Ministries – Aiding those not yet part of our family

During the public ministry of Jesus, we find Him repeatedly in contact with the people among whom He lived. He walked with them, talked with them, ate with them. When they learned He could remove their afflictions, they thronged to Him. Jesus knew that they came primarily for what they could get from Him, but that did not deter Him from helping them. As the church ministers to those who are not yet part of the family of God, there will be times some come only for what they can get. Knowing that, we continue to show them the same kind of love God has also shown us as - we continue to help them as we are able.      Locally, we offer help to those who are in need on a regular basis. We maintain both a food pantry and a clothing room. Typically, we conduct a clothing give-away twice a year, in the fall and in the spring. During the year, we collect good clean clothing that can be honorably used by others. The ladies of the congregation spend many hours in getting the clothing ready to be presented to those who can use it. There are also a number of men who assist with this work.      Benevolent works without at attachment to the good news of salvation are little more than a social endeavor. The church is not a social organization, but an extension of the Christ. When we help those in need, we let them know what we are doing is a reflection of the love God has for them. The greatest expression of that Divine love is the cross of Jesus - the message of Jesus' death for our sins is an integral pat of the benevolent work we do. (1 Peter 2:24)       Without an understanding of who Jesus is, and what He has done for them, people will not be able to share in His salvation. This need makes teaching the gospel to those who have never heard of Jesus and to those who may have been taught incorrectly about Jesus all the more important. To be able to sit down with God's word and teach the gospel to them is one of the greatest joys a child of God can experience. When that teaching is followed by the new birth (John 3:5), there is rejoicing not only here on earth, but also among the angels in heaven. (Luke 15:10) We have those who continually seek opportunities to teach the gospel, whether to those who have not heard of Jesus, or to those who, like Apollos, need to be taught the things of God more correctly. (Acts 18:25,26)      Columbus Avenue is also participating in the spread of the gospel around the globe. Currently, we are assisting in several mission works. The work of Vito Ligorio, an Italian evangelist, works out of Latiano and Taranto in the "boot hill" region of southern Italy. Two works in Nigeria are also a part of our participation in the gospel throughout the world. Stateside, we are helping the work in Media, Pennsylvania.       As opportunities present themselves, we consider other mission works both in the United States and oversea.      Through the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus, Columbus Avenue is helping to carry the good news to those still entangled by the snares of sin.