Ministry on the Margins at Living Waters Church

At Living Waters Church of God, we are currently involved in several outreach events. During this time of Covid-19 restrictions, it has been proven to be more challenging than ever, but we continue to do our best to minister to our local and surrounding areas.

Our food pantry reaches approximately 100 families a month, and we have many volunteers that make it all happen. We have had to shift to a drive-in style, and it has been working well. It certainly requires more work, but it has proven to be effective. The need for food in our area has increased because of the virus, but our volunteers have worked extra hard to sanitize, wear masks, and keep their social distancing.

We were so blessed to be involved in a back-to-school program this year in Mathews County. We are joining with many other area churches to provide school supplies for children in need. Although school attendance has gone virtual, everyone involved adjusted to the kids' needs during this unique time.

Our church also participates each year in a county-wide revival that involves churches all over Gloucester County. Our worship pastor has helped with leading and orchestrating the musicians, practice, and overall worship. Last year, many souls were added to the Kingdom, and it is a joy to be involved again this year.

We normally host events throughout the year to minister to our local area, but we have had to cancel many because of the virus outbreak. However, we have taken the opportunity to adjust to reach people virtually. We are involved in other areas of outreach from time to time, and during this unprecedented time in which we are living, we have had a reduction of attendance in person, but our online attendance has soared. We are blessed to have so many talented people to make all of this come together to continue reaching people online.

It is a difficult time to minister in the traditional way, but we have accepted the fact that we have to make adjustments if we want to be effective in spreading the Gospel. The Great Commission, in the midst of Covid-19, is just as important as it was when Jesus proclaimed it. Adjustments have certainly been made that have driven us from our comfort zone. But we have settled on the fact that the Church is still essential, even though we have had to make certain adjustments. As a pastor during this unprecedented time, I choose not to be negative, but to make essential changes that will still be effective in the times we are living. Any church, large or small, can still spread the Gospel if we choose to step outside of our comfort zone.

Small churches are essential, regardless of the current conditions. We have decided not to focus on all the negativity, but to realize that God can still use our church and ministry amid these challenging times.

Article by: Pastor David Hinsen
Dutton-Living Waters Church of God