Gospel cooncert to benefit homeless

 Wanda English Burnett
Editor

A group from Ripley County are feeding the hungry in more ways than one, according to Jim Bode who founded Isaiah 58:7 Ministries.

The group goes to the inner city of Cincinnati to serve meals and witness to those in need in a variety of ways.

Bode explained that he felt the call of God on him to begin this ministry for quite some time. He said he would attend events such as Bengals and Reds games and look out and see needy people. He felt God was telling him to do something - to minister to them. He said in December of last year after a church service on a Sunday night, he yielded to the call, and the first trip to Cincinnati was launched December 18, 2009.

Since that time the ministry had blossomed with 300 to 400 meals served weekly, many articles of clothing provided to those in need, and the “bread of life” (the good news of the gospel) shared with anyone who will listen.

“We are currently fasting and praying for the Lord to give us direction, and send the resources needed to continue reaching out to these less fortunates, who are often hungry, broken, and exposed to weather conditions most of us would consider unfathomable, at best,” Bode wrote in a letter in April.

Greg Holt, who attends the same church as Bode, announced one night that their annual gospel concert proceeds would go to the Isaiah 58:7 Ministries. Bode told The Versailles Republican he was overjoyed with the news. He said he has relied on God, who has supplied the resources so far.

The concert is set for Saturday, June 19 at the Hope Baptist Church, Dillsboro and will begin at 6:00 p.m. It will feature Tom and Joyce Holt and friends; Born Again; and Tony Holt and The Wildwood Valley Boys - all top notch bluegrass gospel musicians.

But, there is more. As a way to say thank you, Isaiah 58:7 Ministries will be providing a picnic dinner from 3-5 p.m. “We will serve hamburgers, hot dogs, cajun fries, baked beans, potato salad, and homemade desserts,” Bode noted.

Donations are welcome the day of the concert, and canned food donations will be accepted.

“It is our hope to amass enough volunteers to organize multiple outreach teams to go out into the streets with the food, supplies, and hearts necessary to minister to the homeless 365 days a year,” Bode noted. Now they go weekly and at one time had a stretch of 67 days straight that they ventured into the downtown area to bring hope to those who have lost it.

This group goes into areas where known homeless people are living, shelters and anywhere they find people in need.

Isaiah 58:7 Ministries is based on that scripture, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”

“It is all for the glory of God,” Bode told The Versailles Republican. He said it is a need that is being filled by many people who have joined together to minister to those in need. If you are interested in learning more about this group or supporting the ministry in any way you can contact them at 951-262-3384 or go online at www.isaiah587.org.

“We welcome you to become a part of something bigger than yourself. We welcome you to become a part of Isaiah 58:7 Ministries,” concluded Bode.