Pastor Jeff Swogger
The gospels of Matthew and Mark tell the story of a resurrected Jesus exhorting his followers to go into the world, make disciples of all nations and preach the gospel.
“He didn’t say, ‘Build a building and ask everybody to come,’” said Pastor Jeff Swogger of Wisdom Church in Liberty.
Acting on Jesus’ command, Wisdom Church has started a new outreach program in which its members are going into neighboring communities and offering its services – pastoral or otherwise. It began the effort with “A Night of Hope” in Brookfield – Swogger’s hometown – on Sept. 29. The night included fellowship, preaching, music, giveaways of goods and gift cards, and information on services for seniors and those struggling in finding a job or securing necessary transportation.
The church members held events in Hubbard in October and November and plan to host a Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 20 at Joshua’s Haven in Sharon. A Liberty event is in the offing.
Swogger said he has become disheartened with the political divisions in society, where it has become the norm to hate those who have different views. People should love those they have differences with, not hate them, and the golden rule is still an honorable way to live your life, he said.
“At the beginning of last year, I was praying and the Lord spoke to me and said, ‘I want you to tell people to get their hopes up,’” Swogger said. “The key is coming together.”
The church wants to help people with whatever needs they have: leaves that need to be raked, grass that needs to be mowed, small carpentry jobs, food. If the church members can’t provide the service themselves, they’ll find someone who can, Swogger said. That’s where Andrea Mahone Blackmon comes in. She runs the Andrea Mahone Foundation, a faith-based organization that helps people trying to get a fresh start. She runs agencies that offer job training, transportation and employment services, and offers referrals for other needs.
“Our biggest thing is helping people reach the free resources that they need,” Mahone said.
Swogger invited other area churches to join the effort.
“We care,” he said. “We want to show people that we care. I come from a large family that cared for each other, we were there for each other. That’s the way the community should be.”
Wisdom Church can be reached at 330-439-1978.
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