Congregations across north Georgia will celebrate the work of the leading mission organization Action Ministries, Inc. with a special observance of “Action Ministries Sunday” on Sunday, November 13, 2011. Bishop B. Michael Watson has designated this day as Action Ministries Sunday in the more than 900 churches of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Founded in 1963, Action Ministries, Inc. (AMI) is a faith-based organization serving the hunger, housing and education needs of people living in communities throughout Georgia. Through AMI programs located in Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Gainesville and Rome, it works with individuals to transform their lives and partners with organizations to enable them to play a more vital role in their local communities.
Another program, Action Ministries Transitional Housing, works to address housing needs by placing families with children in a suitable home environment. The program’s case management and supportive services help people move from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
“These are challenging times for people in need in Georgia,” said the Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr., president and CEO of Action Ministries. “Jobs are still scarce plus many organizations like ours have fewer resources so they are either shutting down or reducing the number of people they serve.”
“Each year the number of people assisted by Action Ministries in cities across Georgia increases dramatically,” continued Moeller. “It is truly only through the support of people in our local communities that we are able to meet this growing need.”
“For many years United Methodists in Georgia have supported Action Ministries because it enables people to engage in ministry with those in need, which Methodist founder John Wesley considered so important,” said Bishop B. Michael Watson of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. “Supporters of Action Ministries realize that they are making a difference right here at home while increasing their closeness to God.”
The programs of Action Ministries have helped thousands of people. In 2010:
•Every day our ministry served over 276 meals and distributed over 2,276 lbs of food;
•More than 300 children received school supplies and new clothes;
•More than 270 children received after-school tutoring and life skills training;
•More than 50 families, including over 100 children, that were homeless received transitional housing and counseling to start a new life; and
•Thousands of volunteers participated in Action Ministries programs – from sorting food to repairing bikes to building beds – that helped them see what a difference they can make right in their own hometown.
To receive more information about Action Ministries Sunday please contact Mackenzie Harkins, Director of Church Relations, at 404-277-3788 or mharkins@actionministries.net or visit www.actionministries.net .