What does community ministry look like?

Baptist National Hui Feedback

For 4 days last week I gathered with 500 Baptist leaders from around Aotearoa. As a pre-Hui option I visited Visionwest, which is a Trust Community Ministry out of Glen Eden Baptist Church. Their vision is to lift people out of poverty by providing food and social housing. They say, “Almost 40% of NZ households experience food insecurity.” I was impressed with their social supermarket, Manaaki Kai. If a person or family requires food they first meet with a Trust worker who assesses need. Then they are given “points.” One adult can spend 55 points, and a large family, 75 points. The client can then choose what items best suit their family needs. The food is donated through local businesses like Bunnings, and My Food Bag.

 David G suggested we start a social garden down the side of our car park, and we then take the produce to houses in our area. I think this is a great idea. Perhaps we could start some cooking classes using this produce. What do you think? In what other ways could our church family reach those in poverty?

Jesus said, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous,” Luke 14:13-14.