The members of the Missions and Advocacy Council have been very busy doing God’s work. The following is a summary of the projects we are working on.
1. We are sending teams to Western North Carolina to help residents rebuild. As you know, many families have lost their homes as a result of hurricane Helena. Two teams have already spent weekends sharing their expertise and others will follow. We estimate this project to continue for many months. If you would like to be a part of this project, contact Jerry Chiles.
2. The Christmas Offering: $2,219 was delivered to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
3. CBF Offering for Global Missions: The Council recently introduced three short videos detailing the work of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Offering for Global Missions. You all generously donated $4,549.74 to support their efforts around the world.
4. The Council is working with Christian McIvor to update the mission partners list on the website.
5. Every year the Council chooses to partner with several organizations by donating to support their mission. This year we are not only donating of our resources, but we will be directly involved. Listed below are this year’s mission partners and their Greystone contact.
Welcome House Raleigh
- Greystone contact: Joy Croom
- Donation: $4,800
Welcome House aids newly arrived immigrants. All refugees coming to Welcome House have been fully vetted by the US government and in fact, are invited to come to the US by the State Department. Most have waited years to come to the US after being displaced from their homes due to violence, corruption or abject poverty. All the refugees in this program are here legally. In light of the defunding of refugees by the federal movement, the Council has reached out to all Bible study classes asking them to supply a week’s worth of groceries to immigrant families. As a result, the weekly Grocery signup is completed through May!
The Green Chair Project
- Greystone contact: Sebastian Heredia
- Donation: $3,000
Green Chair provides essential resources to individuals overcoming homelessness, crisis, or disaster.
NeighborHealth Center
- Greystone contact: Teresa Vaughn
- Donation: $3,000
At the NeighborHealth Center, the relationship you have with your primary care provider is at the center of your care. Our primary care team includes nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and family medicine physicians. Neighbor Health accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and help for people who do not have insurance. No one is turned away.
North Raleigh Ministries
- Greystone contact: Robbie Little
- Donation: $3,000
A food drive is planned for May to help fill their food pantry. Volunteers are needed to help in the food pantry/thrift shop.
Equality NC
- Greystone contact: Bob Millikan
- Donation: $1,000
They advocate for policies that protect LBGTQ rights and fight against discriminatory practices. They engage and activate communities and partners to advocate for equality and justice.
The LGBT Center of Raleigh
- Greystone contact: Rosemary Lynch
- Donation: $2,000
The Center offered many programs to support the LGBT community. Their mission is to serve, empower, and advocate for the wellbeing of a diverse LGBTQ+ community. They offer counseling services, a clothing closet, and limited food items for the homeless. The Center will be moving into a new facility in the Fall. They may need help painting and setting up their classrooms and offices. The new building will give them more space so they will be able to offer many more services.
You can find the full list of Greystone’s mission partners and affiliates on this webpage.