The recent economic turbulence has taken a toll on Randolph County but has not impacted Randolph Baptist Association’s two Christian Service Centers, said Clayton Scott, interim director of missions for the association.
“Before the recession we were $30,000 in debt, and now we have more money in the bank than what we owed before,” Scott said.
Located in Wedowee and Roanoke, both centers are open at least three days a week and are staffed by a minimum of two volunteers at a time. The Christian Service Centers accept donations of clothes, shoes, appliances and furniture and resell them at a low price. The profits then go back into the community in one of two ways. Some of the money goes to those in need of extra help with bills, which is designated by center director Abby Phipps. The other portion goes into the Hunger Food Account. The centers direct at least $125 into this account every week to purchase food to give to those in need.
This ministry affects families in Randolph and Clay counties and Heard County in Georgia. In April the centers helped 152 families and 290 individuals with food, household items, clothing, bills and personal items. The two centers, which have been serving the area for more than 20 years, would not be thriving without the support of Randolph Association churches and individuals who refer those in need and donate clothing, food, furniture, time and money to the ministry, Scott said.
The Christian Service Centers are more than just clothes closets or food banks, he added. They are ministries intended to bring people to Christ. “Every customer is approached with the gospel,” he said. “Every bag of food goes out with tracts and every person who volunteers
is trained in presenting the gospel.”
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