March Ministry Update
MINISTRY UPDATE
Back in December, I sent you an update that focused on me and my family. In this update, I will mainly focus on what I have been doing across the region.
So, what I have been doing?...
Small Things: How Change Happens
My missionary work across Philadelphia has been so amazing that words cannot express, but let me try. Over the last two years, in response to COVID-19, we morphed Easter Outreach from a one-time event into a year-long food distribution operation called Small Things. Check out the new website!
Just to give you a little overview, here are some metrics to gauge our growth:
In 2019, Easter Outreach gave away 120,000 pounds of food to 21 distribution sites.
In 2021, Small Things distributed 8.3 million pounds of food to 107 distribution sites over the year.
Our partners continue to strongly reflect the diversity of Philadelphia, as well as church cultures, denominations, and ethnic lines.
Most of our sites give away food weekly, which creates a consistent connection with the people they serve. Many of our partners are churches that use this connection as a way to invite people into their community. The new connections that have occurred across Philadelphia as a result of Small Things’ food distribution are astounding!
Not only have we created community with the partners and the people they serve, but our staff has grown to 11 people! I am blown away by this. We are a second-chance employer, which means we hire people with criminal records (like myself). This is one of my favorite parts of the job. We give people a chance just like I got.
We also have been working with other second-chance organizations to provide forklift certification for people in shelters or those just getting out of jail. We give them job training and a real certification that can help them get a job. The overall impact we are having across the region is incredible, but it is only a reality because of all the people who support us! Our donors, volunteers, churches, and community partners are the reason we can do what we do.
Working with the Liberti Network
Small Things is not the only thing I have been doing. I am still deeply connected to the Liberti Network, serving on the leadership team. Check out its updated website at liberti.org! Member churches just went through a process of deepening our commitment to each other and now use the language of Communion of Churches to speak to our deeper bond. My role in all of this has been to attend some of the churches’ elder meetings as part of the process of forming this Communion of Churches. I also am working on developing a regional mercy and justice team, as well as planning a youth retreat this summer.
Supporting the Homeless
My heart still longs to serve people who are experiencing homelessness. This is happening in a couple of ways. With Small Things, I stay connected to a lot of the work going on in Kensington by supplying food for the many organizations that work there. Also, with Emmanuel at Resurrection Philadelphia (formally Liberti Center City which merged with City Church), I have been able to help supply food, recruit volunteers, and offer leadership and vision. We have just started to get other churches involved in leadership again with Freedom Church and First Baptist Church stepping up. Both churches will serve one week a month as cooks and servers. We also host other groups from time to time, such as Epic Church.
I also keep a connection with Bethesda Project. In November, I was honored to conduct memorial services for three people who passed away while in their sites. Hearing the impact these people had on other residents and the staff was remarkable and providing a place for the community to grieve was powerful.
What’s needed?
First, let me say thank you to all my supporters who make this work possible. As always, I ask you to pray for the work I am doing. I also still need your support as I build Small Things and serve with the Liberti Network. I am always looking for new monthly supporters who pledge to give a set amount each month.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray for God’s direction as we enter the 'post-pandemic world'. I want to focus on what the Lord wants me to focus on.
Pray for my family – my wife and two young daughters, ages 4 and 2. I am so grateful for them and recognize that I need to work on a healthy balance of work and family.
Would you prayerfully consider becoming a monthly supporter? I truly need more of these gifts, at any level.
Rev. Vito Baldini
Director Mercy and Justice | Liberti Network
Executive Director | Small Things
