Mount Olivet Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., continues its efforts in being a servant to God’s people during a pandemic crisis that is plaguing millions. Mt. Olivet resides within a community with a population of 63,786. Unfortunately, the number of families below the poverty level is 37.9%, and in single-parent households with children under 18, the poverty level is 50.1%.
Prior to the new coronavirus pandemic, Mt. Olivet community services’ (ACS) weekly outreach activities included food distribution to 700 individuals per month, serving 500 hot meals to the homeless, and operating a site location for shelter placement. In addition, they provided hot mobile showers for the unsheltered and/or community to use. These efforts were in collaboration with several nonprofit organizations that have committed to the cause of making a difference in the community. Even though the challenges have been grave, and millions have been affected by the pandemic, Mt. Olivet’s ACS has continued its efforts in making a difference.
Under the leadership of Cynthia Holmes, community services ministries leader, and Sarah Shaw, personal ministries leader, the two teams joined hands to take a holistic approach to meet the many needs of the community.
Weekly, approximately 170 hot meals continued to be served to the unsheltered community. In addition, bi-weekly drive-through food distributions to approximately 300 families continues. These efforts have been coordinated with a host of volunteers from ACS, church members, and the community. The Personal Ministries Department has distributed more than 2,000 tracts to the community, with messages of the times that provide emotional, physical, and spiritual healing for the many individuals served. The church family gives God the glory that many have enrolled in Mt. Olivet community Bible school, and some have sealed their newfound faith in baptism.
ACS continues to follow Jesus’ example and mingle with the community to meet their immediate and spiritual needs. Many are waiting to receive the salvation message. With these joint efforts, individuals see, hear, and read this simple message of salvation. God’s Word is powerful, and all must give it, live it, and teach it; God will do the rest.
Southeastern | July 2020
Comments are closed.