HCM experiences growth in '04

Photo by Anthony Morse The greatest accomplishment at Hale Community Ministries during 2004 was “seeing each ministry grow the way they did,” said Becky Brumitt (left), the ministry’s director. Pictured with Brumitt are the ministry’s other staff members, Administrative Ministry Assistant Donna Proffitt (second from left), Ministry Assistant for Discipleship Julie Lyons (third from left), and Ministry Assistant Sue Elliott.

  By Greg Miller
star staff
gmiller@starhq.com
  The greatest accomplishment at Hale Community Ministries during 2004 was "seeing each ministry grow the way they did," said Becky Brumitt, the ministry's director.
  The client base was placed into Bible study groups. "We had been real concerned about being more focused on the spiritual component of our ministry, so taking our client base and moving them into Bible study groups has been a big success," Brumitt said.
  "Our clients enjoy being in a group with other people. They've formed support groups or encouragement groups, prayer groups with each other. It was a huge undertaking to do that in Carter County, and that has gone very well."
  The growth at Lynnridge Lynnwood Ministries "was a huge accomplishment during 2004," Brumitt said. "We picked up additional volunteers and through our laundry ministry at that site we're seeing as many as 50 or 60 residents in our weekly Bible study.
  "Our Team Kids program, our after-school program for children, has grown in a really blessed way," serving about 20-30 school children.
  Another great accomplishment at the Lynnridge Lynnwood location was the beginning of church services on Sunday morning. "We were so pleased to see the residents who had been attending Bible study grow to the point spiritually to where they recognized a need to come together as a group and worship," Brumitt said. "We have begun church services and are now in the process of working with the Tennessee Baptist Convention and with the owners of that apartment complex to move in a church building. We hope that will be accomplished in 2005."
  In September, the Johnson County facet of the ministry doubled its space by moving into a former church building, making additional ministry possible.
  Hale Community Ministries hired an additional part-time staff member in September 2004. Julie Lyons, Ministry Assistant for Discipleship, was hired to focus on the spiritual growth of clients. Hale Community Ministries wants to help individuals understand what a personal relationship with Jesus Christ means and through the Bible Study groups basic Bible principles are taught.
  In Carter County, Hale Community Ministries serves 275-350 families each month. A greater number is served in Johnson County each month, approximately 350-400 families. These numbers include families who receive either a monthly food supplemental bag, or emergency food if the family has an existing crisis. "Clients can shop for clothing while they are at the ministry site and we try to have prayer with each of them," Brumitt said, "In some way while they are with us, we try to show them that Jesus loves them." At Lynnridge Lynnwood, the ministry serves about 60 families each week.
  Hale Community Ministries did their first food distribution in Carter County in September 1993. "We saw 18 families during that first food distribution," Brumitt said. "I know I have become more aware of how poverty, job loss, serious illness or death can throw an individual or family into a crises situation and how short-term assistance can help them overcome the crisis. And, I've learned that all people are the same -- they want to know they are loved. We try to help them access the joy that is possible by having Christ in their daily lives."
  Jesus Christ is the center of the ministry, Brumitt said. "It's not about me. It's not about the food we give. It's not about the clothes we give. It's always about what part of Jesus that people see when they come in these doors. That's what it's about. We need to take our personalities out of it and put Christ in it, and when we do that, God will be pleased."
  Donna Proffitt serves as the administrative ministry assistant. Julie Lyons is the ministry assistant for discipleship. Sue Elliott serves as the ministry assistant.
  Hours at the Elizabethton ministry are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
  For more information about Hale Community Ministries Elizabethton ministry, call 547-2560, e-mail hcm@mounet.com, or log onto the Web site, www.haleministries.org. Donations may be sent to Hale Community Ministries, 1301 Arney St. Elizabethton, TN 37643.
  For more information about the Lynnridge Lynnwood Ministries, Bluefield Avenue, call (423) 547-3088.
  For more information about the Johnson County ministry, 639 Lumpkin Branch Road, Mountain City, call (423) 727-1521.