Friendship Center reaches over 3,000 in 2018

What a year 2018 was for the Friendship Center. We were able to witness 14 lost sheep find their Shepherd through our ministries (Thank you, Heavenly Father). Together, we served and planted a seed in over 3,000 individuals who walked through our doors. We laughed, cried and prayed with them and saw connections strengthen by showing them the love of Christ.

 We were able to add two new part-time staff members in Ashton and Becky. You want to see the love of Christ flow through someone, say hi to Ashton and Becky. These two ladies have completed our team and I could not be more happy and grateful to my Heavenly Father for both of them.

Chris-completed his 2nd year in leading our Disciples Teen Group seeing an increase of attendance to 16 teenagers each week. We were able to give away 90 School bags at our Back-2-School Night and adopt 34 children out for Christmas. Our biggest Family Fun Night was at our Halloween Costume party where over 130 individuals walked through our door. We are impacting Des Moines and Iowa for Christ!!!!

We had 31 new Friendship 100 members in 2018 with a goal of adding 25 in 2019 at $1.67 a day or $50 a month. We gained three new church partnerships in Soteria-Des Moines, Faith Baptist Church, and Life Change Church. We visited over 21 churches and events in 2018 and already have four events planned in 2019.

We also gained five new board members in Cherian, Cody, Jeff, Abby, and Samone. I believe with these additions along with John, Tim, Bobbie and Joni, the Friendship Center has never been stronger, more united than ever before and cannot wait to see how God uses this board for his honor and glory in 2019.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each of our individual donors, supporting churches, and the Baptist Convention of Iowa for believing in our ministry and partnering with us in 2018. I pray that you will consider partnering with us in 2019 with our goal of reaching 4,000 individuals for Christ and adding new ministries to reach more for him.

Looking at our ministries in 2019, we are in need of groups to volunteer to share a meal and Bible devotion or highlight their church at one of our Family Fun Nights. Groups provide the meal, side, and dessert and we will provide the rest from 4 to 6 pm on a Saturday Night. If you consider volunteering on one of the following nights, please let me know. We are also in need of groups leading one of our VBS weeks in July. We will again provide a Basketball Camp from Upwards Basketball Ministries from Tennessee from July 22nd through 26th.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, or you would like more information partnering with the Friendship Center please contact me at (515) 244-1701 or ministry@friendshipcenterdsm.org.

For more information about the Friendship Center go to friendshipcenterdsm.org.