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Reach Out Center for Youth and family
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Who knew a pack of hot dogs could change lives?
One couple, Pastor Rick Starr and his wife Susan did. They saw potential in the idea of starting a hot dog ministry in the inner city, which has opened up many opportunities for prayer and fellowship with people who normally wouldn’t go to church.
Every other Wednesday night they set up tables and chairs in an old, used car parking lot to give free hot dogs and pop to whoever passes by. It’s mostly the youth; and some have waited as long as an hour and a half in the rain for them to open the gates. For many, it’s the only meal they will have that day.
“A lot of people go overseas to do their mission work, but there’s a mission field right here, and all over our country. The needs are great here,” Pastor Rick said.
Growing Pains
Growing up, Pastor Rick experienced many of the things that the teens he ministers to face, such as abuse, the divorce of his parents, and having family in prison. Going through these trials has given him the ability to relate to what they are going through.
Through the years he has ministered in 43 different states around the U.S., had a Christian folk group, and worked as a carpenter. As of right now he wants to devote himself fully to ministry – specifically the inner city where he and his wife see some of the greatest needs. “We’re situated in an area where there’s a lot of homeless people, prostitutes, shootings, drugs, teen pregnancies…its all there,” Susan explained.
The Reach Out Center
Rick and his wife Susan embarked on this journey of starting a ministry in what they refer to as “the hood”, three years ago. After praying for a building of their own for over twenty years, a man who noticed their ministry efforts donated his used car lot to them.
Because they pay for everything out of pocket they have not been able to afford to renovate the inside of the building, but, they have gotten creative in using the parking lot. “You don’t have to have a building to have a ministry – Jesus didn’t have a building,” Rick said.
To renovate the building they are going to need about $3,000.
With high hopes and big dreams they are trusting God to provide the people and resources that they will need to fulfill the vision.
Who Will Go?
There are seven churches within a half a mile of the Reach out Center (ROC), yet sadly, Starr says that none are reaching out to the community.
This is why he and his wife have taken it upon themselves to feed as many as 150 kids at a time, and to minister to the prostitutes and homeless.
“We deal with real life issues and meet people in our community right where they are,” Pastor Rick said, “and even giving someone a hug can be healing. It’s not about just quoting scriptures, but helping people with their problems.”
What it’s all about
One day a fourteen year old boy stopped by for a hot dog and pop. Slouching back in one of the plastic chairs he said “Man, I so look forward to coming here, this is the only place where I have any peace.”
It wasn’t anything fancy - just some dirty chairs, dusty tables, a hot dog, and can of pop, yet it meant the world to him.
This is the reason why Pastor Rick and his wife continue to do what they do.
Future Plans
The ROC will become a church someday, but they don’t want it to look like a church, and they aren’t advertising it as a church. “If the people wanted to be in a church they would be in one, so by having a non - intimidating title it will make them more apt to come,” Rick explained.
They also have a long list of other ministry ideas, some they have started and others they are hoping to get going, including “For Girls Only”, “Prayer Patrol”, and block parties.
Right now they have three critical needs: transportation (vans), money to buy materials, and warm bodies to help them out, mentor, counsel and show love.
If you would like to help this ministry please call (330) 548-2092, fax (330) 208-2320 or email reachoutcenter@aol.com