Mission Work Team in Robeson County
Dear Friends,
I am writing to ask you to support Robeson County Church and Community Center (RCC&CC) at a crucial time this year.
If you were to ask most people what they know about the level of human needs of hunger, homelessness, education, or poverty, they would say that it does somewhat exist here in Robeson County. Most would say that it does exist, but the needs are not as great like other places.
However, many of us do not fully understand or have knowledge of the “great despair” experienced by residents here in North Carolina and in Robeson County. Here is the knowledge that I pray leads you to responsibility:
- North Carolina ranks #9 among all 50 states based on the lack of food.
- Over 1.6 million state residents are living in poverty.
- For Robeson County, over 30% of the population is living within the bounds of deprivation and economic hardship.
- County homelessness has now grown from individuals to whole families.
- The county unemployment rate is in the double digits, standing at 12.6%.
- Robeson County is the third poorest of all counties in the United States for its size.
Recently we had a family who was eating weeds because of the lack of food. People are calling wanting to trade clothing for food. And one mother walked 10 miles for a box a food for her and her four babies!
Not long ago, we had a family of eight walk in who literally had nowhere to go. People are sleeping in doorways, burned out barns, under bridges, in vans here in our county and the numbers are growing every week.
Inadequate housing in rural Robeson County
In another story, an 84 year old senior citizen was brought to the Center for some possible assistance since he had been deserted in someone’s driveway, with a broken hip, in the sweltering heat with no food, water or clothing.
Now you know. The level of human suffering is very real here and horrific!
Now we turn to you – our partners in prayer and mission. Now you have the power to do something about it. Now you can help us be that bridge and offer hope for many of our brothers and sisters whose lives are assaulted by deprivation and who are struggling to survive.
Our ability to help relies on the generosity of people like you. Our ministry here at the Robeson County Church and Community Center is focused on those who are downtrodden and marginalized by society’s standards, regardless of race. This past year it is estimated that we touched about 30,000 lives with food and emergency program services such as rent, utility bills, medicine, building ramps for the elderly, homeless toiletry kits, and clothing. Yet, the numbers are climbing.
In a book of devotional readings, I was reading a passage of scripture from Deuteronomy 15:10 that reveals another promise from God when giving to the poor and needy, “Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”
We ask that you consider four things. First, please remember Robeson County Church and Community Center in your prayers. Second, please support us with a financial gift. Third, we greatly need mission teams. Fourth, please bring food to our food pantry or gently used items to our Home Store to help us be that bridge for someone in crisis.
With your contribution today, we can continue the much needed and vital programs for those who are in crisis. Enclosed is an envelope for returning your gift. The Robeson County Church and Community Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and your gift is fully tax deductible.
God has asked “whoever is of a generous heart (to) bring the Lord’s offering.” Those who believe that Robeson County is a better place to live because of the Church and Community Center’s ministry are called to respond with an open hand. We challenge you to give as God challenged the people of Israel to give!
Can we count on your support today?
Walking in the Spirit of the Creator,
Darlene Jacobs, M.A.
Executive Director
Contributions may be made through your local church or mailed to:
NC Conference, PO Box 60053, Charlotte, NC 28260.
Make check payable to:
NC Conference UMC Advance #791742 – RCC&CC
The Robeson County Church and Community Center can be found in Lane #3 – National Missions in the Rainbow Covenant/Advance Service Commitment Booklet. Advance #(#791742).
You can also give online at: Robeson County Church and Community Center – Give Now