A Gaston ministry continues to provide free goods to residents in need, though neighbors have some complaints.
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A Gaston ministry continues to provide free goods to residents in need, though neighbors have some complaints.
Disciples United for Community Outreach – which has provided free food, clothes and help to people in need for three years – is encountering resistance based on the location of items on the property.
According to Troy Bivens, mayor of the town of about 1,600 people, the neighbors next to the property at 204 Meadowfield Rd. have complained about noise and being woken up during early morning hours by people rummaging through the clothes bin.
Tammy Bailey, the ministry’s founder, confirmed the ministry has had an issue with people breaking into the bin.
Speaking to the Chronicle during an event Dec. 21, she told the Chronicle that the box is being moved when weather permits. She said the issue has brought her closer to her neighbors.
“My neighbor came over and he said, ‘You know what, you are having a problem.’” Bailey said. “‘And this isn't your fault.’”
“The enemy wants to get in and break down relationships,” she added. “God wants to restore and renew and give a new hope.”
According to Bailey, the ministry has helped 51 people recover from drug addiction since it started. Member Mike Hickman told the Chronicle that offering free food is a catalyst to get people to the ministry, and from there they work on talking to them.
“It's about building relationships with these people,” Hickman said. “You know, sharing the love of Christ with them, and just let them know that they cared about.”
“We just try to befriend them, be a light in the world and just build relationships with them,” he added.
Bailey said the ministry started by operating out of a church parking lot, giving what they could, food and clothes, to those in need. At their permanent location, they now see 150-450 people at their events, she said.
The ministry is open to those in need between three and four times a week, with special events being held when the group can manage them.
The latest event, held the week of Christmas, included free food and clothes, live music, a hot dog bar, and prayer. Bailey told the Chronicle that the amount of volunteers at events varies from 10 to 60.
Bailey said helping those in need is their calling as Christians.
“They're dying from overdoses. And these are my friend's kids, these are the kids that my daughter went to school with,” she said. “I can't sit here as a Christian and say that I love God and see a need and a problem and act like I can't be the part of the solution when God's given me tools to be part of the solution, you know.
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