In May 2017, the Ministry Brands Foundation was launched with a singular goal of supporting innovative solutions to key challenges in our Global, Christian community.
Through a grant application process, The Foundation awards monies in four major areas of focus: Youth Engagement, Technology, Hunger/Homelessness, and Biblical Literacy Projects.
Here are some of the grant recipients and the great work they are doing:
Oil Belt Christian Service Camp
Funds received from the Ministry Brands Foundation will allow the ministry to update and install a new fire safety system in the main facility as well as the cafeteria, boys’ dorm, and girls’ dorm. The previous safety system only included basic battery-operated smoke detectors. After a recent inspection, the camp staff learned the existing system was out of date and not considered safe or reliable. The new fire safety system will keep campers safe, reassure parents of the high level of safety and security, and will also help save costs on insurance and additional maintenance.
Oil Belt Christian Service Camp was established in 1946 with a few tents and a desire to impact young people for Jesus Christ. This year marks their 71st year serving the Southeast region of Illinois! Oil Belt offers 22 summer camp session for kids aged K-12th grade and a Family Camp Retreat every Labor Day weekend. Annually, the ministry will see more than 8,000 campers and staff! The Oil Belt Christian Service Camp is a hub for more than 108 churches in SE Illinois to connect their members around a mission to serve one another.
Calvary Rescue Mission
Funds received from the Ministry Brands Foundation will allow Calvary Rescue Mission to expand their current program offerings to include an Educational and Vocational Training Program for homeless men. Many men who visit Calvary Rescue Mission lack the skills necessary to secure employment, and they are at a severe disadvantage in the competitive job market due to a variety of factors such as addictions, mental health issues, health problems, as well as lack of proper identification, clothing, and other resources. The Educational and Vocational Training Program is part of Calvary’s commitment to restoring the whole person to help them lead a productive life. The funds awarded to Calvary Rescue Mission will provide GED classes, basic computer classes, sessions on job interviews, financial literacy, budgeting and saving skills, and many more!
Calvary Rescue Mission is located in Memphis, Tennessee and has provided hope, help, and care to hungry, homeless, addicted, and disenfranchised men since 1967. In April 2017, Calvary Rescue Mission celebrated its 50th anniversary of serving homeless men. During this time, Calvary has never closed its doors – not even for one night! Calvary is so much more than a temporary shelter; it is a place where men can start anew, refreshed, encouraged, and ready to face the world.
Rescue Youth Ministry at the Sendero Life Center
The passion and excitement of the youth pastor inspired the Selection Committee to help make a difference in the lives of the youth in Moses Lake, WA! Funds received from the Ministry Brands Foundation will sponsor a new youth event called Fire Shed. The vision for Fire Shed is to draw teens to Christ through a fun event at a local water park, including worship, guest speakers, food, and fun! By hosting Fire Shed at a fun location, the ministry believes they’ll be able to attract more un-churched teens to attend. They are anticipating more than 500 students from multiple schools to attend!
Sendero Life Center was established 51 years ago as a Spanish-speaking church in Moses Lake, Washington. They have grown to over 500 members, and average 5-7 new visitors per week. The Rescue Youth Ministry program sees over 70 students per week! While the church as a whole mainly ministers to families from low-income neighborhoods, the youth program is committed to serving any teen who walks through the door.
Learn more about the Ministry Brands Foundation and all the grant recipients here.
