SOUTH ORLANDO CHURCH: A FIT IN THE COMMUNITY, PART 2

by Gladys Neigel with Dan Forbes
Does revival come before outreach or outreach before revival? In the case of South Orlando Church, there is evidence of both. Members have experienced a revival and caught a vision for ministry that has led them to use their talents in different areas of outreach. As they become more involved in outreach, they feel the Spirit of the Lord working in them as they work for the souls of others.
We published a story in April which outlined South Orlando Church’s many outreach activities. Since that time, the outreach programs have continued with more life changing stories.
English Language Classes
Kelly Lee and her assistant, Hollie Isaac, have taught an English language class for more than three years. They pray with those who ask for prayer and invite the community members to church services and functions such as a health fair.
Recently, a young man who tried to kill himself three times felt drawn to the church through the sign advertising the English class. He felt conviction in his heart to learn more about Jesus and change his life for the better. The leaders and students were able to pray for this individual.
Food Distribution
Because of the economy, more and more people are showing up for assistance from Second Harvest Food Bank run at the church every Friday. Families are invited to come twice a month for food, and Wilton Campbell, food pantry director, says 380 families are now being served.
Prayer and Fasting
Each month, there is a scheduled time for prayer and fasting from Friday evening at sundown to the close of Sabbath on Saturday night. Led by Esther Adams and her assistant, Patricia Hines, folks begin fasting and praying in their own homes on Friday evening and continue this program after church on Sabbath with fellow believers. There are speakers approximately every hour, and there is time to pray and sing. At the close of Sabbath, a light supper of soup and sandwiches is served to close the experience.
“The success of church programs and events for the community are greatly attributed to the faithfulness of the members who take the time to meet together to pray,” says Pastor Dan Forbes.
Christmas Dinners
For four years, Patricia Hines, along with some helpers, have provided Christmas dinners for those in the community who are homeless or facing financial challenges. Christmas dinner is taken to the people. One year, dinner was served from their car under a tree near the church. Another year, they served dinner outside a bus terminal. Last year, when dinner was served in the fellowship hall, one guest was very surprised to learn that dinner was free. “I’m a sinner. I can’t believe that you would do something like this for me,” he said. Then he was heard calling his dad and saying, “Dad, guess where I am right now. I’m in church!”
Youth-directed Audio Visual Ministry
This purposeful ministry is geared to finding an outreach for youth participation. The necessary sound equipment, cameras, and a DVD duplicator are being purchased, and plans are being laid for designing a set for filming and producing a youth-directed audio visual ministry. Involved in this outreach are José Isaac, head elder; Charles Lee, treasurer and elder; Dover Adams; Vionca Michelle Chambers; and Anthony Martin.
Fitting It All Together
“There is room for every member to get involved in church-based community outreach no matter what their age or their interests,” says Forbes. “There is a real sense of excitement and anticipation in the air at South Orlando Church, because people can see that God is working in marvelous ways.”