Volunteers from Fresh Fire in Ancaster bless the community in downtown Hamilton with food, new clothing and toiletries, sharing the gospel by kindness and compassion.
THE CHURCH
Fresh Fire Apostolic Ministries, Ancaster, Ont.
THE CHALLENGE
Connecting through generosity with neighbours in Hamilton’s downtown
THE IDEA
A monthly food and clothing outreach for unhoused people
THE COST
New clothing, shoe and food items donated by community vendors, plus church members’ financial contributions.
Pastor Sandra Benaglia Smith explains:
The vision of our outreach ministry is to bring the Church to the streets, and bless those we meet with the same compassion and love God has for us. The Lord gave us this vision to step outside the building back in 2020. We want everyone we meet to feel special, so all the items we give out are brand new.
Each time the team steps out there is a huge cost, but there are businesses Fresh Fire partners with. Local grocery, apparel and dollar stores help us get every item we need. They believe in what we’re doing. We give out brand new winter coats, boots, summer items like pants, shirts, T-shirts, sandals, slippers, socks, jeans and name brand shoes. We also provide toiletries for men and women.
Our volunteers work throughout the month to prepare for each time we go out. Our evangelists and team get together on the Friday night before outreach. We get food from licensed bakeries and delis, and put the sandwiches and fruit together for the community along with the toiletry bags. On the day of outreach, we meet early Saturday morning to pray and then we’re out there for three hours. We have never cancelled, no matter the weather conditions.
For other churches I’d offer this advice – don’t go out there beating down the gospel. Share the gospel by kindness, compassion, with the love and heart of God.
We have so many testimonies of salvations, family reconciliations and even healing through this outreach. I’ve learned one changed heart can change the world. That’s why we do this. Fresh Fire is a ministry with heart and soul. We want to see people healed and release the redemptive power of the cross.
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