Smith Metro A.M.E. Zion Church in Anniston, Ala., used their 2024 grant to support a new ministry called “Lifting While Unlocking: Physical and Spiritual Transitioning from Incarceration” which equips men and women recently released from the Dept of Corrections with the tools to become successful citizens. The church provided inmates at the Emanuel Women’s Facility in Statesboro, Ga., with essential hygiene items and during a camp meeting with over 400 of the inmates, 20 committed their lives to Christ.
The church is also working with local schools, supporting students, administrators and teachers with prayer and encouragement. They also host a Soup Shelter and Service outreach program each Sunday which provides 25 meals weekly to the unhoused and underserved. In December 2024, Smith Metro A.M.E. Zion Church began ministering at a rural nursing home providing visitation, a bi-monthly Bible Study and spiritual support. In 2025 they plan to begin working with their local United Way to provide a weekly bible Study, weekend meals and GED and online job skills training.
Covenant Methodist Church in Spring, Texas, recognized the cultural dynamics within their predominantly Catholic Hispanic community. They discerned an urgent need for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and had over 90 attendees on their inaugural day in 2021. Out of this beginning came the formation of “ConNEXT Steps,” which the church founded as a nonprofit organization to impact the community beyond their church walls. In 2024, over 200 students registered for programs that range from ESL classes, parenting support, financial workshops and employment help. Pastor Dario Vargas at Covenant Methodist says, “The ESL and SSL programs are becoming the front porch of our church.” In fact, the programs include students originally from many places around the world. Seeing the possibility to build deeper relationship between leaders and students, Missional Small Groups were formed. “ConNext Steps and Covenant would like to help our students connect with God by building bridges of friendships based on common ground to arrive at a level of trust that allows people to talk comfortably about spiritual matters. This is the objective of Missional Groups.”
The Foundation’s grant provided the resources for Covenant Methodist Church and CoNext Steps to began offering “Even I Can Do It – Hasta yo lo Puedo Hacer!” evangelism training for leaders of their growing English/Spanish as a Second Language classes. This training has allowed volunteer leaders in these programs to share the gospel relationally through the friendships they build with students. “By integrating Wesleyan principles of practical Christianity, relational evangelism, inclusivity, and empowerment, Covenant Methodist Church’s program/initiative can invite others to respond to and grow in God’s grace, fostering a vibrant community of faith and discipleship,” said Pastor Vargas.
Covenant Methodist Church and CoNext Steps are preparing to launch a Citizenship Preparation Program this year, and they are exploring partnership to expanding services into new locations nearby.
