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Promiseland members ‘Meet a Need’ with help from World Hunger Fund


LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (BP)–Acting on what he felt was God’s calling, pharmaceutical salesman Antoine Scruggs, at age 31, resigned his job and, along with five other people, started Promiseland Church in Little Rock, Ark., in 1997.

Realizing that the gospel must be lived as well as preached, the group began immediately ministering to the community around them, with the motto “Meet a Need: Plant a Seed.”

God’s blessings on the effort include average attendance of more than 200 and a church building that was virtually given them by a declining church in the neighborhood. “God has provided this facility for us to use in his work,” Scruggs said, then noting, “We are already beginning to run out of space for Sunday school.”

Staffed primarily by volunteers, church programs are numerous and varied.

With help from the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund, an after-school program known as “Promise University” provides children with a snack and help with their homework.

Hunger funds also made it possible for the church to distribute Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to the needy in the community.

Three basketball teams provide youth with snacks and involvement in a spiritual atmosphere.

The church’s day-camp summer program provides balanced meals to needy children while teaching them of Christ’s love through activities and Bible studies. A preschool program called “Promise Christian Academy” will begin in the fall.

One visit to the church, even during the week, reveals an active, enthusiastic church body. Virtually every member gets involved in some way.

Some teach while others work to renovate the church’s recently acquired building. Still other volunteers distribute food and counsel the needy who come by for help.

In the proliferation of these activities, the purpose of winning people to Christ is central. Over the past two years, the church has seen more than 70 baptisms. One 11-year-old boy, a former gang member, came to saving faith in Jesus Christ after becoming involved in activities at the church.

Gifts to the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund assist ministries like this one across the United States and in more than 50 other countries. With personnel and volunteers already in place, all gifts are used 100 percent for hunger with nothing taken out for administration or promotion. Anyone desiring information how they or their church can support the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund may contact the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission at 1-800-475-9127.

    About the Author

  • Steven S. Nelson