WE HAVE A NEW MINISTRY AT PARADISE CHURCH. IT IS CALLED THE BLESSING BOX.
Outside of our west entrance, we have placed a box full of supplies. If you have ever seen a library box for sharing books in a park, the concept is very similar to that. Instead of books, it is food and supplies for those in need.
A few months ago, our mayor of Louisville, Pat Fallot introduced me to Maiharriese Wooden. She has a vision for helping those in need in Stark County.
The motto of SBBI is simple, “To follow Jesus’ example in caring for the disadvantaged and suppressed while guiding them toward the transformational love of Christ.”
And she has a very large Vision. The vision statement of Stark Blessing Box Initiative exists to drastically reduce food insecurity by distributing non-perishable goods, guiding at-risk community members to available resources, and educating individuals about the need in our neighborhoods.
“To follow Jesus’ example in caring for the disadvantaged and suppressed while guiding them toward the transformational love of Christ.”
So, what is a Blessing Box? It is a small, often homemade structure where people leave donated goods for others to pick up anonymously. Located in a common area, people are filling them with items that will help those in need—everything from non-perishable food to toiletries. These donated essentials help fulfill short-term basic needs for those who don’t always have access to them.
It allows us to minister to the community. And it allows people to come by, no questions asked. One of the hardest things for people oftentimes is simply asking for assistance.
The foundation for this ministry comes from the pages of the Bible. There was a scriptural recognition that ministry to the poor and needy is a constant thing.
· Deuteronomy 15:11, There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.
· Proverbs 14:31, Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
· 1 John 3:17-18, If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
· Leviticus 19:15, Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.
· Galatians 2:10, All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.
How can I help? The easiest thing to do as a member of Paradise or just someone in the community is to donate non-perishable foods and other non-food essentials to the box. You place them directly inside; you don’t even have to tell us you are doing it.
You are welcome to place items into any box at any time. If you have more than a few items to contribute at a given time, you may want to arrange a time to deliver items to us and we will distribute them as we know boxes have need.
For more ideas on what can go in the box: https://www.starkblessingbox.com/get-involved/
For more information
Phone- (330) 353-8323