Sunday, February 20, 2011

Dothan Loves Out Loud

   
Dothan's Love Out Loud

 Yesterday Ken had a wonderful opportunity to work with Hispanics in the area through a new outreach here in Dothan called "Love Out Loud".  This was a joint effort between the Columbia Baptist Association which represents many Baptist churches here in the Wiregrass area and the Dothan Rescue Mission.  The purpose of this effort was to minister to the people of Dothan in need of help through the food pantry, medical care, dental care, and even family portraits for those that wanted them.  This event had more than 400 volunteers and reached over 3,000 people from this area. 
 

Lunch is served

Ken was a part of the team that met the needs of the Hispanic people in the area.  Because of the area farms there are many Latino migrant workers living in this area and Ken saw firsthand the great needs these people have.  Bags of groceries, clothing, medical screenings, dental care, and even a professional family photo was offered to all of those that came through the registration area.  Ken said as a translator he heard many moving stories of the difficulties being faced by area residents during these tough economic times.  What made this ministry unique though was the fact that every single one of these people were given a gospel presentation before leaving.  We do not know yet how many people made professions of faith, but there are follow-ups being planned by community churches in efforts to try to plug people in for discipleship and to make a more long-term commitment to these people.


http://www.wtvy.com/home/headlines/Love_Out_Loud_116541373.html
 

Food distribution
 
Ken told of one story in partcular about a teenage girl that had a new baby with her.  Her boyfriend was recently deported and now she is looking at being homeless very soon.  Until now she has been staying with family of the boyfriend, but this arrangement is about to go away.  Our sister Hispanic Church "Calvario" has reached out to this woman to try and help her not just physically, but also spiritually as she sees God's love in a very real way.


The lines continued throughout the day

We are so excited to see what God is doing in this community among the Hispanics.  Please pray for Ken as he continues to work with our church to start a new church in the neighboring town of Slocomb in the homes of two Hispanic families.  Also please pray for guidance from the Lord concerning Ken being in full-time ministry in this area.  We see such a great need and know God has a plan.  We just want to be in the center of His will about where He wants us to serve Him.