Shawnee Church Shares Hope With Neighbors in Need

SHAWNEE, OKLA. – What began with a heart moved by the needs of others and a few donated items has grown into a far-reaching ministry of compassion for the members of the Shawnee Seventh-day Adventist Church. It started when Ronda Funk (pictured in the middle of the center photo below) learned that a nearby elementary school—just a short walk from the church—received the least parental support of any school in the county. She was especially troubled to hear that some students arrived without socks in the winter or even without undergarments. Moved to act, Funk coordinated with the school nurse and began delivering much-needed items: socks, underwear, school supplies and nutritious snacks for children who might not be eating well at home. As word spread among church members, so did the momentum. Soon, others joined the effort, and the ministry expanded to a local middle school. Hygiene products, disinfectant wipes, tissues and cold-weather clothing were added to donation lists. The church’s ministry grew to include Project Safe, a shelter serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Supplies such as toilet paper, shampoo, laundry detergent and linens helped meet the shelter’s basic needs. Donations also began flowing to Hope House, a transitional facility for children removed from unsafe homes. There, church-supplied toys, backpacks and school supplies offer a small sense of comfort in uncertain times. For the past five years, an annual sock drive, “Socktober,” has collected socks for these schools and organizations. In Oct. 2024, members collected 397 pairs of socks, distributing them among local schools, Project Safe and Hope House. But the outreach efforts didn’t stop there. Families supported by Legacy Parenting Center and Project Gabriel—organizations that assist with early childhood needs and crisis pregnancies—also became recipients of donations gathered by the congregation, including diapers, baby bottles, infant clothing and other items to equip struggling parents with essentials and encouragement. Looking for additional ways to share comfort, church members began providing baskets of teddy bears to law enforcement agencies twice a year. The Shawnee Police Department, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office and three tribal police departments receive the bears to offer comfort to children caught in traumatic situations. Their compassion extended to the elderly as well. Nursing home residents have been remembered with deliveries of lap robes and other useful items, accompanied by handwritten notes expressing appreciation for caregivers and volunteers. Seeking even more direct connection with the local community, church member Ruby Silva launched a clothes closet inside the church, where gently used clothing is made available to those in need. A food pantry has since been added, allowing the church to help meet immediate physical needs while extending warm hospitality. “It’s about more than clothing or food,” Silva said. “It’s a chance to let them know a little bit about who we are and what we stand for.” The ministry has already led to a Bible study. Whether shopping for supplies, delivering items, donating funds or lifting the ministry in prayer, church members are united in their desire to serve. Through simple acts of kindness, they continue to demonstrate God’s love—and thank Him for every opportunity to make a difference.

SHAWNEE, OKLA. – What began with a heart moved by the needs of others and a few donated items has grown into a far-reaching ministry of compassion for the members of the Shawnee Seventh-day Adventist Church.

It started when Ronda Funk (pictured in the middle of the center photo below) learned that a nearby elementary school—just a short walk from the church—received the least parental support of any school in the county. She was especially troubled to hear that some students arrived without socks in the winter or even without undergarments. Moved to act, Funk coordinated with the school nurse and began delivering much-needed items: socks, underwear, school supplies and nutritious snacks for children who might not be eating well at home.

As word spread among church members, so did the momentum. Soon, others joined the effort, and the ministry expanded to a local middle school. Hygiene products, disinfectant wipes, tissues and cold-weather clothing were added to donation lists.

The church’s ministry grew to include Project Safe, a shelter serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Supplies such as toilet paper, shampoo, laundry detergent and linens helped meet the shelter’s basic needs. Donations also began flowing to Hope House, a transitional facility for children removed from unsafe homes. There, church-supplied toys, backpacks and school supplies offer a small sense of comfort in uncertain times.

For the past five years, an annual sock drive, “Socktober,” has collected socks for these schools and organizations. In Oct. 2024, members collected 397 pairs of socks, distributing them among local schools, Project Safe and Hope House.

But the outreach efforts didn’t stop there. Families supported by Legacy Parenting Center and Project Gabriel—organizations that assist with early childhood needs and crisis pregnancies—also became recipients of donations gathered by the congregation, including diapers, baby bottles, infant clothing and other items to equip struggling parents with essentials and encouragement.

Looking for additional ways to share comfort, church members began providing baskets of teddy bears to law enforcement agencies twice a year. The Shawnee Police Department, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office and three tribal police departments receive the bears to offer comfort to children caught in traumatic situations.

Their compassion extended to the elderly as well. Nursing home residents have been remembered with deliveries of lap robes and other useful items, accompanied by handwritten notes expressing appreciation for caregivers and volunteers.

Seeking even more direct connection with the local community, church member Ruby Silva launched a clothes closet inside the church, where gently used clothing is made available to those in need. A food pantry has since been added, allowing the church to help meet immediate physical needs while extending warm hospitality. “It’s about more than clothing or food,” Silva said. “It’s a chance to let them know a little bit about who we are and what we stand for.” The ministry has already led to a Bible study.

Whether shopping for supplies, delivering items, donating funds or lifting the ministry in prayer, church members are united in their desire to serve. Through simple acts of kindness, they continue to demonstrate God’s love—and thank Him for every opportunity to make a difference.

‍

Current Issue
read now