Outreach Centers Serve a Thanksgiving-style Meal to Homeless on Good Friday

outreach centers
Mayor Bovo serving pies to the guests

The Caring Place at Miami Rescue Mission (MRM) | Broward Outreach Centers (BOC) held street outreach events ministering to nearly 2,000 homeless and hungry on Good Friday. For the first time in two years they are back out on the streets following the COVID restrictions. The theme, “Healing Physically and Spiritually,” offered over 200 volunteers an opportunity to show their passion and purpose in serving nearly 2,000 guests with a Thanksgiving-style meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and assorted pies.

Outreach Centers Feed the 2000

Following the example of Jesus who washed the feet of His disciples, volunteers gently washed the feet of homeless men, women, and children at all centers. At both centers, clothing, shoes and hygiene items were offered to hungry and needy guests. All guests were offered PPE and showers were provided as a special offering. Information tables encouraged guests to make the decision to enter one of the life-changing programs on one of the campuses. Nearly 65 men and women made that choice to come off the streets of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Ministry teams were seen throughout the outreaches, praying with people individually as requested.

Attendee and current resident, Sylvester, said, “I came to this street outreach for a meal. I felt hopeless for so long, but the people here showed me I had hope and was worth something and could do more with my life. The volunteers made me realize I deserved more, and I stayed for more than a meal. I just had to make the decision to do something for myself.”

outreach centers
Family enjoying a meal together

At the Miami Center, attendees enjoyed a Good Friday message by Pastor Marcus Gonzalez of Good Life Church Miami, musical entertainment by DJ Font. Over 1200 Easter Baskets donated by caring community partners were given to at-risk children. Granada Presbyterian Church volunteers assisted with the foot washing of guests. Radio host Brian Mudd from iHeart radio station WIOD/WJNO was live at our event a remote host for the Hope for the Hungry Radio Share-A- Thon. City of Hialeah Mayor, Esteban Bovo, Jr. along with City of Miami Chief of Police, Manuel Morales, greeted guests as they ate their meals. 

At the Broward Center, catholic rapper Communion provided a live performance. Keynote speaker included Pastor Joey Foster from The Fresh Church and Chaplain at the Broward Outreach Centers. City of Tamarac Commissioner Marlon Bolton, Emergency & Government Affair Manager of Hollywood Jamie Hernandez and City of West Park Commissioner Brandon Smith were in attendance as honored guests and greeted the guests. Celebrating Jesus, a special baptism was held where five people gave their life to Christ!

Reverend Ronald Brummitt, President of The Caring Place at Miami Rescue Mission | Broward Outreach Centers said, “We strive to show love and compassion to the homeless and at-risk in our community at these outreaches, and every day. Our supporters are essential to our efforts to restore people’s spirits and help them find a better path in life. Thanks to the warmth generated by our incredible family of staff, volunteers, and donors, many homeless decided to come off the streets today. With time, work, and lots of love their lives will be transformed so that they can become strong, productive, independent, and renewed people. Every year formerly homeless men and women come back to tell us how one outreach event changed their entire life. Hope truly starts with a meal.”

For more Out & About, visit https://www.goodnewsfl.org/topic/news/local/

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