Neighborhood Action Program
Bringing Transformation and Hope
“The gifts he gave were … to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. …”
—Ephesians 4:11-12
God wants all people to have the opportunity to be the best they can be. In our imperfect world, however, some people face barriers that prevent them from recognizing and developing their gifts.
National Ministries’ Neighborhood Action Program, through its Christian Centers, provides practical assistance that helps people identify individual gifts and overcome barriers that prevent them from becoming all that God intended them to be. This assistance may be as simple as offering friendship or an encouraging hand. Or it may include meeting basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, health care, job training or counseling.
More than a dozen and a half of these Christian Centers, in locations from Oregon to Puerto Rico, develop ministries that fill specific needs in their respective communities. Just as Jesus ministered differently in response to need—sometimes teaching, sometimes healing, sometimes encouraging or exhorting—so Christian Centers vary the ways they touch people’s lives in Jesus’ name. As needs change, new programs are developed and lives are transformed.
In South Providence, R.I., a mother receives food for her children, along with counseling and prayer support, after her ex-husband ransacks her apartment. Teenagers in Denver, Colo., looking for positive ways to spend time, find fulfillment in matches with older adults who need companionship and help with snow removal and lawn care. And in Hamtramck, Mich., a 48-year-old man overcomes a cocaine habit and finds a job.
 Recently, the Peoria Friendship House in Peoria, Ill., received local media attention for its jewelry cooperative that’s producing “Matthew 25 bracelets.” The project, a Latina women’s cooperative, is helping women practice their English and math skills as well as earn extra money to help their families.
These Christian Center ministries represent the heart of American Baptist home mission, as on-site mission staff work in partnership with local congregations and region ministries. Each partner plays an important role, raising support and awareness or ministering directly among people in Jesus’ name.
Become a Neighborhood Action Program partner!
Experience the joy that comes from sharing the love and power of Christ:
PRAY in your home and church for the ministries of hope at National Ministries’ Christian Centers. Pray also for the centers’ staff, along with the people they serve.
VOLUNTEER for individuals and group work opportunities at Christian Centers through National Ministries’ Volunteers In Mission; call 800.ABC.3USA, ext 2449.
CONTRIBUTE by supporting Christian Centers through your United Mission and America for Christ gifts. To learn how to include the Neighborhood Action Program in your will or another form of planned giving, call 800.ABC.3USA, ext. 2035.
GIVE needed supplies through White Cross, the American Baptist mission support program for churches, youth groups, women’s and men’s ministries, and Sunday school classes. For more information, call 800.ABC.3USA, ext. 2464.
|
