The Bridge Ministry: May, 2008

By: Tara Jackson


  
There is a saying that in most organizations there are always 20% of the people doing 80% of the work.  In the case of the Bridge Ministry, it is 100% of the people doing 100% of the work.

The Bridge Ministry is a great example of the working body of Christ.  Each one of us has his/her own special gift/talent, and uses it where called.  For me, serving on the praise team is where my passion and gift lies.  For others, it is serving food, passing out clothing, or doing even more behind the scenes projects like cleaning the warehouse, bagging groceries, or cooking the food.  However, when the call goes out for help, we all pitch in wherever we can.

On a Saturday morning this past month, we had a Bridge Ministry “work day”.  Basically, all of the volunteers that were able gathered the warehouse to help clean, organize, and do whatever else needed to be done.  Since the warehouse is used as a pantry, there are certain rules and regulations that have to be followed.  One organization that we work with is Second Harvest Food Bank, and they obviously have very strict guidelines on how and where food is stored.  And because we have a 17,000 square foot warehouse, there is a lot of ground to cover! 

I took pictures of some of our volunteers and thought I would share with you a little “behind the scenes” action of the Bridge Ministry!

Chip Stockard wanted me to get proof for his wife that he can actually vacuum. Chip has an incredible testimony of salvation from drug dealing.  He and his lovely wife, Pam, are the proud parents to Chase and Payne.

Pastor Kent Christmas (Candy’s hubby) is straightening up around the chairs that are set out for The Resting Place church that meets in the warehouse. 

The legendary, Dianne Sherrill, has had enough with the scraping off of labels on some of the tables in the warehouse.  But she looks great while working hard!

Not only do I sing on the praise team, but I can clean with the best of them!  That’s me, Tara Jackson, cleaning tables that the workers use when bagging groceries, toiletry bags, and various other tasks.

Andrew is a big man with a big heart!  Here he is driving the fork lift around the warehouse.  They were moving palettes of food around the warehouse to organize them more efficiently.

Christy Courtney is one of the hardest workers of them all.  She is Candy’s assistance and the one that helps keep everything running so smoothly.  She and her husband, Dan, are a precious and valued couple. 

A few months ago, The Galloways met a man that has a relationship with AVON and shared about the Bridge Ministry with him.  Since then, we have received truck loads of make-up, jewelry, hand bags, clothing, shoes, and so much more from them.  This is just ONE of many AVON palettes that are in the warehouse.

Each week after the sermon/altar call at the Bridge, we have a raffle for different items.  We usually give away at least one sleeping bag (above) and one ten-speed bike (below).

And now for some shots of the warehouse….

As you can see, there is a lot that has to be taken care of and done to keep this ministry going.  We are so very thankful for all of our wonderful volunteers that give of their time and energy.  One person alone does not make this work, but all of us together.

Until next month,

Blessings,

Tara Jackson
tara@tarajacksononline.com
www.tarajacksononline.com

*Be sure to visit my website and check out my BRAND NEW self-titled release, Tara Jackson.*

www.bridgeministry.org