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Innovative ideas open doors for ministry in Portland, Oregon.
by Mike Verbout –
The Portland Moore Street Corps, Ore., had a full ministry this summer, which was kicked off with an enthusiastic and energetic concert by the African Children’s choir. The choir, made up of 26 children from Uganda, performed before a crowd of 600 in the Moore Street gymnasium.
Biddy basketball and biddy soccer drew hundreds of youth and their family members to practices and games and each session concluded with an awards banquet.
Youth from the corps and community attended weeks of camps and were a part of two vacation Bible schools that we offered. We have hosted two mission teams––one from another church and one from another Army corps.
Corps members worshiped with a 50-member choir of teens from North Shore Baptist Church from Shoreline Washington; Moore Street also conducted a Sunday morning “church without walls” at nearby Columbia Park. Two hundred people worshiped and welcomed guests in the park to join them. Plenty of food and fellowship rounded out the day.
Holding a series of Friday night movies in the corps’ parking lot has been an exciting outreach activity. Good movies, popcorn and refreshments attracted new members of the community; participants have shared how appreciative they are for this free family oriented activity.
Advisory Council members, corps members, center individuals and youth from the community designed and decorated a float that appeared in four parades. Also accompanying the float were representatives of programs offered at Moore Street, the Doughnut Girl and mascots Sally Ann and Mr. Kettle.
Concluding the season, we held a celebration called SAL BLOCK. This annual community event was attended by hundreds and included facility tours, program information booths, games, awards, food, music, back to school readiness (school supply back packs and haircuts and much more).
“Moore Street has had great challenges this year,” said Corps Officer Captain Donna Marshall, “with budget cuts, decrease in personnel and great spiritual warfare in our corps and family. The Lord continues to bless Moore Street, however, with people who have come alongside to support and inspire. Because of this, new and innovative ideas have opened doors to allow inner city youth to see a future for themselves at Moore Street.”
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