Refuge

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts
of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” ― Jeremiah 29:11

Where can a person go to
find hope when everything seems hopeless around them? For the low-to-no income citizens of Fort Lauderdale, the answer to that question has finally arrived by way of "The Refuge," a Christ-centered
ministry of Calvary Chapel Fort
Lauderdale located at the "Edward W. Smith Family Nutrition Center” on Broward Blvd.

Overseen by Pastor Jym Kay, it began a year and a half ago as a way of providing church
services in a atmosphere where the city’s homeless
could feel comfortable, but since that time it has grown to become so much more. Their logo reads, “The Refuge: A Place of Hope" and it is by the Word preached, and the volunteers who serve there that lives are being changed. Easter Sunday was a perfect opportunity to witness how it is happening.

In spite of frigid morning temperatures, many brave souls had arrived in the wee hours
of the morning to diligently begin their assigned tasks. Thankfully, the cold was not
expected to last long into the day, so the open-air service promised to be a comfortable one. Chris Hetzer, blessed with the responsibility of overseeing the food ministry associated with The Refuge, had dinner tables set up in the roomy parking area. With ample seating around them and a variety of breakfast pastries, they were guaranteed to make everyone feel welcome.

Meanwhile, kitchen
supervisor, Julio Solas and his many helpers were busy behind the scenes preparing a tasty chicken dinner
to be served that day for lunch. So with amplifiers and musical equipment ready for worship, all that was needed were the anticipated guests. Shortly before 10:00 am, the gates were opened, and evidence of the hope that The Refuge offers, was further displayed in the warm smiles and friendly conversation of the attendants who were greeting the people coming in. Alone, or in groups, they were single and they were couples; they were young, and they were old. Every ethnicity of Fort Lauderdale was represented in the males and females they welcomed. With every seat filled, worship leader, John Sullivan, stepped to the microphone and set the theme for the day’s event by opening with a quote by the apostle Paul.

But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen.” John read. “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is vain and your faith is also vain. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep."
- 1 Corinthians 15:13,14,17,20 (NKJ)

"If you go to Mohamed's grave," John continued in his own words, "You will find a body there because Mohamed is still dead. If you go to the tomb where Jesus was buried, there is no body because He has risen and is alive today!" With these words, John brought up one, simple, but profound distinction between Christianity and all other religions that the hope of the lost is not found in the teachings of any man, but in the resurrected life of Jesus Christ. Every word spoken and every talent shared at The Refuge, echoed this foundational teaching.

Pastor Jym Kay used Mark16:1-18 as text for his sermon. He read the Biblical account of Christ’s resurrection, strengthening John’s earlier message, and when he finished, began to invite special guests forward to speak and share their talents in a manner that offered practical encouragement to those who were gathered. Volunteer, Allen Pullen, was first to speak. He shared his personal testimony of God’s forgiveness and deliverance from drugs.

Pastor Jym Kay

Allen was followed by Pasqual, he sang a touching song that spoke of the pain Christ endured at the cross for the world’s sake. Both proved to be moving and sincere tributes to the Savior, but it was Cleveland Bell’s thought provoking discourse that tied the whole program together.

"Why are you here this morning?"

Cleveland asked the crowd. "Did you come here for food, or are you here for the fellowship? Did you come to strengthen, or establish friendships? His voice resonated with an authority that caused each of us to sit or stand up just a little bit straighter as we listened and considered his words. Borrowing from Jym Kay's teaching in Mark, he spoke of fear, and its paralyzing effects. “Are you afraid? Are you uncertain of your future and where you are going?” Then quickly he added God’s word, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." ―1 John 4:18. Then he began to explain God’s unconditional love for us all using I Corinthians 13. “When God’s love is manifested to a person, they can be changed without even knowing that change is possible and the evidence is before you here today. So now you can make the right choice, "For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” Quoting Romans 10:10, Cleveland closed his message...

The drama team's wordless performance of "Creation" was a powerful reminder of man's fall from grace, and subsequent redemption through Christ Jesus. As they finished, Jym stepped back to the microphone one last time; the mood was solemn, but thoughtful. When he offered the call to salvation, several souls answered "Yes". Raising their hands in the air and praying with Jym, they received God's forgiveness foe their sins, and their Savior, Jesus Christ.

Volunteers on both sides of the steam tables
work to distribute hot meals to the guests

"Sometimes you have to go through a Friday to get to Sunday!" Jym declared with a metaphorical view of Easter. "Sometimes we must pass through the hopelessness of today before we can see the hope of tomorrow." Every believer shouted in agreement, and with the service concluded, fellowship began as the food was served.

John Sullivan summed it up by saying that the reason this ministry is working is because the community has accepted them. They know it is a place where they will be treated with dignity and respect. “They’re just like you and me.” He said. “And not only that, but they are so comfortable here that they go out and tell their friends. The word is going out as they become ministers of their own community.”

Two young girls give credence to John’s words. “I got saved here in October, 2006.” Said, sixteen-year old Claudysha. Her fourteen year-old sister Claudine concurred. “I got saved here too, and we invited our friend Nadine to come to church with us. Now we don’t cuss in school like the other kids do.” Not only have these teenagers found salvation through this ministry, they are in the process of completing “Deep Faith” classes, putting them well on the path of discipleship and a strengthened walk with Christ.

By the grace of God, and through the dedicated hearts and hands of those who serve there, Calvary Chapel has clearly achieved their original vision of accommodating an, otherwise forsaken, group of people, but to the individuals being saved and the community being changed, this ministry means much more. It is worship, it is preaching, food, fellowship and teaching; it is their refuge and place of hope.