storehouse. During the first DGTCBTC in 2009, a small group of adults
and children toiled under the bruising heat to prepare a plot of land
for the 2010 planting season. In
the spring of 2010, the group assembled again to plant a variety of
vegetables including: eggplant; okra; collard greens; a variety of
cabbage and lettuce; several varieties of tomato; chives; basil; onion;
and strawberries.
Under Crystal’s tutelage this once bland grassy plot has
become a Horn of Plenty. The first harvest of vegetables was
given to Feed My Sheep ministry, in June 2010. Brothers Dupree
and Chucky blended this cache into a tasty garden salad, which
served over twenty clients. In August, Feed My Sheep served a
delicious compilation of stewed eggplant that was composed of
tomatoes, eggplant, onion, and okra to over twenty people.
In August, a bounty of tomatoes and onions were provided for
other ministry efforts. Since then, Storehouse ministries have
given bags of fresh produce to clients, in addition to dry
goods.
Captain Crystal, who is an avid gardener, encouraged her team to go
“green”, which means to consider how our choices affect the earth.
Instead of commercial fertilizer products, the team spread rich compost
material to enrich the soil. The compost consisted of disposed food
products which were naturally broken down over time. When you look at
our garden you will see an additional benefit of compost. Rouge green
peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, and one blazing red Gerber Daisy plant
have emerged amidst our produce!
The Community Garden Team is to be commended for their
continued work. Their perseverance despite the lack of needed
equipment is a true testament of service to God’s people.
Please check our site in the future as we develop DGTCBTC into a
quarterly and eventual monthly outreach ministry.
