Railroad Tracks...

When you live in the neighborhood, you know how to go over the railroad tracks...

I recently visited Victory Memorial United Methodist, 1930 Woodlawn, Indianapolis and The Good Life Center next door. The Good Life Center building was previously the church parsonage. For the past few years, the church members have been cleaning it up with the help of Hope International youth. The Victory Memorial volunteers are now serving the community in the house in the following ways:
• Emergency Food Pantry
• IPS School Uniform Exchange
• On-line unemployment Applications
• Neighborhood Study Circle – Impacting over 200 residents in 15 different neighborhoods of Southeast Indianapolis.
• Youth Activities – Study Circle for youth include photography, silversmithing, computer classes, participation in the Fountain Square Art Parade, organizing a neighborhood Haunted House and Youth Leadership Facilitation training.

Victory Memorial also has two outreach programs for children – the Halloween Chili Supper and party and Breakfast with the Bunny the Saturday before Easter.

Keep this ministry in your prayers. Let me tell you the needs in this community. I listened and this is what I heard:
• Used polo shirts in red, white, blue or black sizes 10, 12 and 14 for IPS school uniforms
• Used khaki pants in blue, black or beige in 10, 12, and 14 for IPS school uniforms
• Canned meats, vegetables, and other food pantry items.
• Volunteer by calling Carol Roberts at 317-822-8178.

These volunteers, Martha, Jerry, Carol, Elizabeth and others know where the needs are in the neighborhood and are serving where they live. As I crossed the railroad tracks, I went straight over them; the cars before me and after me knew the railroad tracks and traveled over them on the right side. It's only when we get out into the community that we truly understand how to best serve.