SCRIPTURE (NIV) Often ministries refer to Matthew 25:35 - “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” or Hebrews 13:3 – “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those mistreated as if you yourself were suffering.” Better for us is Hebrews 13:10ff because we go outside the gate to help those nobody else will help. Verses 12-13: “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make his people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp… .” First Century Christians built a reputation by ministering to those sick and dying people thrown outside the city walls.
TESTIMONY OF THE CHURCH A testimony of today’s church is vital to keep it from being in ruin when compared to the early church. Fresh Start is a vehicle for churches to demonstrate outreach into the community and a unity in Christ despite many different specific creeds. We believe in rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s. We do not believe separation of church and state to mean the two cannot cooperate on a common ground or that one must ask the other to compromise its purpose and values—that is, safety and security is not mutually exclusive of addressing spiritual needs. (Read Romans 13.)
HEALTHY CHURCH, HEALTHY PEOPLE A church is healthy when its people are healthy believers. Fresh Start gives an active expression for church members so that they go beyond passively listening in church to a leader preach or pray or sing songs chosen by others. Our mentors seek out those passed over by society. Volunteers, several academic studies have shown, live both longer and better than those who do not volunteer. Fresh Start is a way to be a doer of the Word. Our mentors have experienced receiving the blessing when they step out in faith to come along side of someone needing a partner. Our Mission: Equip the saints to come along side of others. Our Vision: The Church intentionally involved throughout the community with those passed over by the world.