I want to introduce you to a great ministry with a great need. “To the least of these” has been somewhat of a vision statement for us for the last few years. As I preached though James and then Matthew, God began opening my eyes to how self-centered I am. One of the things we have realized is that we can reach out to ‘least of these’ in Ethiopia, in the Foster Care system, in the nursing home and on the streets in our cities.
John Ferguson is the director of Jefferson Street Baptist Center in downtown Louisville. Bellepoint Baptist is going to have the privilege of hearing from John this week but I wanted to introduce the ministry and need here also. Below is a post from John’s blog entitles ‘An Urgent Appeal.’ You can learn more about Jeff Street at, www.jeffersonstreet.org
Dear Friend of the Homeless and Hurting,
I write to you during times of: Celebration, Desperation and Anticipation.
Celebration
On June 14, Jefferson Street Baptist Center (JSBC) will formally celebrate the graduation of 7 men whose lives were formerly out of control, but who have now found stability, meaning and purpose during their participation in JSBC’s Advance Louisville program (formerly known as Fresh Start).
The men join a community of others who have graduated and now find themselves as useful, valued and productive citizens in a society in which they were once shunned, unwelcomed and unappreciated. The fact is, since May of 2009, 92% of Advance Louisville graduates continue to successfully celebrate the life transformation that occurred while they were at Jefferson Street.
Desperation
However, while there is much to celebrate, it is also a time of desperation.
For various reasons, Jefferson Street Baptist Center finds itself in difficult and desperate financial times. A sluggish economy, food and utility prices escalating and an increase in individuals needing services have all contributed to a monthly shortfall of over $4000.00, but it is our Gospel-centered stand that has cost us the most in the last 2 years.
Deemed “inherently religious” by those who handle the City of Louisville’s various grants, we were asked to promise that we would not share the life transforming power of the Gospel with individuals who come to us in need. In light of our vision and mission, we simply could not comply.
The aforementioned success stories of life transformation attest to why we would sacrifice funding rather than allow government bureaucracy to dictate the kind of “help” we could offer. Therefore, we lost or gave up monies that totaled nearly $90,000.
Simply put, 2 years ago, we lost 20% of our budget and we are still trying to recover by trimming off any fat we can by lowering our food budget, holding up on essential building maintenance and eliminating some non-essential services that we provided to guests and residents. We have also had to cut into some muscle and had to make some painful personnel decisions.
Anticipation
Yet, in the midst of desperation, I write with anticipation knowing that you have a desire to invest in the lives of those in need. We are depending upon God’s provision through an immediate financial gift from individuals like you who are passionate about restoring broken lives
In light of this desperate need, I am asking you to send a donation of $500.00 or more. While any financial gift will help, this amount covers all the monthly costs associated with housing one Advance Louisville participant. More than mere support, your gift brings change to homeless and hurting individuals
On behalf of the residents, guests, staff and volunteers, please know that I am praying for you and thanking God for your faithful giving and prayerful support of the ministry of Jefferson Street Baptist Center.
Enjoy Grace,
John Ferguson
The Van Neste Adoption Blog 