Local Missions

"If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs." Deuteronomy 15:7-8, NKJV

Local missions give us an opportunity to positively impact the lives of local members of our community.  We as a church body invest countless hours in ministering to those at apartment complexes local to our church, hosting “Church on the Street” events and through various financial gifts to local Christ-based organizations including our own efforts in Church on the Street and Good News at Noon.  Our largest local mission is that of Joe’s Place, a place where those in need can receive food and other needed services.

As a young boy, Joe Merck was part of Riverbend Baptist Church when it was first built in 1947.  Over the past 40 years, Joe has selflessly dedicated his life to serving homeless men, women and children in our community and beyond.  In addition to his service, Joe has come to the aid of persons being released from hospitals, jails and other homeless shelters.  When families and children could not find shelter and no one else would take them in, Joe was there.  Truly, his humble work, dedication and ministry have been a blessing to the homeless and those in need in our local community.

In his servitude to Christ, Joe felt compassion to these individuals in need just as Jesus did at the woman at the well and just as the Good Samaritan reached out with the love of Christ to the unclean leper.  It is our hope that Joe’s Place will become a place for the tired, worn-out and weary to come for a time of refreshment.

Joe’s Place is located at 1725 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville, GA (directly beside the church) and is open every Tuesday from 9 AM – Noon.  Joe’s Place provides:

• coffee and refreshments
• food after a short devotional service
• free haircuts
• job board and resource referrals
• showering facilities
• free notary service

And, specifically for first time guests and our homeless friends:

• personal care items
• clothing referrals
• Red Rabbit tickets (limited
• laundering facilities for the homeless

Through this ministry, we pray that lives will be touched and changed. We want to provide services with love and compassion as we feed, embrace and help tend to the needs of our community. We want to offer our friendship, give words of hope and provide nourishment, both physically and spiritually. We extend the love of Christ to those in despair and let them know without a doubt that God truly loves and cares for them.

As with any mission, we are in constant need of volunteers and supplies. If you are interested in supporting Joe’s Place, we are in need of the following items:

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Hair Stylists
• Counseling
• Budget Counseling
• Serving
• Clean-Up
• Pick-Up Supplies

Ongoing Needs:

• Travel Size Toiletries, Hand Sanitizer & Wipes, Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, Bar Soap, Razors, Shaving Cream, Toilet Tissue
• Dental Items
• Food: Canned and boxed goods, Meat products
• Sock Hats, Socks, Gloves & Scarves
• New Undergarments (all sizes)
• Blankets
• Bibles, Pens, Mechanical Pencils & Paper

Operational Needs:

• Paper Products for On-Site Dining (Napkins, Plates, Cups, Bowls, Plasticware)
• Cleaning Supplies
• Paper Towels
• Toilet Tissue
• Trash Bags (8, 13, & 30 Gallon sizes)
• Laundry Soap, Clorox & Softener
• Cash Donations