Religious leaders have long been pillars of their communities, providing spiritual guidance and moral leadership. However, the role of ministers has evolved significantly in recent years. Modern challenges like social inequality, mental health crises, and cultural shifts demand more than traditional ministry.
Roger Minassian was the pastor of a prominent church in Fresno when his heart was deeply touched by the needs of gang members and felons like Vanna In. He stepped down from his position and his secure salary to give his life to kids on the streets of Fresno, California.
Bethany Byrd started 5 Stones Open Door after seeing five of her friends die as a result of abuse. That abuse took several forms over the years, each of which is addressed by the non-profit organization she founded several years ago. They became the five stones of an outreach to people whose lives have been touched by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Let me start with this. Many things have been closed that have never been closed before:
Doctor's offices.
Stores and restaurants. Beauty Salons and barbers.
Redeemer's Church in Reedley got a new pastor the end of this summer. His name is Nick Jones, and we took a moment to sit down and chat with him recently to learn more about his background and his plans for Redeemer's. Nick has been involved with some wonderful ministries in Fresno and has an inspiring story to tell.
Care Fresno has been making a difference in Fresno for over 20 years. From the early days, when Gordon Donoho first introduced the ministry to me, through the leadership of Nick Jones, and now under Randy Mewhirter, there have been many changes, but also much consistency. Care Fresno’s Mission is central to its work: “Training People and Churches to Address Poverty by Investing in Under-Resourced Communities and Mentoring At-Risk Youth and Families!”
They came from all over the country and converged upon Fresno and about 48 other cities this summer. They came to change the world and they did change the world for thirteen families in Southeast Fresno.
Immanuel Schools’ mission is to equip students to serve God and neighbor with mind, body and soul, based on a Christ-centered foundation.
This mission statement is apparent in every way students carry themselves; in Mr. Knaak’s Senior Bible classes, students have the opportunity to serve their neighbor and community by participating in service projects during class
Common Ground Coffee House in downtown Kingsburg had its grand opening on May 1, 2013. With its cozy atmosphere and great coffee smells greeting you as you walk through the door, you wouldn't suspect that this is much more than just a new coffee house
After an eventful time of fundraising Chris and I, along with 10 others, packed our suitcases and headed for East Africa. We set off from July 23 to August 6, 2013.
The team’s aim was to help in an evangelistic campaign in the rural town of Kiseke, near Mwanza in Tanzania. Tents were set up outside for the people to sit under in preparation for the three day campaign which consisted of music and the sharing of a biblical message, followed by a drama to help illustrate and bring to life the gospel message. The team was also involved in praying for the needs of the people.
