Most people would not think of using a Camry with a sunroof as an evangelistic
tool, but for Gerry Captain, this is one way to reach others.
“They come up and like that car,” Captain says. “It
opens up a way for me to reach them.”
Most people would not think of using a Camry with a sunroof as an evangelistic
tool, but for Gerry Captain, this is one way to reach others.
“They come up and like that car,” Captain says. “It
opens up a way for me to reach them.”
Captain says that while she is evangelizing in the impoverished
streets of Lake Charles, it is nothing for her to witness drug deals occurring
in the afternoon. But she says that when those times come, God takes away her
fear.
In this seemingly-hopeless environment, this brave warrior
brings a glimpse of hope and light to a neighborhood in need of love and change
for the better.
The hope comes via Grace Ministries, which is “a multi-faceted
ministry that could be used to inspire individuals and families to experience
a full and meaningful life in their schools, homes, churches and community,”
Captain notes.
Carey Baptist Association sponsors the ministry, and the center
is supported mostly by churches in the association. However, it also receives
a stipend from the Louisiana Baptist Convention.
“As I look at those kids, I say they cant make it
without God,” Captain says. “The kids are so innocent and unaware
of their condition in a way.”
Most of the children touched by the ministry are reading two
grade levels below their actual grade level. Since a majority of their parents
read at a low level or are illiterate, the children are unable to receive much
help at home.
To combat the problems, Grace Ministries offers a number of
programs for black, single moms and their children.
The ministry targets that group because, for 31 years, the
center had been used to minister to transient males. Since there were other
centers to meet the mens needs, Carey Baptist Association Director of
Missions J.P. Miles says he felt a need to reach the black women in the neighborhood.
In fact, Miles says this type of ministry could be duplicated
throughout the state.
“(LBC Executive Director) Dean Doster had come down here
for a tour and said we need this (type of ministry) all over the state,”
Miles notes.
Among the specific ministries are a childrens learning
center, a youth outreach home and a womens boutique.
The childrens learning center was once a dormitory but
now offers tutoring services three days a week to children up to 12 years old.
Students from nearby McNeese State University tutor the children.
Since those children have received the lowest test scores as
reported by the Calcasieu Parish School Board, Grace Ministries works to help
students improve their skills in math, social studies and reading. As the ministry
grows, Captain says she hopes to add computer-based skills, including graphics
design, Web site design and word processing.
“(Captain) goes to the schools and requests to the administrators
that she wants to tutor the at-risk children,” Miles explains. “Children
who were barely making it are now excited that they are making their first A.”
Captain says the children are excited about learning such elementary
skills.
“One girl didnt even know how to tell which day
of the week it was thats how far they are behind,” she says.
“When I see the children do well, its a gift from God.”
She recalls another incident in which a young boy finally was
able to learn to write his first and last name. “He was so excited to show
it to all his friends,” Captain says. “You know Gods at work.”
Joanna Robinson is a member at First Baptist of Lake Charles
and works in the tutoring program, assisting two other ladies in preparing snacks
for the children. Since many of the children receive little or no evening meal,
Robinson says they serve high-protein snacks, such as a sandwich and a piece
of fruit.
Another vital part of Grace Ministries is a building coined
the “Coca Cola House” for its Coke decor. For most of the neighborhood
teenagers, the building provides an alternative to “the streets.”
One of the first school buildings in Lake Charles, the facility
now provides such amenities as a kitchen, pantry, recreation room, entertainment
center, half bath and air conditioning. Some activities include ping pong, computer
games, a pool table, board games and popular video games.
The house is used as the backbone for Grace Ministries sports
programs in the community. The center is located in walking distance of several
area recreational facilities, such as FBC of Lake Charles, the Civic Center
and the YMCA.
Captain hopes the sports programs will:
Allow the children to reduce stress in a positive
way
Provide study breaks during tutoring, which will
make it more appealing
Instill character, develop athletic abilities and
teach Christ to those who may never enter a church
Provide a way for at-risk children to participate
on a sports team
Yet another ministry the center offers is a womens boutique
once a month. The goal of this ministry is to provide quality clothing to the
neighborhood women, which opens the door to share the gospel.
The monthly gathering kicks off with a lunch, followed by a
short Bible study. Women then are allowed to choose three articles of clothing
for themselves and three for their children. Many of those women are mothers
of the children who participate in the after-school tutoring program.
Mary Jane Smith is a member at FBC of Lake Charles and assists
with the womens boutique. Smith says they only accept clothing that is
of good quality.
“It has opened my eyes up to a whole new world,”
Smith says. “There are such needs there. It has given me more things to
pray about.”
Robinson says the greatest joy for her is to see those same
women attend church at Ford Street Mission, of which Captains husband
is pastor.
“We saw this lady who had attended the clothing boutique
come to church there, which was probably the first time in her life,” Robinson
says. “It is neat to think that the clothing ministry brought her to church.”
Ford Street Mission also plays a significant part in the childrens
lives. Each Saturday, Captain visits area houses to invite both the children
and their mothers to the church. Captain also offers breakfast at Ford Street
Mission for the children on Sunday before church.
Captain visits homes instead of printing information about
the church because many of those in the neighborhood are illiterate or can read
only at a low level.
Even though Grace Ministries is time-consuming due to few volunteers
and Captain serving as the only full-time employee, she says the work is worthwhile
and rewarding.
“Thats how I fall asleep at night, knowing I did
what I can do,” Captain says. “Grace is a place God has blessed us
to do all of these things.”