Bethlehem ministries
making a difference

When we hear the word Bethlehem we often associate that with the birth of Jesus Christ. In a sense, Bethlehem represents a new beginning.

As we reflect on the life of Christ, we are reminded to ask ourselves "What would Jesus do?" as we make decisions in our daily lives. We also think of the Three Wisemen bearing gifts. Giving is one way of showing our love and concern for family, friends and community. By taking this one step further we can make a difference in our community by giving of our time, talent and resources.

2007 CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

Bethlehem Christian Church in Fort Deposit, AL, under the leadership of Pastor Bennie Stanford, has undertaken a number of local ministries which is making a difference throughout this local area.

"Without Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5) so we first sought to fulfill the great commission by winning souls and making disciples for Christ," Stanford said. "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest." (Luke 10:2).

Ministering to the total person

"We began by going to the people and finding out what their needs were. By ministering to their basic needs which included spiritual, social, and economic well being we started seeing changed lives," Pastor Stanford said.

The pastor said it's important that we encourage one another, help each other experience a growing relationship with God and build up the total person in body, mind and soul. When people feel good about themselves and their relationship with God they can then be a positive influence on other people and a productive member of society.

" ...for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)

The above scripture is a call to action so that's exactly what Bethlehem Christian Church did and continues to do. When Pastor Stanford arrived in 1995 he was confronted with problems associated with kids having nothing to do when they got out of school, poverty, various addictions, and poor self esteem.

Pastor Stanford led the way and developed partnerships with the city to make the Fort Deposit Community Park a reality. Complete with playground equipment, a walking trail and pavilion, the park serves as a place for the entire community to play, exercise and have family gatherings.

PARK PHOTOS/CITY FEST

A food ministry was created in 1998 to serve families in need of assistance. Irene Allen and a number of other volunteers operate the food pantry on the third Wednesday of each month. They currently serve about 180 families a month from Fort Deposit and surrounding communities. "No one is turned away," Pastor Stanford said. "If they are in need, we'll do whatever we can to help." To date, approximately $600,000 worth of food have been distributed.

FOOD MINISTRY PHOTOS

The Edgewood Tutorial Plus Center was established by Pastor Stanford in August 2000 and incorporated as a non-profit organization in August 2001. A key emphasis of the center is to get students from grades K-12 on task for the next day of school. The center which is open on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 3-6 p.m. is directed by Earlie Dozier who has nearly 40 years of experience in the school system. She and six other experienced teachers mentor an average of 70 students a day. The center provides mentoring, counseling, tutoring, behavior modification, computer skills training, career planning and more. This positive influence and encouragement has effected more than the youth as many people who haven't been in school for over 20 years have now gone back to school and received their college diploma.

TUTORIAL CENTER PHOTOS

Bethlehem also hosts a women's support group called Women Destined for Purpose. "This program which is open to all women offers a 12-step program for those dealing with all types of self-esteem issues and addictions from drinking and drugs to eating and smoking," said Antiquenette Caldwell, coordinator. There are currently 10 people enrolled in the program. They meet each Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Tutorial Center located at 705 Edgewood Drive in Fort Deposit.

The church offers a free aerobics class for women each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Regina Jones, aerobics instructor, says all women are invited.

AEROBICS PHOTOS

Additionally, the church hosts The Edgewood Mass Choir which is made up of youth from the community up to the age of 18. They meet at the church on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. They also host a Praise Dance Team which meets on the second Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. The community will get a chance to see this choir and dance team at the Fort Deposit Christmas parade on Dec. 10.

The Bethlehem Christian Church also hosts a city fest each summer before school starts. The event provides games, food and more. This year the church provided 250 book bags to children in attendance.

PRAISEFEST 2008     PRAISEFEST 2007     PRAISEFEST 2006

On Halloween, anywhere about 500 children come out for a fun-filled Hallelujah Party which provides a safe environment, supervision, food, candy and prizes.

  HALLELUJAH PARTY 2007     HALLELUJAH PARTY 2006

"Giving people identity, improving self esteem and providing something positive to do are all part of developing the whole person and a can-do attitude and we are seeing some good things happen," Pastor Stanford said.

It has long been said that if you build it they will come. This has certainly been the case at Bethlehem Christian Church where attendance has tripled over the past 10 years.

WORSHIP

"Together we can make a difference," Pastor Stanford concluded.

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