Raleigh Congregation Outreach Ministries Separate pages are available for details about our major outreach programs, but may we here briefly discuss some of our concept and philosophy about how we develop and manage so many programs. It all boils down to a very simple statement: Empower persons who have a passion!  Each time we have started a new program, it has primarily involved one or two people who really wanted to do it. They had an infectious passion for something they saw needed to be done, and were able to recruit a few other helpers. The core leadership for even our most successful programs has almost always been two or three people. Of course the entire congregation supports them, prays for them, assists them in many ways, but most programs are really carried on by a very few dedicated people. Our prison ministry program started with Don Elliott and Jerry Gibson being our only two men who participated for some time. Betty Cowick joined them at the Monday evening Yokefellows meetings in the prison, but as a woman was very limited by what she could do in a men’s prison. After several months Harold Weeks began participating, then in a few more months Ken Cowick began coming. Then Carol Gibson began coming on Mondays for a while. Others have joined them for special programs, such as our children’s Christmas presentations etc. But, it has overwhelmingly been the work of two or three or four men! Today Don Elliott and Werner Mathews are the only ones still active in prison ministry. Our Spanish ministry programs are all dependent upon Ray and Nancy Weeks. We all support them, and love and encourage the people they bring, but those two are the Spanish Ministry program for this congregation. Donna Elliott expanded our Prison Ministry into the Women’s Prison. That program has been almost totally dependent upon Betty Cowick and Donna. Tass Welch and Carol Gibson have helped some. In more recent months Jessica Paul is becoming more heavily involved. Everyone has supported them and shared in the ministry to the women they bring to church, but it has always been virtually dependent upon two or three women to carry on. This womens ministry has ceased as of the current time. The After School program required a few more people by its very nature as tutors and for various jobs. But here again, it has been primarily the leadership and passion of Carol Gibson, Tass Welch, and Kathryn Walker that have initiated and sustained its progress. Of course consistent loyal support have come from the Thomas and Weeks families and others. By naming key persons here we have of course risked missing someone who should have been mentioned. But the major point being made here is that two or three people with a passion and dedication can make a difference. You need support and encouragement from the rest of your congregation, but if a couple of you have a passion for something you see needs done, get consent of your congregational leadership, then launch out. Two or three of you plus the Lord’s support, and the prayerful support of others in your congregation are enough. You can work miracles!