A Simply Sweet Outreach

For the past couple of years, Mifflinburg Assembly of God Church in Mifflinburg has been using snacks such as granola bars and cookies to open doors for the gospel in the town, which has almost 3,500 residents.

The congregation of approximately 60 attendees has been afforded many opportunities to pray with people, welcome visitors to the church, and forge relationships in the four local schools by using gestures such as cards and snacks.

The church has partnered with Bread of Life Outreach, a compassion ministry in Newport, Pennsylvania, that helps families, churches and nonprofits with food and drink items.

“Almost every week, we take trays of granola bars and other snacks to community groups or employees with a note that says something like, 'We want you to know that God loves you and we'll be praying for you,' " explains Johnny Blake, lead pastor of Mifflinburg Assembly.

“We ask them specifically what we can pray for, then pray with them then and there,” he adds. “They almost always allow us to. This has allowed us to pray with people in all four of our public school offices, principals, police officers, borough officials, firefighters and area businesses.”

Blake, 46, notes that the outreach is forging paths for ministry outside the walls of the church building.

“It has opened unexpected and random doors for ministry in the community,” he says. “They are starting to see us as a place they can go when they need help.”

Torie J. Susan, 48, who works at Mifflinburg Intermediate School as attendance office aide, calls the outreach “a blessing.”

“For the church to take the time to donate snacks and drinks, it shows love to those who need to feel important in today's school environment,” she says. “The teachers often feel unappreciated and unseen. This action gives them a feeling that they are noticed and valued by this church.

“It is wonderful to see the church become the face, hands and feet of Jesus,” Susan, who is a Christian, adds. “It's such a simple way.”

Chris A. Reichard, 53, an administrative assistant to the Mifflinburg Intermediate School principal and who works with Susan, was surprised and blessed when Blake brought her and her young daughter a handmade stuffed animal, food and some other items.

"Why would they think of me and do that for me?" she asks. “It was totally unexpected.”

Jeremiah S. Allen, 44, principal of Mifflinburg High School, points out that “it is always exciting to see their snacks come in.”

“The faculty and staff really appreciate the token of appreciation and support,” he says. “We often hear about the negatives in schools, so it is nice to receive a positive from the community. As a believer myself, I find it encouraging to see a local church supporting the local school districts.”

Blake's daughter Megan, 16, notes that some of her teachers have thanked and told her how they appreciate the treats from her church.

“God has used this outreach as a way to share His love for people who don't know Him,” she says. “It shows people that the church is happy to help the people in the community and provide resources.”

Blake, who has pastored Mifflinburg Assembly for 16 years, points out that having the time and manpower is the most challenging aspect of the outreach.

“The most gratifying aspect is when I'm able to have a meaningful prayer with someone I didn't know a few minutes ago,” says Blake, who has been able to pray with more than 100 local residents due to the snack handouts. “Several people who I've handed something to have broken down in tears. It's very gratifying that God would allow you to be the one to bring them some hope and healing.”

PennDel Ministry Network Superintendent Don Immel, who has known Blake for 12 years, praises Mifflinburg Assembly's efforts.

“Johnny mentors his congregation in reaching out to their community in practical ways that opens the door to gospel-centered conversations,” he says. “He advises his congregation, 'Never tell a person you will pray for them until you’ve prayed with them.'

“Through gestures of kindness, they engage their schools and community agencies,” he adds. “Prayer is a welcomed gesture that is received in the schools. We are pleased with the partnerships that Johnny has nurtured over the years with the community and ministries such as Bread of Life Outreach.”