It started with a bag of groceries to meet a serious need in our community. Our benevolence requests went from six a day to more than 40 a day, and 15 percent of our congregation was out of work. At the peak of the economic recession, our community was hurting and in need of real assistance. In response, Saddleback Church launched its food pantry, which two years later would turn into The PEACE Center.
Jesus said in Mark 9:41, “Anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name … will certainly not lose their reward” (NIV).
Everything we do centers on providing practical help and connection to the church and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ.
People came to our doors the first day we opened them. We have fed more than 80,000 people in south Orange County, Ca. We also provide free legal aid, immigration help, tutoring clubs, ESL classes, medical services, and much more. And the most amazing part is that more than 1,600 people have given their lives to Jesus because of the work done through The PEACE Center. People come not just with hungry stomachs but hungry hearts as well.
If you want to start a PEACE Center in your church, you must first have senior leadership support. Once your leadership is behind you, these simple steps will help you launch a PEACE Center in your community. Read More
Photo credit: graceastoria.org
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