Church spreads faith with food, fellowship

Organizers hope to put on similar programs around the city in the future.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Fellowship, music, food, the power of prayer and a belief in God were the tools used by members of one church this weekend to combat violence and bring a community together.
The corner of Hillman Street and Indianola Avenue on the city's South Side is normally occupied by little more than two former automotive repair shops and a long-ago closed neighborhood convenience store. Saturday afternoon that corner took on a different look.
Barbecue grills had been placed in one parking lot with the smell of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers floating through the air. Several tent-covered tables were also covered with various food and drinks.
A short distance from the newly established eating area, a live band played gospel music, some gathered for private prayer, and collective prayer was routinely offered to all those within range of the large speakers on either side of the band. Rows of chairs lined the turning lane on Indianola for anyone who wanted to take a seat to listen to the inspirational music.
There were also rows of tables covered with clothes being offered free to anyone who happened to stop by and take part in the program.
Monica Phillips, Christian Revival Discipleship Center, said the church decided to sponsor the program because of the high crime rate in the city. She said coming out into the community and celebrating God with the residents is a definite way to combat crime.
"We wanted to come out in the 'hood and invite the people to come join us, let them know Jesus loves them and that there is a better way," she said.
Phillips said everything offered at the program was free to participants and made available via donations. There were also marching bands, gospel rap, dancing and singing.
"We just want to counteract the problems," said Phillips. "If our police are fighting the natural battle, we want to be there to fight the spiritual battle."
Phillips said response from the community for the event was wonderful. She said donations continued throughout the day and there was a continual stream of people looking for prayer or just coming to see what the program was all about.
Phillips said the church is hoping to hold similar programs in various places around the city.
Monica Phillips' brother Chester Phillips, also a member of the church, said he knows through experience how beneficial community programs can be. He once lived a life filled with illegal drug sales and gang-related activity, he said.
Phillips said he was changed after a back injury left him paralyzed. He said God restored his ability to walk, and he has since vowed to witness to others who are still involved in illicit activity.
Looking at the crowds of people gathered Saturday, Phillips said he has seen such programs turn people around, and he is convinced that the church and all the volunteers are doing what is right.
jgoodwin@vindy.com