Missions—helping those in need in the greater Richmond community—have always been important to the people of River Road Church, Baptist. A portion of our gifts fall under the heading of “Missions” in our budget which is used to meet needs in our state, our country and the world, in addition to our community.
Many members of RRCB engage directly in outreach missions in our community, in addition to giving financially. Giving in this way is very satisfying and rewarding. Some of these missions include building ramps for those physically handicapped, helping to prepare a meal to be served to homeless in a Baptist Center and in the new CARITAS Center, tutoring and encouraging children in an inter-city school, packing meals through Rise Against Hunger to go to third world countries, giving support to the Camp Alkulana programs, or visiting young people in the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center and supporting a choir program for those youth. All of these outreach ministries and many more are happening because of the generous stewardship of River Road members.
Wesley Garett, Director of the South Richmond Baptist Center recently spoke at River Road Church, sharing some of his opportunities to give support to young boys and men of the community who are aspiring to equip themselves for study and work. He told us of his visions for future development in a newly acquired building for even greater outreach in the community. We are happy to remember that the Baptist Centers of Richmond are supported by the RRCB budget.
An exciting newer ministry has developed in the West End location of CrossOver Healthcare Ministry. While we have long supported the medical ministry, the director envisioned after hours use of the building for other outreach missions. Margaret Phelps realized an opportunity to use her sewing gifts to create a sewing circle which could also give friendship to a group of ladies who need that. This ministry continues to grow with a knitting group and a quilting group. A number of RRCB volunteers go weekly to assist. Our Missions’ budget gives financial support to this ministry, as well as the medical ministry.
Renew Crew of Richmond facilitates the building of ramps for those in need. Men and women of RRCB go out several times a year to build. George Davis or Julia Nixon will tell you how satisfying this mission is for them. Our Missions’ budget helps to defray the cost of the materials.
Let’s give generously—Donate It Forward—to ensure that we continue to minister in the Richmond community. When our Lord directed us to go into all the world to share his love and care, we remember that he instructed us to begin with our immediate community.
Written by Judy Morris
Good article, Judy!