By Sharon Mager
BALTIMORE, Md—Each Thursday evening, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtis Bay, Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) churches serve hot meals to families and individuals, some homeless, but all in need of food, encouragement and Jesus. The churches partner with Inner Harbor Ministry of Baltimore (IHM), led by Executive Director Chris Gudmundsson, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dundalk.
Long Green Baptist Church members serve food at IHM. A rotating group of BCM/D churches make and serve meals each Thursday evening.
In addition to the meals, the ministry offers weekly Bible study, group devotions, bread, pastries or cereal giveaways, counseling and prayer.
They also help the community through cleanup days, home improvements, summer activities, block parties and holiday events.
The IHM has many needs as the weather changes and the holidays approach.
In addition to churches that provide and serve meals on Thursday nights, there is a need for non-perishables for people to help them through the week. These include canned goods—meats, sauces, fruits and vegetables and soups; boxed pasta, macaroni and cheese, instant rice, rink mixes, instant potatoes and oatmeal packs.
Health kits are also needed. They can be easily assembled. In a one-gallon zip–lock bag place a washcloth, bar of soap, small shampoo, comb or brush, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and mouthwash.
School supplies are collected year-round. These include: backpacks, small boxes of crayons, colored pencils, washable markers, pencils and pens, composition books, safety scissors, 3-ring loose leaf paper and binders, glue sticks, tape, spiral notebooks, erasers, rulers and Wal-Mart gift cards.
In addition to meeting basic human needs, the food and supplies are open doors to share with people about the love of Christ.
To donate supplies, contact Pastor Gudmundsson, at Gudnews4all@gmail.com or text him at (410) 599.-8921.