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Ministering to those on the
edge.
by Mark Holland (mark4uth@comcast.net)
One morning I was
enjoying a cup of coffee on the patio of Café Guttenberg with Steve
Blanchard. Sitting in the heart of Shockoe Bottom, where I had been working
as a chaplain, we were brainstorming about unique ministry opportunities in
the Bottom. Ideas flowed freely. At one point, Steve brought up Grace
Fellowship (GF), and I mentioned that I had enjoyed sharing a message with
the group a few months earlier. Steve gave me some history on GF and a
simple vision he had for ministry to those who live on the edge of society.
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An
invitation from Steve... a few prayers by both of us... a visit and
discussion with the volunteers... led me three and a half years
later to today. How fitting that I share this glimpse into a most
wonderful adventure with God at this time. It’s just one more
indication that God has a path for each of us, and we notice the
pebbles and grains of the path only after we begin to lean forward
to take that first step.
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... we were brainstorming
about unique ministry opportunities in the Bottom. |
At
the time Steve suggested that I serve as pastor of GF, I had just accepted a
part time pastorate of Boulevard Baptist Church. I also was still serving
The Bottom as an itinerant pastor. There, as I invested my life and my
journey with God with the employees and visitors, I became immersed with a
passion and love for people the church overlooked.
I became
immersed with
a passion and
love for people
the church overlooked.
With the closure
of Boulevard
Baptist came
an opportunity
for GF to find a
true sanctuary. |
GF was meeting in
the basement of First Baptist Church when I began. About 10
wonderful volunteers and 65 guests gathered for prayer, a message,
fellowship, and a meal every Thursday night. Within a few months the
number of guests increased significantly, but not the space. We
tried several options to provide a better atmosphere for worship and
give our guests some personal space. We met in the chapel and ate in
LL35 for several months. But our big break came when we were allowed
to use the Dining Hall. We now had plenty of space, nice
surroundings, and our numbers now began to average 100+.
Periodically, we were moved to other locations, and constantly we
had additional set up to do once we arrived.
With the closure
of Boulevard Baptist came an opportunity for GF to find a true
sanctuary. We desperately needed a place to call “home,” and more
flexibility on times to meet.
So in March 2009, GF moved to the old Boulevard Baptist Church
building. The move took its toll. Volunteers and members left for
many reasons. A lot of hard work by our volunteers goes into GF each
week: drivers, servers, cooks, table cleaners, those who bring the
messages and give out clothes. The spiritual gifts of service,
encouragement, compassion, and hospitality are what it takes. It is
emotionally, spiritually and physically exhilarating and draining. |
Despite the difficulties, I loved my work with GF. My journey has stretched
me in so many ways. I am a better pastor, a better husband, a better daddy,
a wiser Christian because of GF. Sharing joys and tragedies as a
congregation is all I could have asked for. But God is saying to me: “It’s
time to move on.” It’s time for the next generation of leadership to take GF
where God wants it to go. I look forward to hearing who’s having a cup of
coffee with Steve now.
Editor’s note: Mark Holland grew up in the church and was active in the youth ministry. He now serves as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Mark ended his pastorate of Grace Fellowship on November 19. GF moved back into the FBC Dining Hall. Associate Pastor for Christian Compassion, Steve Blanchard says, “Due to space and logistical problems, we felt we could better serve the guests in the FBC Dining Hall. Vicky Nicholau is the new coordinator of Grace Fellowship. The GF Bible Study will be led by various members of FBC.”
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