Wayland ministry assists those in need

Word Alive Christian Outreach Ministries is a community based ministry located in Wayland that offers assistance to those in need of a helping hand.

“We have people in our community that have come to the New Life House, which is a female refuge home located in Wayland,” said Sue Freyenberger, Administrator at the Word Alive Ministries. “They are in need of furniture, and sometimes, appliances to get them back on their feet. They may find work and a place to move on, and we are there to assist them in getting them some of the things that they need to do this.”

A furniture ministry is a starting point for some that are trying to get their lives back together. Whatever the reason, the Ministry has the means to assist.

“We created a furniture ministry, so that when people that have furniture that they no longer need, that they can contact us and we can arrange for that particular item to be given to someone in need,” said Freyenberger. “We do not have any space to store any items, so we have to refer the giver to the recipient in each case. We normally match them up for the furniture because we cannot store anything.”

“The furniture ministry has been a great outreach,” said Freyenberger. “When people need something we are contacted through the local churches. We try to help as many people as possible.”

The ministry does not have the means for storage, therefore, all items must be kept by the owner until a request is made for items. The ministry is looking for a storage space, but as of yet, none has been found.

“What Word Alive does is create the ministry, or fulfill the need, and then move the project along to others to develop and operate,” said Freyenberger. “We have done this with the New Life House and The Refuge House, which is a men’s only shelter home located in Olds.”

“The churches in the community come together to make the ministry happen,” said Freyenberger. “We help individuals with things such as assistance for covering their electric bills, transportation, food and such. We are there to help them, not so much as a handout but as a hand up.”

The ministry assists individuals with a place to start over, and the means to get ahead with classes about how to manage their money and life with a godly purpose.

Some of the other ministries that are also offered by World Alive are a transitional housing, food pantry, utility assistance, transportation, and Celebrate Recovery, which is a substance abuse recovery program of support. They also provide “Getting Ahead” classes and the Wayland Youth Center.

To contact the Word Alive Ministry for assistance or to donate, please contact Freyenberger at 319-201-9630.

Michelle Hillestad at michelle.hillestad@southeastiowaunion.com