The Shiloh Church in Leavenworth, Kansas is enriching the lives of many community people since opening its Multi-Purpose Center in October 2013. Within the past seven months, the church has hosted several community programs, including a Heritage Day Sabbath, a citywide Black History program with over 200 people in attendance, and a Mother’s Day banquet.
The 4,000-square-foot multi-purpose building is also designated as an emergency shelter site for the American Red Cross. Seven Shiloh members attended training to receive certification in operating a shelter for displaced residents due to disaster.
Recently, the Shiloh Church has partnered with the Free Community Meal Program to provide one hot cooked meal for the community every month that has a fifth Thursday. This converts to approximately five meals per year. However, the church may add additional dates as the program continues to grow.
On May 29, for its first endeavor, the church served over 200 guests. Many people thanked the Shiloh members for the delicious meal, giving the members an opportunity to witness and offer free books and literature.
On June 1, the Shiloh Church, in partnership with the Leavenworth Mission Community Store and Food Pantry, sponsored a Day of Giving. Over 500 people from the community came out to enjoy free food, clothing, household goods, activities and fellowship. The Shiloh members passed out literature, helped set up clothing tables, helped serve food, gave out free toys and shared the love of Jesus Christ with all who were in attendance. A survey to determine the ongoing needs of the community was also distributed. It was a joyous event as people were introduced or reintroduced to the Shiloh Church and its members.
Because of these events Shiloh has seen an increase in Sabbath attendance as people from the community have become more comfortable worshipping with the congregation on Sabbath. We have seen that when the needs of people are met first and the love of Jesus Christ is manifested in the lives of His people, more souls are added, not only to the church, but to the kingdom.
Author David Arnold is head elder of the Shiloh Church.
