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Township churchgoers pass out hot food, clothing in Detroit
Orchard Ridge Church of the Nazarene helps the less fortunate.
By DEBRA KASZUBSKI
Contributing Writer
SOURCE Newspapers
12/23/2007
Up to 100 homeless and less fortunate people in Detroit received a hot meal, blankets and clothing Dec. 15 thanks to the generosity of the Shelby Township-based Orchard Ridge Church of the Nazarene and others.
RJ Helguera, 21, worship arts leader at the church, said the mission to Detroit takes place on a monthly basis between the church and the Christian ministry groups Elevate and Quarterlife. For the past two months, the church has gathered with the groups near the Cass Corridor region to set up a buffet line and chairs. The food is available to anyone.
"Our group brings ham, mashed potatoes, soup, chili, hot chocolate and clothes, jackets, hats and socks, and we make that available for anyone in need," said Helguera, of Rochester.
Helguera said the volunteers, who spend four to five hours in Detroit assisting others, develop relationships with those they are helping. By visiting the same spot in the city monthly, the volunteers get the opportunity to meet those who are in the most need and cater to their specific needs. The experience was moving for those who attended, including Steven Barkey, senior pastor at the church.
"We were met with incredible graciousness by those we served that day," said Barkey, 38, of Washington Township. "I noticed one man in particular who bowed his head to pray and give thanks. Many of us have so much food and so many things that we don't really take the time to give thanks. This man was truly grateful and that touched me."
A mother and her two young children who received help that day made a thank-you card and gave it to the church, which also moved Barkey and others.
Some people who receive the group's assistance were homeless, while others were living on a low income, experiencing job loss or other hardships. Helguera and others in the group of around 50 volunteers on Dec. 15 were thrilled to offer a plate of warm food, a cozy blanket and even a few lines of scripture.
"God put a calling in my heart to help our brothers and sisters living in Detroit," said Helguera, who just recently visited the city for the first time. "It's a rough area, where we go, but I believe our help is needed."
Barkey added that the members of his church were so moved by the experience that they are considering organizing their own missionary trips to Detroit. Barkey said a long-term plan might include ways to assist those less fortunate beyond just giving them food. Barkey quoted the adage: "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime," to describe the group's future goals to assist those less fortunate.
"I don't know how or what we will do, but I would like to assist in other ways. I think that will be our plan for the future," Barkey said.
The work falls in line with the church's many other outreach efforts. Barkey said the church donates 20 percent of its annual earnings, about $64,000 last year, to both local and global charities. The large donation is impressive for the church, which does not yet have its own building for worship. The 4-year-old church meets at Duncan Elementary School in Shelby Township.
"The Bible asks us to help others. It's written word for word in the Bible, and we are basically going out and doing what it says," Helguera said. "It does make you feel good to help, but it is really not about that. We are helping because that's what God calls us to do."
For further information about Orchard Ridge Church of the Nazarene, to join the church or to assist with the next trip to Detroit on Jan. 19, e-mail Helguera at rj@orcn.info
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This article ran in the December 23, 2007 edition of the Shelby Twp. / Sterling Heights SOURCE NEWSPAPER.
It will be run again on December 30, 2007 in the Washington Twp. / Bruce Twp. / Ray Twp. / Armada SOURCE NEWSPAPER