Service Ministry Opportunities
As Jesus Freaks following Christ’s example, we want to serve the poor and needy in our community. Christ looked with compassion on the poor and the needy and He gave them what no one else would: love. Under a classic American business model of “church,” we would certainly consume massive resources building the institution, while the helpless receive the leftovers. Clearly Jesus Christ did not build an institution, and throughout the gospels he shows preference to those who are poor and needy (see Matthew 24). We also want to show preference and love toward the poor and the needy as Christ did and share with them the Good News of Jesus Christ: He is risen.As the Lord’s servants we are devoted to the poor and needy.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you. – Proverbs 3:27-28
The passion of Joe Allie and Andie Schoofs drove them to spend quite a bit of time researching the right organizations we can partner with to help the poor and less fortunate, finally settling on Akron Pregnancy Services (APS) and Townhall 2.
The APS is a non-profit organization helping women and their partners with pregnancy-related decisions. They also help support about 5,000 people a year through pregnancy testing, follow-up support, a help line, classes, counseling, and more. It is a Christ-based group which also enables volunteers to share the Good News with anyone who comes through the door.
Check out the Akron Pregnancy Center
Phone Center distress line
Townhall II’s mission is to promote the health, wellness, and recovery of individuals and communities through prevention, education, advocacy, intervention and treatment. Townhall II includes many services, such as HIV testing and counseling, a Halfway House for women facing substance abuse and addiction, services to victims of crime, counseling and outpatient programs and a DUI school for first time offenders. Moreover, the service provides a 24-hour helpline for suicide prevention and intervention, rape crisis, domestic violence, drug/alcohol concerns, family problems, grief/loss, life stressors, information and referrals, or when you don’t know where else to call.