Bethesda Outreach Ministries
Bethesda Outreach Ministries came into being early in 1994
through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and continues to operate
under His leadership. Its mission is to glorify God by
showing the love, compassion and encouragement of Jesus Christ to
financially-challenged families in the Canton area through the
provision of various forms of emergency financial assistance and
spiritual guidance -- all in the name of Jesus. The name Bethesda
is taken from John 5:2-9 and in Hebrew means House of [Kindness]
[Grace] [Mercy].
Through the financial support of The Chapel and other
contributors, and through the efforts of numerous hands-on
volunteers, the Lord has enabled Bethesda to:
- Provide assistance on over 5,000 occasions with:
- rent/mortgage payments
- prescriptions/medical bills
- car repair/transportation
- clothing
- furniture and appliances
- personal and home care items
- Distribute baked goods, clothing and miscellaneous items to
between 75 - 100 families each week at the Louisville
operation
- Operate a monthly "soup kitchen" including distribution of
personal care products in inner-city Canton
- Provide Christmas assistance to numerous families through the
Adopt a Family for Christmas program
- Distribute over 2,500 Christian books
- Provide Christian witness, spiritual guidance and encouragement
to each family served
- Achieve 501(c)(3) tax status to offer tax benefits to
contributors
Food and Clothing Collection
Nonperishable food and clean clothing in good condition are
badly needed and may be dropped off at the Bethesda Outreach
Ministries collection and storage room located in the foyer at the
East entrance to the sanctuary. Receipts are given upon request.
Donations should be placed in strong plastic bags. Please do not
leave items anywhere other than in this room. It is open 24/7.
Shopping carts in the east and main lobbies of The Chapel are
also convenient drop-off locations to receive donations
of home and personal care items. Many low-income families
cannot afford these products that we often take for granted,
as they are not covered under their food stamp allowance. Please
remember to pick up extra home and personal care products as you do
your grocery shopping. They will be promptly distributed to
needy families.