By Marnita Coleman,
Special to the AFRO,
mcoleman@afro.com
When we think of outreach ministry, what usually comes to mind are everyday acts like feeding the hungry, providing donations to shelters, and maybe some prison ministry.
But when a church leader is a visionary that can only dream “big” – there’s no telling what outreach will look like.
Mike Freeman, senior pastor of Spirit of Faith Christian Center is that type of leader.
Headquartered in Prince George’s County, Freeman’s church is spurred into action by “big vision.”
Spirit of Faith, as it is affectionately called in the Washington, D.C, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, is one fellowship operating through four campuses. Congregants are served via locations in Brandywine, Temple Hills, Baltimore, and an e-campus that serves virtual needs.
When the country was hunkering down during the pandemic, Spirit of Faith was ramping up with innovative worship services which attracted many online viewers. Weekly, the worship team brought comfort and hope to thousands as they lifted spirits in worship.
Freeman, a fourth-generation pastor, ministers to the whole man, spirit, soul, and body specifically in the areas of faith, family, finances, fellowship, and fitness.
“As pastor of this ministry, God has made me the head, but the head is ineffective without hands, feet, legs, arms, and other parts,” stated Freeman. “We, partners of the ministry, are the change agents in the earth. We must become the model in the moment. There should be a consistency that runs through us all.”
Undoubtedly, Freeman has set his ministry to model the New Testament believers.
Based on the early church’s position regarding the body of Christ having all things in common, Spirit of Faith introduced a groundbreaking outreach initiative called, No Lack Nation.
According to the book of Acts 4:32-34, “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had…. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them.”
The mission of No Lack Nation is to mimic the early church’s love and selflessness. Freeman stated that those who gave financially to No Lack Nation helped assist partners and friends of the ministry who experienced financial needs. Rents, mortgages, and medical expenses were paid.
Victims who suffered a loss due to home fires were restored, and several partners in need of transportation were given cars.
Jackie Williams of Montgomery County was a recipient of a car.
“I was believing God for a car when I released my faith and stood on the word in Philippians 4:19 that says, ‘And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus,” said Williams. “He met me at my need. I was blown away. Through No Lack Nation, God remembered me!”
In a message to ministry partners, Freeman continued the spirit of giving by blessing first-time and continuing-education college students with $100,000 in scholarships.
Freeman is a solid example of the fact that when people of faith are unified, there is no stopping the vision!
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