This summer, the Somebody Cares network has hosted a variety of compassion outreaches in communities suffering from financial distress, gang violence, or crime to be a tangible expression of God’s love in those neighborhoods.
SC New England hosts Basketball/Creative Arts Camp
Somebody Cares New England hosted a Basketball & Creative Arts Camp on July 28 at their facility in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Over 50 boys and girls attended the events, just weeks following a gang shooting in their neighborhood. In addition to art projects and athletic activities, the event featured music and a message from Christian rapper, Gifted. On July 29, 200 youth and adults attended a Block Party for worship, ministry by Gifted, the Gospel message presented by Doug Stringer, lunch, and games. Ten people committed their lives to Christ!
“When I saw the photos from that weekend, I was overwhelmed with happy tears and thanked God for the opportunity to love and serve these precious kids,” said SCNE Director Marlene Yeo. “Our neighborhood youth live in horrific conditions and constant turmoil. I am overjoyed and so grateful when I see them enjoying the weekend activities. It is worth it ALL!”
“Day of Hope” in Baltimore
Somebody Cares Baltimore hosted the first of this year’s Day of Hope outreaches on August 4, with over 1,000 Guests of Honor in attendance. Doug Stringer and several other members of the Somebody Cares America network joined over 300 volunteers coming across racial, denominational and generational lines to support this annual outreach event, which included lunch, free haircuts, a prayer tent, and activities for the children to attend while parents connected with any of the 37 community agencies that were represented. DOH also gave away 700 backpacks filled with school supplies; 40,000 pounds of groceries; 40 bicycles; and free Bibles. The second Day of Hope this summer will be held on August 18.
Providing shoes for children in San Antonio
Thanks to the annual “Share Your Sole” shoe drive kids from inner city San Antonio have brand new tennis shoes to start off the new school year. “We put 300 pairs of shoes on sweaty little feet in 1 hour and 45 minutes!” said SC San Antonio Director Mark Roye.
The initiative is a partnership between SCSA/BloodNFire and Journey Church.
Saturating the city with LoveFests!
Church in the City/Beth Abraham–our facilitator for SC Denver–has been working with World Challenge to host LoveFests each month in the summer throughout the city. Guests are treated to free meals, groceries, and haircuts, with live music, bounce houses, and prayer. The next LoveFest will be held September 8.
“I am so proud of all of our chapters, centers, and affiliates around the world,” says Doug Stringer, ” for caring 24/7, 365 days a year, and working together to be part of something bigger than themselves.