Two of the Local Ministries to be spotlighted at OTG

Got news yesterday that Restoration House Ministries will be joining us at OTG. Pastor Dom Duarte (bio) leads this ministry that has grown up around a prison aftercare ministry. The purpose of Restoration House is to reach out to lost and broken people. Our immediate focus is the homeless, men and women who have been released from the prisons, jails and are coming off the streets. We seek to provide them an environment conducive to building and discipling them for the Lord. The house is just the start of what they do in the community. Their Monday dinners at the house grew to the point that a couple years ago they moved it out and currently meet on Monday nights at Monroe Christian Worship Center.

They are one of the main forces behind the "Lord of the Harvest" community Thanksgiving dinner that has taken place for years in Monroe. This effort connects many local churches with a practical outreach to home bound folks who they deliver meals to and to the larger community at their dinner at Wendy's on Hwy 74 in Monroe.

I look forward to having an opportunity to spotlight this missional endeavor that has been transforming lives for years. You can read in greater detail about Restoration House Ministries at their website, RestorationHouses.org

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One of our own, Donna Ginn, will also share with us about a ministry, Healing Broken Places that she has started "to support, empower, educate and fund those with Klinefelters Syndrome and their families who are struggling with life." Although unlike Autism it is primarily a genetic disorder, some of those who have this syndrome also deal with developmental and social issues similar to an Autism spectrum disorder. This ministry has grown out of years of trying to connect her own son, and others with whom she has come in contact, with the help that would benefit them greatly in overcoming their personal challenges associated with KS. You can read more about Healing Broken Places at a blog she has started klinefelterssyndromexxy.org

Donna first connected with Common Cupboard, through 'accidentally" showing up at last year's Outside the Gate. Since that time she has been regularly helping people in her neighborhood and through her church with food from the cupboard. Just this weekend she has instigated and organized a community party that will bring together several ministries, local Christian radio, and community organizations to reach out to her apartments. There will not only be hot dogs but some free school supplies and groceries, horse rides, a prayer table, and more. This is the kind of community action needed to touch our cities, villages and neighborhoods for Christ!