Church meets 'a need'Hope Assembly gives away about 170 bikes downtown By Adam Parker (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Grace Beahm Volunteers Donald Ferrell (from left) and Arthur Bessette (kneeling inside truck) assemble bikes while George Kinard hands a completed bike to Christopher Mishowe as they help hand out about 170 free bicycles on Tuesday at Hope Assembly of God on King Street. 
Grace Beahm William Toomer was one of about 170 people who received a free bike on Tuesday from Hope Assembly of God. Read related storyLack of transportation hinders area's rural, low-income families. Video
Hope Assembly of God church gave away 170 bikes to local residents in downtown Charleston. Watch » Pastor Gordon Cashwell called out numbers inside Hope Assembly of God, a square brick building that sits on a block between the commercial and residential parts of Upper King Street. The numbers were stapled to vouchers. The vouchers could be redeemed for a free bicycle. About 170 free bicycles. This distribution is the result of a recent fundraising effort that produced $13,000, Cashwell said Tuesday. The bikes are meant to help low-income residents get around town during tough times, he said. A lack of reliable transportation hinders low-income populations, making it difficult for many to find and keep steady jobs, go shopping, visit the doctor or take care of children, experts have long argued. The problem is exacerbated by rising fuel prices, Cashwell said. Now, even those with access to a car might not have the financial means to use it regularly. Cashwell, whose church is one of a dozen organizations and businesses that are part of the Without Walls Ministries program, talks with inner-city residents all the time. The goal, he said, is "to find a need and meet it." So, the bikes. Many work close to home, Cashwell said. A bike can help them get back and forth. On Saturday, the church hosted a community outreach event on Charleston's East Side. About 100 volunteers provided health information, material aid and counseling, Cashwell said. Those who arrived at the event early were given tickets they could trade in for a bike voucher at the end of the event. On Tuesday afternoon, a moving truck loaded with unassembled bikes pulled into the lot next to the church, and Cashwell began calling out numbers. Synovia White, 55, of James Island walked off with the first bike. She's not working during the summer months and wants to use the bike for exercise, she said. Then Emily and Alvin McNeil made their way to the lot. Emily, 49, said she will use the bike to do some shopping. Her 15-year-old son said he expects to rely on his to get around town. Jamey Williams, 31, homeless and in need of work, said he plans to use the bike to look for a job. He believes it will help his search. "I'm hoping it will. I'm praying it will," he said. Volunteers hastily put together the bikes, one after another, propping them up on their kickstands in a row outside the building. Inside the church, dozens waited for their number to be called. This kind of outreach is nothing new, Cashwell said. Hope Assembly of God offers an ongoing recovery program for men, it distributes groceries and there is the Adopt-a-Block initiative in which volunteers focus on one city block at a time, helping residents with tasks and leading prayers. On Aug. 9, the church will host a back-to-school giveaway at which bags of supplies and uniforms will be handed out. "This is an inner-city church," Cashwell said, summing up the challenges his congregation faces. "We've been doing this a long time." Reach Adam Parker at 937-5902 or aparker@post andcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 13 comment(s)
Posted by Early on July 2, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
While I applaud the church for their effort, I doubt this will kickstart them into finding a job. I hope it works out for them but seems 13k could have been put to better use in helping folks.
Posted by bkeelin on July 2, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Early,
Transportation is one of the biggest hinderances to finding and keeping a job. I work to help people get out of poverty every day and I can tell you from first hand experience a bike goes a long way for someone who doesn't have a car. The bus can only get you so close to your job and a bike can carry you the rest of the way with minimal time. I know many who are working today because they have a bike as transportation. It helps a lot more than many realize.
Posted by beth1070 on July 2, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it's wonderful what this church has done. They are not standing around scratching their heads saying how awful things are. They rolled up their sleeves and went to work, too bad more people/organizations aren't like that.
Posted by redman1959 on July 2, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go Gordon. That is Christ in action. As my friend, I know that you don't just talk the talk, you walk the walk. God bless you!! Thank you for showing the love of Christ.
Posted by Early on July 2, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bkeelin, I don't disagree and didn't mean for my post to sound negative. The point I was trying to make was one; this is a great endeavor by this church, I really do applaud them two; it seems to me that shoes, clothing and food would possibly benefit these folks better. As the post described, only one person in the interview planned on using it to look for work.
Posted by Tammie on July 2, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a great story!
Posted by bkeelin on July 2, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Early,
I know Gordon and Hope Assembly very well. Clothing and food are something they give out almost everyday. They have a well stocked clothing pantry. I realize not everyone knows all that goes on in every ministry and I understand your point.
Posted by Girleygirl on July 2, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Job Good Effort! Thank you for people like this.
I feel the same way Beth stop complaining and lets do something...it's better than nothing!
Posted by justus1017 on July 2, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hope Assembly have been blessing this community for years. They even sponsor children who fathers are locked up in jail. They adopt a kid and buy clothing and toys. They are many others out here like them.What the community does with the bikes is on their consciene they know why they were given away. As for Hope Assembly, they will get their rewards. "let your light so shine before men so that they will glorify your Father which is in Heaven".
Posted by jeff61 on July 2, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This Hope Assembly sounds like one jim dandy of girl.
Posted by greyrider on July 2, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great story. I'm sure some of the 170 will just take the free bikes and ride around with no intent of getting a job, but with this many bikes being given away, I'm sure there will be some lucky winners who will see this as the break they've been looking for and it will help turn their lives around financially. I applaud the church for this brilliant idea, and I'd like to see other churches follow suit.
Posted by umakebrains on July 2, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This church has been an asset to many families on the east side. I have had students whose families would never otherwise enter a church as a family if this Rev. Cashwell did not extend himself to those in need in that community. I have heard nothing but good things about this church housed in the old Conaway Drug Store building on King St.
They even provide school supplies and uniforms to neighboring children at the start of every school year. Hats off to Rev. Cashwell.
Posted by preachlove on July 3, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Simply an outstanding display of TRUE CHRISTIAN LOVE exhibited by this church. They are setting the example for other churches to follow.
However, it always amazes me that no matter what good some people try to do in this world, there are some who will throw stones. Sort of reminds of Jesus, no matter what good HE did, he was still hated.
With the state of affairs in this country and the world, THANK GOD that we have people like this in our community!