{"id":472,"date":"2018-03-08T16:58:38","date_gmt":"2018-03-08T16:58:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.presbyterianmission.org\/weekly-offerings\/?p=472"},"modified":"2018-03-07T19:36:46","modified_gmt":"2018-03-07T19:36:46","slug":"oghs-sdop-enables-hope-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/centernet.pcusa.org\/weekly-offerings\/2018\/03\/08\/oghs-sdop-enables-hope-transformation\/","title":{"rendered":"One Great Hour of Sharing: Self-Development of People Enables Hope & Transformation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Front Porch Caf\u00e9 Serves as an Entry Way to Hope and Transformation<\/h2>\n

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The Front Porch Caf\u00e9 in Akron, Ohio, serves up healthy portions of food and friendship for people needing a new start in life.<\/p>\n

At the Front Porch, individuals recovering from addiction or re-entering society after spending time in prison can eat a good meal, grow and learn alongside others who share their struggles, and receive guidance on housing and employment opportunities.<\/p>\n

Back On Track, But Still Struggling<\/h4>\n

When Diretha joined the Front Porch community five years ago, she had been sober and drug-free for a year, but a decade of unemployment threatened the sustainability of her success. She volunteered at the caf\u00e9 and attended its support groups. The staff helped her develop a resume and interviewing skills.<\/p>\n

These efforts helped Diretha land a job at a catering company, where she has worked for four years. She continues to live a life free from alcohol and drug abuse.<\/p>\n

Your Gifts Sustain Long-term Recovery<\/h4>\n

Your One Great Hour of Sharing gifts contributed to Diretha\u2019s transformation. The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) made a grant that helped renovate and equip the building that houses the caf\u00e9 after Eastminster Presbytery\u2019s Committee selected the project for funding. SDOP partners with economically poor people in projects they present, control, own, and are the direct beneficiaries.<\/p>\n

The Front Porch Caf\u00e9 is part of South Street Ministries, which serves youth and adults in one of Akron\u2019s poorest and most racially diverse neighborhoods. \u201cWe get people from the church, the recovery world, and the neighborhood who come in just for a place to gather,\u201d says Joe Tucker, the ministries\u2019 executive director. By purchasing one of the Front Porch\u2019s reasonably priced meals, neighborhood patrons support its witness to hope.\"\"<\/p>\n

We give people a lot of hope and redirection,\u201d Joe says. \u201cWe tell people, \u2018Hey look, half of our staff are in recovery or in re-entry themselves\u2014we know what it\u2019s like. What you are wanting to do is absolutely doable. We believe in Christ, and we will pray with you.\u2019 The consistent reminder of hope is probably the deepest area we have.\u201d<\/p>\n

Diretha continues to attend a support group at the Front Porch and its weekly worship service. \u201cIf I hadn\u2019t gotten involved with the Front Porch, there is a chance I would have started using again and been in prison or even died,\u201d Diretha says.<\/p>\n

Your One Great Hour of Sharing gifts help people move themselves from the depths of despair toward vistas of hope.<\/p>\n

Please give generously.<\/p>\n

Let Us Pray:<\/h4>\n

Transforming God,
\nwe pray for people who struggle with addiction. We give thanks for ministries like the Front Porch Caf\u00e9 that help people overcome this challenge and\u00a0begin new lives. May we join them in bearing witness to Christ\u2019s desire that all people experience freedom and hope. Amen.<\/p>\n

Join Us<\/h4>\n

For more information and resources related to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, visit\u00a0presbyterianmission.org\/oghs<\/a>\u00a0.
\nThis post is based on the minute for mission script which can be found on our\u00a0website<\/a>\u00a0as a\u00a0script<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Please give generously to the Offering:<\/p>\n