North Rome’s New Beginnings reaches out
An idea that started in a Sunday school class a year ago finally found its home in a physical location and opened its doors to the public for the first time Saturday in hopes of literally bringing about new beginnings in the lives of people the North Rome Church of God hope will soon be coming through its doors.
The New Beginnings Outreach Ministry, located at 1816 N. Broad St., opened with a cookout and concert Saturday, bringing in more than 100 people throughout the afternoon for the free meal. Once the closets are fully stocked with clothing, the new facility will be able to provide not only donated clothing for those in need but will also be able to provide food and shelter ministries as well.
Senior Pastor Harold Jones said during the Saturday celebrations that the idea for the New Beginnings ministry grew out of the New Beginnings Sunday school class, in which members Rick and Tammy Jacobs began formulating the plan for the outreach program and brought it to the attention of the class. After prayer, organizing and seeking dona- tions, the church found themselves with the foundations of New Beginnings.
“Last year our goal and our theme was going to the next level. This year, in January 2012, we said we’re going to go a step further and go outside of our four walls and get involved in outreach ministry and touching people’s lives in the community,” he said.
The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when Sherold Salmon agreed to allow the church to use the building — formerly Clippers N’ Bows — on North Broad Street without any cost to the church. Salmon said his son David convinced him of the church’s need, and he felt a higher calling to help out.
“He told me there was a need for it, and we talked about it,” Salmon said. “I’d had it under lease for a while, but then I figured that the Lord was leading me in this direction. And it has obviously served a tremendous purpose.”
Now that remodeling has been completed and the rooms set up for prayer areas and clothing closets, New Beginnings will be able to do more to help. Already the organization reports that more than 200 lives have been “dedicated to Jesus Christ.”
Along with providing food, clothing and shelter ministries, New Beginnings Outreach Ministry will also be providing street evangelism and a nursing home and assisted living ministry. The church has also formed a specific 501(c)3 nonprofit to handle logistics and financing so that any donations made will be tax deductible.
Those interested in helping out with the new ministry, making donations or seeking more information about its weekly Bible studies or anonymous drug and alcohol ministries can call North Rome Church of God at 706-291-6687.