There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

Deuteronomy 15:11

Chapel / Bethesda Food Service Ministry
A Church Without Walls Action Program

On Thursday, February 23, 2006 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., a new Chapel and Bethesda Outreach Ministries action program will begin.

A well-planned, hot lunch will be served to the area’s financially-challenged at Abundant Life Harvest Church located in the 800 block of Gibbs Avenue NE in Canton. A thirty-minute devotional service (conducted by Chapel members) will precede the luncheon. We praise God for this opportunity to “Love them until they ask why.”

At the outset, the plan is to serve a meal the last Thursday of each month until the LORD leads us to serve more frequently. It’s a meaningful way that each of us can be obedient to God’s admonition to share our blessings with those less fortunate -- to love and care for the needy.
 

A desperately-needed part of this program will be the distribution of personal and home care items, such as: dental products, shampoo, bath soap, laundry detergent, toilet tissue, diapers, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies, etc. These items may be brought to the Bethesda storage room located at The Chapel’s east entrance (Door #3) throughout the month.

Many of the things we take for granted are unavailable to low-income families because they are not covered by food stamps. You can help by picking up one or two of the following items each week and placing them in the Bethesda storage closet, located in the foyer of The Chapel’s east entrance. (Volunteers will package these items and distribute them as part of the monthly food service ministry.)

Items needed include: bath soap,shaving cream & disposable razors, diapers, toothpaste & toothbrushes, shampoo, toilet paper, laundry soap, dryer sheets, deodorant, dish detergent, Kleenex, hand lotion, diaper wipes, feminine hygiene items, and other home and personal care items.

Prayerfully consider how you and your family may have a part in this ministry and help with the soup kitchen and/or distribution of home and personal care items. If you have any questions, please contact Clarence Blasier at (330) 497-0355.

Taken for Granted?

The list of material things we take for granted in this affluent society is almost endless. But what about the “Fringe People,” those low income families that are barely making it.

Picture yourself bathing without soap, or brushing your teeth without toothpaste or even a toothbrush, or shampooing your hair without shampoo, or performing many other personal care tasks without the necessary products. And what about laundry with no detergent? Or kids without diapers and bathrooms without tissue? We could go on and on, but the point is made. These and other personal care and household items that we take for granted are critically needed by all low income families. Too often it’s a choice between them-food, rent or medicine– or other things even more critical that they cannot do without. You see, anything other than food is not covered by food stamps, so it’s extra cash or nothing. Sadly for many, it’s nothing!

Here’s a way we can help ease the problem. Why not pledge today, that each time you go to your favorite market, you will pick up just one or two items that someone desperately needs? Just bring your tokens of compassion the following Sunday and place them in the Bethesda Outreach Ministries storage room located in the hallway near the east entrance of The chapel. Your donated items will then be promptly distributed to needy families.

Thank you and God Bless You!
Bethesda Outreach Ministries

“In as much as ye have done it unto the least of one
of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” 

Matthew 25:40

A Look At 

Bethesda Outreach Ministries

Bethesda Outreach Ministries came into being early in 1994 as an outreach ministry of The Chapel in North Canton. The name Bethesda is taken from John 5:2-9 and in Hebrew means House of [Kindness] [Grace] [Mercy]. This brief story of the ministry’s origin and services is intended to glorify only God and not to exalt any individual or organization. However, details of a personal experience which occurred prior to the formation of Bethesda will help to understand why we exist and how God has used Bethesda for His purposes. 

THE BEGINNING

On what appeared to be an ordinary day in the fall of 1993, when I arrived at my office I found several messages on the answering machine. The one that changed my life and subsequently the lives of many others was from a woman named Bertha. In an emotion filled, desperate, pleading voice I heard, “Mr. _________, will you please help us? I need your help! Please help me!” She then gave her name and telephone number.

Having absolutely no idea who Bertha was or how she obtained my name, I was more than puzzled, but I knew I had to return the call. Bertha lived near the Stark County Fairgrounds and was in a critical financial state. In addition to many other needs, she had disconnection notices from all utilities and was close to being evicted. She was unable to work due to serious health problems. Two daughters, one with three children and one with two, were living with her. They 
received no financial assistance or child support from the “estranged” fathers of the children. Agency support was no longer available because of previous assistance. It truly was a heartbreaking situation.

At that time, our church was limited to helping only those within the congregation with financial needs. An outreach fund was not as yet available. After prayer with Bertha, I immediately contacted a friend of mine whose church did have such a fund and was able to obtain enough assistance to alleviate at least part of the immediate problem. Several close friends then agreed to contribute to a special account for Bertha’s benefit for a short period of time. Bertha and her family were well aware that the true source of her assistance was Jesus Christ and that what was being done was done in His name. 

About two months after the initial contact, Bertha underwent surgery to remove a large tumor which was a partial cause of her health problems. During my visit to the hospital following her surgery, Bertha asked for her purse. She removed a letter she had written prior to entering the hospital and asked me to read it. In addition to her heartfelt thanks for what had been done for her, the letter revealed the truth as to how she obtained my name. Here’s a portion of the letter as written by Bertha:

My testimony is this the day I called you on the phone I couldn’t even believe my own ears when I heard myself saying Mr. _________ could you please help us, first of all I didn’t know who I was calling or why I thought you would help me a complete stranger, but then I knew God gave me this phone number because I was kneeling beside my bed praying and crying then I opened the telephone book there were all those numbers but it seemed like yours was real big as so I could see it you see I can’t see the numbers in the phone book unless some one reads them to me, but I had no trouble seeing yours it was like the Lord had magnified my eyes at that very moment, then here you were a Christian and I was sure God had done this, I have never stopped thanking the Lord either.”

MOVING FORWARD

Not many days following the events just described, I happened to stop by the church. As I walked into the office, the Pastor met me and declared, “I don’t know whether you know it or not but a week from Sunday you’re preaching at both services.” To say I was dumbfounded is an understatement. I had only spoken at a worship service several times at another church. But after much prayer and soul searching, I believed the Lord was using this opportunity to encourage our body of believers to become more deeply involved in helping people just like Bertha.

After approval of the Pastor, the theme The Responding Branch was chosen for the message. John 15:5 states, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me and I in him , the same bringeth forth much fruit...” 

The experience with Bertha was described and her letter was read. It was emphasized that in order to be a fruit bearing branch, we must also be a responding branch. In specific incidences such as Bertha’s, when people are crying out to God in desperation, For His Name’s sake, He cannot afford to take a chance on a non-responding branch. He seeks only those who will respond.

The characteristics of a responding branch were described, and in conclusion, the church was challenged to begin an outreach ministry to bring the love of Christ to the poor and needy in the community through emergency financial assistance. Following the services, five people asked to be part of such a ministry. At their next meeting, the Board of Trustees approved its formation and funding and Bethesda Outreach Ministries was born.

-  Clarence L. Blasier    

WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT? 

Numbers never tell the whole story, but it is interesting to note that the Lord has enabled Bethesda to give assistance on several thousand occasions to literally hundreds of families (primarily Canton intercity) in the Stark County area. This help has taken many forms: Food vouchers - rent - utilities - car repairs - clothing - prescriptions - furniture - appliances - home furnishings - personal care necessities - household cleaning supplies - Christmas - transportation - insurance - legal aid - medical & dental - Bibles & Christian books etc. - serving at soup kitchens - but most important of all, spiritual encouragement.

Requests for assistance usually originate from client referrals, social agencies, the utilities and churches. Evaluation of a potential client’s needs is accomplished through personal or telephone interviews and consultation with a third party, generally a social agency. In the case of utilities, the utility is always contacted to verify the details of the need. Many times assistance is given in cooperation with one or more other ministries or social agencies. Complete records on each client are maintained. Checks for assistance are always given directly to the “creditor,” never to the client.

Many volunteers have been part of the ministry, contributing their time and talents in various ways. Close personal relationships with clients have been established. Unlike most other entities offering assistance, the name of Jesus has always been exalted. Consequently, a number of people have come to a saving trust in Him. Many others who have strayed from their original commitment to the Lord have returned to Him and again become involved in church and other Christian activities. For some, we are trusting in the Holy Spirit to nurture the seeds planted.

MINISTRY EXPANSION

Early in 2001, Bethesda Outreach Ministries received its 501(c)(3) classification which affords contributors a tax deduction for their contributions. At that time, the ministry was expanded by forming Bethesda Outreach Ministries, Louisville Area Services, a food and clothing distribution center in the neighboring Louisville, Ohio area. The ministry is operated by two dedicated women with over 10 years’ prior experience with a similar operation under the auspices of The Salvation Army. Currently distributing thousands of loaves of bread, other baked goods, clothing, and additional food items, the ministry reaches over 150 families each week. Contingent upon an increase in support, plans are to broaden and expand the food distribution to meet the increasing demand.

FOOD AND CLOTHING COLLECTION

Nonperishable food and clean clothing in good condition are badly needed and may be dropped off at the Bethesda Outreach Ministries collection and storage room located in the foyer at the East entrance to the sanctuary. Receipts are given upon request. Donations should be placed in strong plastic bags. Please do not leave items anywhere other than in this room. It is open 24-7. 

The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.

Luke 3:11

Bethesda Outreach Ministries - Drop Off Area

Donations for Bethesda Outreach Ministries should be dropped off in the storage area to the right of the east entry way of the new sanctuary (see Building Map). Please make sure that all donations are clean and in good condition.  Donations should be placed in strong bags.

We greatly appreciate the generosity of your donations, but please do not drop off and leave donated items (especially clothing items) outside of the building. We have had instances of items left at the church doorway, only to be soaked by rain. This makes it difficult to ensure that your donations quickly reach those who are in need of them, and may render some items unusable. Please try to coordinate your drop offs with weekday hours or Sunday mornings when there is access to the church building. 

Thank you!